Former McNeese State and Hamilton Christian Academy standout Jace Peterson has been named Hitter and Baserunner of the Month by the Minor League Player Development staff.

Peterson, a first-round selection by San Diego in 2011, finished June with a .389 batting average along with 25 runs, four doubles, four triples and four homers. The Moss Bluff native recorded 12 multi-hit games and had a 14-game hitting streak from June 10-27. Out of the 27 games in June, Peterson hit safely in 24 and walked 19 times.

Peterson was perfect in his 12 steal attempts and also had a .455 on-base percentage.

Peterson, playing shortstop for the Lake Elsinore Storm, is hitting .291 this season with 53 runs, 13 doubles, eight triples, six homers, 44 RBIs and 35 walks. He is 28-for-33 in steal attempts, which ranks him third in the Cal League, a Class A Advanced league.

While at McNeese, Peterson earned all-Southland Conference and all-Louisiana honors and was also selected as a preseason All-American before his senior season. He also holds the school record for career steals with 78.

Jace Peterson. (American Press Archives)

Meredith Blinder