Gordon Helps U.S. Team to Victory

PITTSBURGH ? Alex Gordon had two hits and drove in a pair of runs to help the U.S. Team to an 8-5 victory over the World Team in Sunday afternoon during the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at PNC Park.

Gordon, the No. 2 overall pick by the Royals in 2005, continued his impressive first season in pro ball with an RBI single in the third inning and a run-scoring double one inning later.

Gordon shared the spotlight with fellow Royals prospect Billy Butler, who had two hits, including a homer, to earn MVP honors. Butler became the second consecutive Kansas City prospect to win Futures Game MVP honors, following Justin Huber last year.

Gordon is currently hitting .301, 11th-best in the Texas League, with 11 homers, 40 RBIs, 24 doubles, a triple and 58 runs for the Double-A Wichita Wranglers. He also has 16 stolen bases and has only been thrown out attempting to steal twice. His .909 on-base-plus-slugging percentage ranks fourth in the Texas League.

A member of the 2004 U.S. National team, Gordon earned consensus National Player of the Year honors as a Husker in 2005, leading Nebraska to a school-record 57 wins and an appearance in the College World Series. He is ranked the No. 13 prospect in baseball by MLB.com.

The Futures Game, which begins All-Star Week, is a showcase for the top prospects in professional baseball. Gordon is the second Husker to participate in the game, joining Jamal Strong (Seattle) in 2001.