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.