Thu Aug 2 19:21:20 2007

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Braun, Zambrano earn NL monthly honors

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun was voted National League Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month and Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was named NL Pitcher of the Month on Thursday.

Braun hit .345, tying a league-best with 11 homers, 25 RBI and scored 18 runs, posting 12 multi-hit games in 27 total contests. The 23-year-old also tied for the league lead in total bases with 74, and tied for third in hits with 38. He recorded multi-home run games July 6 against Washington and one week later against Colorado.

Braun is the second Brewer to earn the honor this season, following Prince Fielder's selection in May. Other players in the running were Philadelphia's Ryan Howard (.323, 10 HR, 29 RBI) and Pat Burrell; Hanley Ramirez of Florida (.424, 6 HR, 21 RBI) and LA's Jeff Kent (.447, 5 HR, 20 RBI).

Zambrano went 5-1 with a league-leading 1.38 ERA in July, and placed second in the NL with 34 strikeouts. He did not allow a run in three starts during the stretch, and his 14 total wins lead the majors.

Other hurlers receiving votes were Tim Lincecum of the Giants (4-0, 1.62 ERA); Chicago's Ted Lilly (5-1, 2.52 ERA, 24 SO); Aaron Cook of the Rockies (4-1, 2.68 ERA) and New York's Billy Wagner (eight saves, 0.00 ERA).