As a common fan, I understand how uninteresting it can be to go back and read a box score, let alone try to understand one. Hence, I am giving you a simple breakdown(3 positive takeaways and 2 Areas of Improvement I see) of each game of each season for the Dust Devils season, which will hopefully come out every Monday/Tuesday following the previous series.
Date April 5-7 @Eugene Emeralds Game 1:
Positives:
Strong Pitching Performance: Hurtado's outing was solid, delivering five innings without allowing any runs and striking out 5. This demonstrates effective control and the ability to retire batters efficiently.
Effective Relief Appearances: Phillips, D., and Southard contributed solid innings in relief, maintaining the scoreless effort started by Hurtado. Their performances ensured the team remained competitive throughout their appearances.
Defensive Play: The team executed two double plays (Coutney; Guzman, D-Ketchup-Coutney), which helped prevent potential scoring opportunities for the opposition.
Areas of Improvement:
Offensive Struggles: The team struggled offensively, managing only two hits and failing to score any runs. The collective batting performance highlights a need for improvement at the plate.
High Strikeout Rate: With 13 strikeouts in the game, the team's hitters frequently found themselves overmatched. Reducing strikeouts and consistently putting the ball in play could generate more offensive opportunities.
Game 2:
Positives:
Clutch Hitting: Despite a low team RISP (1-for-4), Flores managed to drive in a run, showcasing the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities when they arise.
Effective Use of Speed: The team's base running was positive, with Ketchup and Flores hitting doubles. This indicates potential for extra-base hits and an ability to advance runners effectively.
Defensive Assists: Blakely's two outfield assists (Gavello at 2nd base, Velasquez at 3rd base) highlight solid defensive skills and the ability to prevent runners from advancing.
Areas of Improvement:
Leaving Runners On Base: The team left six runners on base, indicating missed opportunities to score. Focusing on converting baserunners into runs will be crucial for future games.
Errors: Flores' error (catcher interference) suggests room for improvement in defensive execution, which could prevent unnecessary baserunners and potential scoring by the opposition.
Game 3:
Positives:
Gobbel's Batting Performance: Gobbel stood out with two hits and a double, contributing significantly to the team's offense and demonstrating potential for run production.
Team Resilience: The team scored four runs on nine hits, showing an ability to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities despite previous struggles.
Stolen Base: Stewart's stolen base highlights the team's ability to use speed as an asset, potentially creating scoring opportunities through aggressive base running.
Areas of Improvement:
Runners Left in Scoring Position: The team left seven runners on base, with a RISP of 3-for-15, indicating a significant area for improvement in capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Pitching and Control: Urena's five walks indicate control issues, leading to unnecessary baserunners. Additionally, the team's collective ERA suggests that pitching efficiency could be enhanced to limit the opposition's scoring chances. Next series April 9-14 @home vs Spokane Indians