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The preseason is nearing its end with just one week left, and every at-bat is crucial while each pitch is closely analyzed. Tonight, the offense really showcased its power, racking up 19 runs on 13 hits, while the pitching staff had a rough outing. Notably, 13 of those runs came with runners already in scoring position at the start of the inning, so this performance may not fully reflect the pitching struggles. However, it’s clear that when runners were in scoring position, the hitters capitalized, while the pitchers struggled to prevent them from advancing.
Jake Dorn, coming off a disappointing performance last week, did not show much improvement tonight. Any hopes of climbing the pitching charts or serving as a mid-week starter seem to have been dashed, at least for now. Tonight’s session began with Jake Ogden and Max Galvin each hitting singles, followed by Daniel walking to load the bases. This was not the impact Dorn aimed for after last week’s less-than-stellar showing, especially since he was previously a candidate for a mid-week start. With the bases loaded and no outs, the situation looked grim, and it proved costly as three runs scored, and Dorn failed to record the final out, walking his sixth batter. However, he rebounded well in the second inning, striking out Michael Torres to lead off and finishing the frame with a fly out to center field. In the third inning, he struck out two more batters and secured a flyout to left field. The only minor issue was a two-out double by Donovan Jeffrey. In the fourth inning, Dorn fell into the oldest trap in the book when Alex Sosa fell for a stolen base attempt. With runners on first and third and one out, the runner at first tried to draw a throw, successfully distracting Sosa, who failed to get the out, and the runner at third scored. Sosa, with his experience, should have recognized the play. Essentially, he gave up a run and did not record the out. This kind of unthinking mistake is what ultimately costs games. The fifth inning was pre-positioned, with runners on first and second base. JD’s goal was to practice bunting techniques and improve the infielders’ defensive alertness. Jake smoothly pitched through the inning, recording a strikeout of Torres and inducing Gary to hit into a 4-6-3 double play.
Lyndon Guidewell, like last week, faced Jake during the initial innings. While Lyndon adapted well to the cold conditions from the previous week, he struggled against the heat generated by tonight’s batters. Vance Sheahan made an early impact with a towering shot to left field, marking the first of three home runs hit tonight. Derek Williams, not learning from the first inning, reminded Lyndon of his presence as he rounded the bases in a similar fashion to Vance. The following two innings saw Lyndon return to his usual performance, going 6-for-6 with consecutive outs. In the fifth inning, runners positioned at 1st and second, a lead-off single by Jake scored the runner from second, followed by Cian Copeland’s single, bringing in a second run. Overall, it was not a particularly strong evening for either pitcher.
Erick Peralta and Dylan Dubovik complete tonight’s session. Erick began the sixth inning on a positive note, striking out Gabriel Milano and then walking Jeffrey. Jailen Watkins singled, and Erick was charged with a throwing error while attempting to pick off Jailen, which allowed Jeffrey to score. In the seventh inning, with runners on first and second, Jackson Hugus executed a perfect sacrifice bunt, advancing both runners. Max hit the ball back to Erick, who struggled to field it but recorded the out at first base; however, a run scored. Erick started to lose control, ultimately throwing a wild pitch that scored the runner from third. He finished on a positive note by striking out Daniel.
For Daniel Dubovik, it was another challenging night on the mound; he hopes to move past it. JD is utilizing him in both pitching and hitting roles, aiming to find his niche within the team. The game continues to suggest that pitching may not be his primary role this season, as he struggles on the mound. Tonight was no exception. Brylan West began the 6th inning with a single, followed by Alonzo Alvarez’s double. Runners on second and third, the next two outs were recorded without any runs crossing, until Michael Torres hit a two-RBI double, clearing the bases. The inning thereafter deteriorated further. With runners on first and second to start the 7th, Fabio singled to load the bases. A walk, a wild pitch, and two runs scored. With runners now on the corners, Milano delivered a deep hit for the third home run of the evening, effectively ending the game. Five runs had already scored, and Daniel’s control issues worsened, as he walked the next two batters. The scrimmage concluded on a disappointing note for the pitchers, as the hitters regained momentum and demonstrated their skill tonight.
With 19 runs on 13 hits and only 9 strikeouts, the team’s offense finally showcased the timing we’ve anticipated, as seen in tonight’s performance. They recorded six extra-base hits, half of which were home runs (Vance Sheahan, Derek Williams, Gabriel Milano). The remaining three were doubles (Michael Torres, Alonso Alvarez, Donovan Jeffrey). Two players, Jake Ogden and Max Galvin, contributed multiple hits.
Friday, the day before Fan Fest, has a start time of 3PM
