Memphis baseball used dominating offensive performances to win four games last week.
Memphis 16 – North Alabama 2(7)
Snapshot: A Memphis record of nine walks and five stolen bases helped break the five game losing streak.
Memphis 13 – Arkansas State 7
Snapshot: Austin Baskin has four hits in comfortable victory against Arkansas State.
Memphis 5 – New Orleans 4
Snapshot: David Warren goes seven full innings as the Tigers get back to .500.
Memphis 1 – New Orleans 6
Snapshot: The Tigers muster up just five hits as New Orleans evens up the series.
Memphis 12 – New Orleans 10
Snapshot: Shane Cox hits a two-rbi double with two outs in the top of the ninth to secure the series win.
It’s incredible how much a week can change everything. Last week Memphis was staring at the abyss with a 7-10 record and holding a five-game losing streak. A week later, the Tigers are .500 and riding high after a weekend series win against New Orleans. This week was desperately needed for a squad that had been struggling in recent games, and a sign that the team might be turning the corner.
The first thing to note is how much better the bullpen has been, especially this week. Besides the later innings on Saturday, the bullpen rarely gave up opportunities for the opposing team to get back into the game. Brayden Sanders has excelled in the closer role, notching saves number four and five this year along with bringing his ERA to just 1.50. South Alabama transfer Kylan Stepter has come along, and while he did give up three earned on Saturday, he’s shown to be another quality option out of the bullpen this season. Multiple other relievers had bounce back outings as well, giving hope that the bullpen has found itself after some major early struggles.
The bats found something to build upon this week, but some of the same issues that have plagued them continue recurring. At this point in the season, strikeouts are just going to be a part of the offense. They racked up double-digit strikeouts in all but one game this week. However, the team has moved into the top 25 in the country in walks with an astonishing twenty-seven walks drawn in just five games.
It was a complete team effort at the dish with multiple players contributing to the big scoring outputs of this week. Daunte Stuart and Seth Cox had strong showings, while Shane Cox drove in the game winning runs Saturday night to take the series. Multiple players showcased their talents on the base paths. Memphis played baseball as a team this week instead of individuals, leading to three double-digit performances which all resulted in victories.
After a dominant victory against North Alabama on Wednesday, Coach Riser spoke about his team's growth
“When you’re doing the little things right, it’s a process,” said Riser.
Memphis was able to do the little things all week, playing good situational baseball, making easy plays in the field, and having good energy in the dugout. Unsurprisingly, wins followed. This should build confidence in not just the players, but Memphis fans that this team has turned a corner and can play winning baseball moving forward.
Player of the week: Pierre Seals. 8-19, 5 Runs, 4 RBIs, 3 BBs, 1 2B, 1 HR
In a week where multiple guys contributed to the team, Pierre stood out for his contributions in the field and the plate. He was able to have multiple productive at-bats and his four hits plus three runs in the second game of the double-header were a huge reason for winning the series against New Orleans. He also flashed his fielding ability with a diving catch in the bottom of the eighth during the first game on Saturday. His average improved to .350 on the season in what’s been a breakout campaign for him.
