In August the Beavers shifted into overdrive. When the dust settled the red-hot team had compiled a 20-8 record for the month, improved the season record to 80-55, and built a commanding, 12-game lead in the Earl Weaver Division. The team continued to play before near capacity crowds at Waterfront Park. Business at the many nearby pubs was booming. Everyone was excited.
Attendance now is hovering just north of 50,000 fans per game, an increase of nearly 18% over last season. The increased activity at the turnstiles should translate into increased revenue and a healthy net income for the season. Needless to say, the August 14 birthday celebration was one of owner Bill McAllister's happier ones.
Top Performances
Manuel Garcia continued to lead the staff during August. In five starts he averaged more than 7 innings per start, won three games without a loss, and recorded a 1.25 ERA. At the end on the month he was sporting a 12-2 record for the season.
Mike Hobbs, who was hot in July, turned the flame up a notch in August. His stats speak for themselves: a .309/.347/.617 slash line, 11 2B, 6 HR, and a 142 wRC+. Behind the plate, he has gunned down over 50 (35%) would-be base-stealers this season.
The heart of the batting order - Nick Holmes, Baber Davi, and Valentin Alvarado - continued to work together like a well-oiled machine to generate runs, but Pat Thompson again sparked the offense with a .372/.402/.496 slash line, 23 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Thompson, who seems intent on testing the free agent market in the off-season, is making a case for himself. Hopefully he will decide to continue to play for the Beavers. Until a decision is reached, fans will continue to enjoy having him lead off for the home town team.
Notes
On August 14 starting pitcher Brahmanida Raviraj hurled a no-hitter while pitching for the AA Boise Hawks. After the game in the Hawks locker room, he spoke to reporters. "I got really nervous in the last inning. I knew I had a chance at a no-hitter. It was hard to stay calm and concentrate. Thank goodness for my catcher. He told me to just concentrate on hitting his glove. He would do all the thinking."
Down on the Farm
Twenty-one year old Mun-wah Lok continues to impress the Portland front office team, coaches, scouts, and opponents. A second round pick in the 2022 free agent draft, Lok is coming on strong. In over 500 plate appearances while playing in Boise and Vancouver, the young second baseman is hitting over .280 with an on-base percentage over .380 and a slugging percentage over .440. In addition he has stolen nearly 40 bases. Clearly he is making a bid for consideration as the second baseman of the future for the Beavers. The front office team will continue to closely monitor his progress.
The official blog of the Portland Beavers of the Adult Baseball League. Visit http://www.usfleagues.net/concrete/v2/
Thursday, September 3, 2015
July 2024 Review
Despite posting a mediocre 12-13 record during the month, the Beavers ended July with a 60-47 record for the season and a seven-game lead in the Earl Weaver Division. The team outscored opponents by seven runs, 126-119, but a couple of blowout wins "wasted" some production. The highlight of the month was a six-game winning streak that commenced immediately after the All Star break. During the streak the pitching staff recorded two shutouts and surrendered more than two runs in but one contest.
Beaver Nation seems to have erased memories of last season. Fans are flocking to Waterfront Park. Every home contest is a sell-out or a near sell-out. Attendance for the season is up by over 15% with no sign of a decline in sight. Owner Bill McAllister is a happy man.
Top Performances
Second baseman and leadoff hitter Pat Thompson sparked the offense throughout July. In 107 official at bats he generated a .356/.364/.500 slash line, led the team with 19 runs scored, registered 12 doubles, and stole three bases in three attempts.
Catcher Mike Hobbs continued to call a good game while wielding a potent bat as evidenced by a .279/.367/.477 slash line. His five, towering home run blasts led the club.
Although many pitchers were hammered during the month, starters Manuel Garcia (2-1; 2.54 ERA) and Wilson Cruz (2-3; 3.26 ERA) continued to deliver solid performances in five starts each. Sadly their efforts did not translate into more wins.
The New Kid on the Block
After two starts each with AA Boise and AAA Vancouver, young Tanner Johnson made his debut with the parent club. In his first ABL start he fashioned a complete game shutout on the road in Georgia. He scattered nine hits and two free passes while fanning six.
For the month, Johnson logged a 3-1 record and a 1.45 ERA in four starts. The kid has arrived!
Notes
Starting pitcher Manuel Garcia, shortstop Valentin Alvarado, and left fielder Nick Holmes were named to the TML All Star team. In the 5-1 win over the RCL, Holmes accumulated four hits in five at bats to earn Player of the Game honors. Garcia pitched one perfect inning to earn the win.
On July 15 veteran Pat Bancroft banged out five hits in a game for the eighth time in his career. This season he has accomplished this feat twice, each time pummeling pitchers toiling for the Jersey Jesters. On this occasion he recorded a double, two home runs, three runs scored, and five runs batted in.
Down on the Farm
The minor league organization continued to slog through a pathetic season. By the end of the month, each of the three teams seem destined to be eliminated from playoff contention. It appears that some off-season changes may be in order.
Beaver Nation seems to have erased memories of last season. Fans are flocking to Waterfront Park. Every home contest is a sell-out or a near sell-out. Attendance for the season is up by over 15% with no sign of a decline in sight. Owner Bill McAllister is a happy man.
Top Performances
Second baseman and leadoff hitter Pat Thompson sparked the offense throughout July. In 107 official at bats he generated a .356/.364/.500 slash line, led the team with 19 runs scored, registered 12 doubles, and stole three bases in three attempts.
Catcher Mike Hobbs continued to call a good game while wielding a potent bat as evidenced by a .279/.367/.477 slash line. His five, towering home run blasts led the club.
Although many pitchers were hammered during the month, starters Manuel Garcia (2-1; 2.54 ERA) and Wilson Cruz (2-3; 3.26 ERA) continued to deliver solid performances in five starts each. Sadly their efforts did not translate into more wins.
The New Kid on the Block
After two starts each with AA Boise and AAA Vancouver, young Tanner Johnson made his debut with the parent club. In his first ABL start he fashioned a complete game shutout on the road in Georgia. He scattered nine hits and two free passes while fanning six.
For the month, Johnson logged a 3-1 record and a 1.45 ERA in four starts. The kid has arrived!
Notes
Starting pitcher Manuel Garcia, shortstop Valentin Alvarado, and left fielder Nick Holmes were named to the TML All Star team. In the 5-1 win over the RCL, Holmes accumulated four hits in five at bats to earn Player of the Game honors. Garcia pitched one perfect inning to earn the win.
On July 15 veteran Pat Bancroft banged out five hits in a game for the eighth time in his career. This season he has accomplished this feat twice, each time pummeling pitchers toiling for the Jersey Jesters. On this occasion he recorded a double, two home runs, three runs scored, and five runs batted in.
Down on the Farm
The minor league organization continued to slog through a pathetic season. By the end of the month, each of the three teams seem destined to be eliminated from playoff contention. It appears that some off-season changes may be in order.
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