I’ve been telling people that the 2022 Aberdeen Ironbirds will be an offensive juggernaut and today I got to see it on display as the O’s traveling party hit the road to play away at Pirate City. The more I watch them the more I realize I’m probably correct.
Starting out with new skipper Roberto Mercado, the staff looks to be tailor made for what the organization is looking to do. Mercado is a laid back educator who communicates well. All big boxes checked.
Starter Justin Armbruester did well to open things up then Noah Denoyer came in. Noah wasn’t as sharp as he had been but a few rallies along with clutch hits late helped lock down the win against a lineup which featured heavy hitters from Bradenton’s Low A SE champs. Looks like the lineup was: Norby/Prieto/Haskin/Mayo/Teter/Rhodes/Hernaiz/Williams/Pavolony.
Just imagine that core with Colton Cowser and maybe Heston Kjerstad!
Some of the notes/highlights I wrote down:
Coby Mayo goes down 0-2 and then works back an outstanding AB that resulted in an RBI double.
Right before that Hudson Haskin has a great AB for a RBI triple after Norby beat out a throw. The score is 2-0 after the 1st inning rally.
2B Cèsar Prieto had a great ‘1st step’ type of play where a sinking liner was falling in front of him. He reacted quickly and was in perfect position to make a relatively tough grab. Progress!
Justin Armbruester got some very good hitters out Abrahan Gutierrez, Sammy Siani, Maikel Escotto, Dariel Lopez, Eli Wilson all made to look bad.
Catcher Connor Pavolony not letting a bad AB affect him and throwing rockets in warmups to 2nd right after.
Noticed Cook not throwing from RF so hitting better than fielding so far. Davis Tavarez however threw a seed in from left that kept a double at 1st base (awesome play)….that inning yielded no runs.
Smooth double play Darell to Norby to Teter finishes the 5th after a shaky inning from Denoyer. Smooth catch/turn on the bag for Norby.
Daniel Lloyd comes in late and sets the tone with a strikeout of Finol. Righty high stuff swinging.
O’s OF prospect Davis Tavarez hits one out and we can see the power he puts into his cut. This one just sailed on over the fence! ???? pic.twitter.com/jtJqUhZdck
— Eric_Birdland (@Eric_Birdland) March 21, 2022
Former FCL champs Tavarez and Yorkiskandy Alvarez had some hits before it was all over to ensure the win. Tavarez’s was a blast out to very deep left that fortunately did not hit my car.
