Summary
It was a tale of two halves last week for the Storm Chasers. They won the first three games, outscoring the Redbirds 23-11. However, the momentum, and 9-game win streak, quickly dissipated, as the Storm Chasers went 0-3 to finish the week and were outscored 21-4. Aside from the 16-run outburst the team had in their Thursday win, the bats were uncharacteristically quiet. The team batting average was a measly .217, good for 18th in the International League. The pitching wasn’t particularly sharp either, holding a 5.47 ERA as a team, good for 11th in the league. Despite the tough week, the team still holds a 4.5-game lead for first place in the International League.
John Rave’s strong start
John Rave is starting to get the attention he deserves after an impressive performance last week, hitting .333/.417/.714 with two doubles and two home runs. That helped increase his season line to .292/.375/.508. There are a few notable areas of growth so far for Rave this season. The first is his increase in power, having already notched 9 home runs this season after never hitting more than 16 in a single season in his professional career. On top of that, his .508 SLG would easily be the highest he’s had in his career if it holds. Secondly, his overall batting average has taken a big leap this season, well above his .255 career average. Lastly, his strikeout rate is the lowest it’s been in his career, sitting at a respectable 21.9%. Even though he is not currently on the Royals’ 40-man roster, he is taking some major strides toward earning a promotion, perhaps as early as this season.
Kris Bubic continues to impress during rehab stint
Bubic will certainly be heading to Kansas City within the next month or so, but in the meantime, the Storm Chasers will continue to benefit from his services. In two starts this week, Bubic compiled 9 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, and 5 K. He currently holds a 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and .196 OBA in Omaha. The Royals stated last week that they want to take things slow with Bubic as he builds back from his Tommy John surgery last April, so we will likely see a handful of appearances from him in Omaha before he’s back with the Royals.
Hitter of the Week
Drew Waters– 7 for 18, 1 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 SB
Season Stats: .277/.350/.484, .834 OPS
Runner-up: John Rave: 7 for 21, 2 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K
Pitcher of the Week
Carlos Hernández: 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 SV
Season Stats: 5.14 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, .196 OBA, 2.50 K/BB
Runner-up: Kris Bubic – 9.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Next up
June 11th-16th @ Toledo Mud Hens
Image credit: Minda Haas Kuhlmann