Anderson Breaking Out?

Game 40, 19 May 2011, DBAP
Durham Bulls 12, Louisville Bats 6
Season: 24-16; Last 10: 6-4; Home Stand: 2-1
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun

Leslie Anderson got the day off on Wednesday. Guess he needed it. He came back on Thursday and hit two home runs and a double to pick up 6 RBIs and raise his batting average almost 30 points. Is Anderson about to realize the potential that brought him to the US and the Rays last year? We can hope.

Meanwhile the top of the batting order, Desmond Jennings and Justin Ruggiano also had a good game. Jennings had two doubles, a home run, stole a base, and scored three runs. Ruggiano had two singles and two walks, stole 4 bases, and scored three runs.

These three games have been triumphs for the hitters of both teams. Louisville has accumulated a total of 38 hits and 21 runs. Durham has had 34 hits and 27 runs. Some of it can be put off to weak pitching, but give credit to experienced hitters as well.

Speaking of pitching, Alex Torres began the night by striking out the side, but that was the last time he looked comfortable. The Durham Herald-Sun quotes Charlie Montoyo as saying, “”Whenever he starts throwing strikes, he’s a big leaguer for a long time because he has four great pitches. He’s a prospect, and whenever he gets it he’s going to be good.“ I would parse that as meaning, among other things, ”Let your fielders do their jobs. Quit giving batters a free ride.“ Torres had five walks to go with his seven Ks.

Tonight wraps up the year’s contests with Louisville, unless we see them as we usually do in the playoffs. Very likely to be some very high quality baseball played tonight in the DBAP. I'll be taking a couple of days off to see what the mountains of NC look like this time of year. And to get away from the smoke that's been drifting in from that wildfire down East. Good luck Bulls!