Aberdeen is a team in a transition period. Last season, the IronBirds blew through the first half with talent that has since moved up through the O’s farm system.
This season, a new collection of talent is learning on the job and how to play together as a team. So far, there have been some good days and some bad, but the team continues to fight.
Facing neighboring state (Delaware) rivals, the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the IronBirds continued their up and down run, dropping the series, 2-3, as one game was rained out. Though the IronBirds dropped the series, there were standouts that made a difference, especially in both victories.
Let’s take a look at the stars of the series:
DYLAN BEAVERS – OF
The young Beavers is making a case to be promoted to Double-A ball with his attacking style.
Against the Blue Rocks, Beavers went 7-for-19 (.368 avg) during the series. His standout game came in Aberdeen’s 9-1 victory on Wednesday, April 26.
In the game, Beavers would collect two hits in four at-bats. The two hits, a double and a two-run home run, helped lead his team to the victory.
On the season, Beavers is slashing .269/.364/.522 with two home runs, six RBIs and nine runs scored. Interestingly enough, Beavers has 18 total hits on the season, with 11 of them going for extra bases.
JACKSON HOLLIDAY – INF
Holliday tore through Low-A Delmarva, earning an early season promotion to Aberdeen. The young 19-year-old phenom had all eyes on him in his series debut.
Holliday struggled through the first two games, going a combined 0-for-7. Adjustments were made, and Holliday got back on track to finish 4-for-10 over the last three games.
Holliday was the difference maker in the IronBirds’ 7-2 victory on Thursday, April 27. For the game, Holliday collected two hits, a two-run home run and a triple, while also scoring a run in the game.
For his first week in Aberdeen, Holliday is slashing .235/.381/.529 with a stolen base, a triple, one home run, three runs scored and two RBIs. He has also walked and struck out four times and has helped turn four double plays in the field.
JEAN PINTO – RHP
Jean Pinto was the standout this week for the pitchers. Though he didn’t collect a decision, it was his outing Wednesday, a 9-1 IronBirds’ victory, that stood out.
In the game, Pinto would pitch four innings, allowing just two hits and one run. He walked one batter and struck out six on 64 pitches (41 strikes).
On the season, Pinto has appeared in four games and has pitched 18 innings with 27 strikeouts. Opponents are batting just .194 against Pinto, who holds a 1.11 WHIP.
For the season, the IronBirds are now 7-12 and 5.5 games back. They have a run differential of -24, which shows that the pitching and offense are on different paths right now.
After a day off on Monday, Aberdeen will head north to take on the Brooklyn Cyclones, who are 6-11 and just behind the IronBirds. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. EST.
Who stood out to you for Aberdeen this week? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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