Here’s a guy you ought to see pitch now, because who knows how long he’ll stay in the minor leagues. And you’ve got a great opportunity, because he pitches tonight, Thursday, April 21, 2016, at FifthThird Bank Ballpark.

Kane County Cougars right-handed starting pitcher Justin Donatella has been named the Midwest League Pitcher of the week for April 7-17, the league office announced on Monday.

Donatella hasn’t allowed a run in his first two starts of the season and in 12 innings pitched has held opponents to just seven hits while striking out 10 batters. His 0.00 ERA is tied for first place among three other qualifying pitchers throughout the league.

In 12 innings pitched during the opening week of the season, Donatella has been lights out for the Cougars allowing just seven hits without giving up a single run. His 10 strikeouts are currently tied for first place overall on the team. Donatella is just one of three pitchers in the Midwest League yet to give up a run this season.

Donatella made his first start of the 2016 season on Monday, April 11, against the Cedar Rapids Kernels and picked up his first win of the year. In six scoreless innings he allowed just two hits, with no walks. In his latest start on Saturday, April 16, he improved to 2-0 after limiting the Quad Cities River Bandits to just five hits during his six scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

His 10 strikeouts thus far have him in a tie for first place among the team with left-handed pitcher Junior Garcia.

Donatella split his time during the 2015 season between the AZL D-backs and the Northwest League champion Hillsboro Hops. Originally selected in the 15th round of the 2015 draft, he earned multiple honors last year including 2015 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Pitcher of the Year and 2015 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Most Valuable Pitcher. This is the first time Donatella has been named a Midwest League Pitcher of the Week.

He is scheduled to start Thursday, April 21 when the River Bandits visit Fifth Third Bank Ballpark at 6:30 p.m.

The Cougars continue their current series with the Beloit Snappers tomorrow morning when Cougars right-hander Carlos Hernandez (1-0) is scheduled to take the mound against right-hander Dustin Driver (0-1) of the Snappers. Tickets for all upcoming Cougars games are available online at kccougars.com or by calling the box office at 630-232-8811.

Fans are encouraged to follow the Cougars on social media for updates throughout the season on promotions and tickets.

SOURCE: Kane County Cougars news release

About the Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars, Class-A Major League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2013, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 10 million fans. More than 130 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber. Opening Night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark will take place on Thursday evening, April 7, 2016 against Clinton. Fans can visit kccougars.com to learn more or follow the Cougars on Twitter (@KCCougars), Facebook (facebook.com/kanecountycougars) or Instagram (kccougars).