Photo via @BataviaMuckdogs on Twitter
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Wednesday, July 4, 2018 | BataviasBest.org
After closing June with three straight losses to the Auburn Doubledays (11-6), during which they were outscored 21-12, the Batavia Muckdogs came back strong with a big series win over the West Virginia Black Bears (7-11). An 8-4 win on Sunday, followed by a 3-1 loss on Monday, set up the rubber match between the Bears and the Muckdogs yesterday night at the stadium – a game that Batavia won 5-4.
Next up for the ‘Dogs (8-9) is a three-game road series at the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (13-4) – the team which leads the Pinckney Division.
Despite a mediocre start to the season, the Muckdogs have seen a few individual players get off to incredibly hot starts – including right fielder Jerar Encarnacion, and first baseman Sean Reynolds.
Encarnacion has been the high-average man for Batavia, recording a .479 AVG to date while slugging .646 and sporting a .500 OBP (1.146 OPS). The ‘Dogs outfielder has also chipped in 11 RBI. As far as Reynolds is concerned, he is the top-run producer for Batavia, recording a team-leading 14 RBI as of today. His .259 AVG leaves a bit to be desired, but his .380 OBP has made up for it thus far.
On the mound, Batavia has had three hurler which have stood out above the rest in terms of their overall performance to date. Reliever Manuel Rodriguez leads the team in ERA at 1.74 (min. 10 IP) in 10.1 IP, and has recorded 1-0 record, and a 7/3 strikeout to walk ratio.
Logan Boyd and Alberto Guerrero have undoubtedly been the most-effective starters for the Muckdogs, with Guerrero leading the way with a 2-1 record over 19.2 IP, during which he has amassed a 3.66 ERA, and 17/8 strikeout to walk ratio. Boyd has been a tough luck loser on multiple occasions this season, as he sits at 0-2 over his first 16 IP. Boyd’s 2.81 ERA tops that of Guerrero, but has struck out only nine batters against four walks.
Moving into their series with the Scrappers I’ll be looking to see whether or not Batavia can improve their power numbers offensively, as they rank near the bottom of the league in extra-base hits, while also keeping a close eye on their ability to get swings and misses on the mound. As a pitching staff, the Muckdogs are near the bottom of the league in total strikeouts with just 137 total Ks to date – close to 50 less than the league leader (Staten Island).
After the three-game road set with Mahoning Valley, Batavia will head back to town on Saturday when they will begin a three-game set with the State College Spikes (6-12).
