With last nights come from behind win the Volcanoes keep their 2nd half record perfect at 4-0 while the Bears stand at the opposite end of the spectrum with a record of 0-4. The Bears looked like they were going to get their first win of the second half jumping out to a 6 run lead but the Volcanoes, who hav become the come back kids, kept their cool and worked their way back to get the win 10-7.
During the Volcanoes 5 game winning streak they have been able to stay calm even when falling behind early, and each win has seemed more impressive then the previous one. After starting the season off with a 2-16 record the team has become consistent on defense and a force to be reckoned with on offense.
The Bears second half can pretty muched summed up by last nights game, jump out to a quick lead and then they shoot themselves in the foot by committing 6 errors. Although I don’t think this team is going to be competing for the 2nd half East Division title, I do think that they have the talent to play better then they currently are, and maybe even be the spoiler for another team along the way.
Tonights starting pitchers are Brandon Allen for the Volcanoes and Yiomar Camacho for the Bears. Allen’s record can be a bit misleading. Although he is 1-6 and leads the Northwest League in losses, he still has put up quality starts. Look for the young 19 year old to try and put another win on the stat sheet. Camacho makes his Northwest League debut tonight after being called up from the Arizona league.
Volcanoe’s Keys for the game:
*Stay perfect. The Volcanoes defense has been solid as of late and the clutch hitting has been a key reason for the teams great start to the second half of the season.
*Push the pace. As the Volcanoes got more aggresive on the base paths, the Bears seemed to rush things which resulted in 6 errors last night.
Bear’s Keys for the game:
*Change anything you have to. When your on a losing streak you need to do whatever it takes to end the streak. If that means having guys bunt or steal that don’t normally do it, then do it.
*Make the play. I know it sounds basic and obvious but against this Volcanoes offense even one error can’t light a fire under them and open the door for big innings that you can’t recover from.
Bear’s Lineup
1. Westley Moss CF
2. Carter Bell 3b
3. Garrett Weber DH
4. Marc Bourgeois LF
5. David Narodowski SS
6. Henry Zabala RF
7. Tyler Bream 1b
8. Tyson Van Winkle C
9. Danny Pulfer 2b
Volcanoe’s Lineup
1. Jesus Galindo CF
2. Leonardo Ochoa LF
3. Joe Panik SS
4. Mike Murray DH
5. Kaohi Downing 2b
6. Joe Staley C
7. Garrett Buechele 3b
8. Danny Brock 1b
9. Ryan Honeycutt RF