In a series that was pretty close to a must-win, the Aberdeen IronBirds would fall short to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. In losing the series four games to two, the IronBirds saw their slim playoff chances almost disappear.
At 28-31 (60-63 overall), the IronBirds would need to sweep the next series and have four teams in front of them be swept as well. They currently sit 5.5 games back of first with six games remaining.
Against the BlueClaws, the IronBirds couldn’t muster much offense in the first three games, being shut out and scoring two runs in each of the first two games. From game four onward, Aberdeen scored six or more runs, dropping the final game, 7-6.
Let’s see who stood out this series for the IronBirds:
FREDERICK BENCOSME – INF
Bencosme struggled in the month of August, hitting just .198. Against the BlueClaws, he changed that course and had his best series since June.
Bencosme collected hits in five of the six games and collected multiple hits in the final three games. For the series, he hit .407 and picked up six RBIs.
In Sunday’s 7-6 loss, Bencosme would go 4-for-5 at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in a run for the game.
Across 108 games, Bencosme is slashing .242/.335/.368 while scoring 54 runs and driving in 46. The 20-year-old infielder has walked 53 times and has stolen 26 bases this season.
SAMUEL BASALLO – C/1B
Most players don’t get recognition for two games, but when their return from the injured list coincides with 16 runs scored over two games by your team and that same player driving in six across those games, you have to turn your head.
Basallo returned from the IL and proceeded to go 5-for-7 (.714 avg) in those two games, driving in six runs while collecting four extra-base hits, including three home runs.
In Saturday’s IronBirds’ 10-8 victory in extra innings, Basallo would finish 3-for-4 with two home runs, four RBIs, two runs scored, a stolen base and was part of turning a double play.
Since being promoted to Aberdeen, the 19-year-old Basallo is slashing .299/.419/.584 across 22 games, with five home runs, 17 RBIs, 15 runs scored and four stolen bases. The Orioles’ No. 5 / MLB’s No. 48 ranked prospect has also walked 16 times to just 17 strikeouts.
DYLAN HEID – RHP
Dylan Heid continues to have a strong sophomore season, and that success carried over in the series against the BlueClaws.
Heid would pitch in two games, totaling three innings and picking up a save. He gave up one hit, no walks and struck out four of the batters he faced.
In 29 games this season, Heid is 4-2 with a 2.85 ERA. He has pitched in 39.1 innings, amassing 63 strikeouts to 18 walks with a 1.19 WHIP, while holding opponents to a .200 batting average.
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It has been announced that Orioles’ first-round draft pick Enrique Bradfield Jr., as well as fellow 2023 draft picks Mac Horvath and Matthew Etzel, will be joining Aberdeen for the remainder of the season. Also, pitchers Dylan Heid and Trey McGough have been promoted to Double-A Bowie.
The IronBirds will welcome the Greenville Drive to town starting Tuesday, September 5. The final series of the 2023 season is here, and the IronBirds have a chance to end the season with a winning record.
Will they catch fire and halt the Drive, or will Greenville ground Aberdeen? Tune in tomorrow at 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 (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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