Champion City’s Swetland cleaning up at home plate and the dinner plate

No, not the one at Carleton Davidson Stadium. The ones at Reid Park Golf Course.

Swetland, one of the Kings’ top hitters, has also found his sweet spot at Reid Park’s restaurant.

“Their cheeseburgers are really good,” Swetland said. “My host dad took me over there and showed me that. I fell in love with it.”

In addition to those cheeseburgers, Swetland has plated a few RBIs for the Kings, too.

He entered the week leading the college wooden bat summer league team in RBIs (12) and at-bats (71). Swetland is second in hits (19) and doubles (4) and fourth in runs scored (7). The sophomore-to-be at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers is hitting .268.

He started the season hitting in 13 of his first 17 games for a .311 average.

“Just going out there and looking for my pitch,” Swetland said. “Most of my success is because of my team. They’re getting on so I can get RBIs. They’re telling me to watch for this pitch or telling me to watch for the pitcher’s foot placement (after their at-bats). That’s what’s helping me out.”

Champion City entered the week 8-14 and 4.5 games behind East Division leading West Virginia in the Prospect League. Champion City is at Terre Haute on Wednesday and Thursday and at Lafayette on Friday. The Kings return home for a two-game series with West Virginia on Saturday and Sunday. After an off day Monday, Champion City hosts Lafayette on Tuesday.

Swetland, who lives about 90 minutes northeast of Springfield in Sparta, said he played in Springfield with his travel team when he was about 10-years old. Swetland, now 19, found his way back to Springfield after sending forms in search of a summer team.

“I was really excited about it because I only live 90 minutes away,” Swetland said. “That’s perfect for me. I’m glad (Champion City manager) Rick gave me the chance.

“It was really cool going around town to see what Springfield has to offer. … I’ve enjoyed myself and it’s a great place to be around.”

Arms race: Pitchers Andy Fisher and Andrew McDonald rank among the Prospect League leaders in a couple categories.

Fisher ranks fourth with 29 strikeouts and McDonald is seventh with 24. McDonald’s 1.73 ERA is fifth in the league and Fisher’s 1.78 ERA is sixth.

Ben Hughes’ three wins are seventh in the league.