August 2024 Review

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.