TN AUS 61.03 Just Who is Fronting This Band?

[Chuck V]

Recap
Austin took care of business this last week as they took a pair of three game series winning two of three vs the Boise Spuds and the Rocky Mountain Oysters.
The first series showed off the offensive talents of the Shredders as they clubbed Boise 11-0 in the first game of the series. Glenn Fox and António Liñares both homered to back up Jorge Marín outing that went in to the 8th inning before Max Birstall came in to complete the shutout. Game Two saw more fireworks from Fox who hit his second homer of the season and in as many games while Glenn Hargrove pitched 6.2 IP of solid one run ball in a 7-4 win that was decided in the bottom of the seventh when the Shredders plated six runs. The final game went to Boise as Austin hurlers gave up four home runs in a 9-5 loss. Rocky Mountain then came to town ad see if they could beat the Shredders and the Cookie Monster, the 30 foot high big, blue right field wall. They did not fare all that well.
The pitching stood out in this series as the staff allowed just one run in the first two games. They need the pitching especially in game one. The Shredders only managed two hits in the entire game, but luckily Jiao-long Lopan came through with a two out home run in the bottom of the seventh to seal the victory. Game two was even more impressive pitching-wise. Jorge Marin pitched into the ninth, not allowing a run in a 1-0 Austin victory. Ubaid bin Salah drove in the only run with an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth and that was all the Shredders needed. The Oysters salvaged a win in the series with a 7-4 victory on Sunday.
With the win, the Shredders find themselves just a game under .500, but six games back even this early on thanks to the BBA leading 13-2 record of the Las Vegas Hustlers.
Who is Fronting This Band?
At 7-8 this team is not much to brag about. They are near the bottom in every offensive category and the bullpen is a bit shaky. However, the team can get on base and the rotation is off to an excellent start. Before the season GM Chuck Valenches speculated that the season would rest on the shoulders of the rotation. “We have some good arms here in Austin, but the starters have just not been able to put it all together on a consistent basis. Shutout one week, can’t get out of the second inning the next. The bullpen has also been a bit of a disappointment as well, ranking 11th in the league. If there is a player standing head and shoulders above the rest, it might be Brent Gilbert. Gilbert has a team leading three homers and is batting .302. Glenn Hargrove and Jorge Marin have made some outstanding starts and are doing their best to keep the team afloat. They may not be lighting up the scoreboard, but they are performing well.