MLB.com-sponsored Malnati continues surge

MLB.com-sponsored golfer Peter Malnati continues to tear it up as he looks to return to the PGA Tour.

Malnati, already the top money winner on the Web.com Tour this season, shares the lead midway through this week's El Bosque Mexico Championship in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. The 27-year-old Indiana native shot 4-under par 68 on Friday to remain deadlocked with veteran Casey Wittenberg. The two golfers were also tied after Thursday's first round.

Malnati and Wittenberg stand at 11-under 133 through 36 holes, a shot clear of Kevin Tway.

Malnati continued to gain headway on the front nine at El Bosque Golf Club, making the turn at 4-under for the round. That's where he finished his day after countering two more birdies with two bogeys on the back nine.

The top 25 money winners will be among 50 Web.com Tour golfers to graduate to the PGA Tour next season, and Malnati is well positioned to do so. He's already won once this year, capturing the Brasil Champions last month in Sao Paulo.

Malnati played 18 events on the PGA Tour last season, with his best showing a tie for 14th in the Puerto Rico Open.