Amarillo Sod Poodles News: July 19 - July 25, 2024

Amarillo Sod Poodles: A Week of Ups and Downs

The Highs

- Dominant Win Over Wichita Wind Surge: On July 23, the Sod Poodles put together one of their best all-around performances of the season, defeating the Wichita Wind Surge 12-3. The game saw six different players record multi-hit games, showcasing the team's offensive prowess.

- Weekend Series Win Against Springfield Cardinals: Amarillo won the weekend rubber match against the North Division-leading Springfield Cardinals with a 6-5 win on July 21. This victory marked a significant milestone, as the Sod Poodles took the season series against the Cardinals.

The Lows

- Ninth-Inning Defeat to Springfield: On July 20, the Sod Poodles suffered a tough loss to the Springfield Cardinals. Despite tying the game in the fifth inning, Springfield rallied in the ninth to score the final three runs and take the game 7-4.

- Loss to Midland RockHounds: On July 1, Amarillo struggled to keep pace with the RockHounds, ultimately losing 14-4. The RockHounds used a late-inning surge to secure the win.

Notable Performances

- Jesus Valdez's Hitting Streak: Valdez extended his current hitting streak to six games, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in the July 20 game against Springfield. This streak is the longest of the season for Valdez, who is now hitting .476 (10-for-21) with four doubles, a triple, and two RBI since July 5.

- Matt Beaty's Consistency: Beaty ended the July 20 game 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI, and a walk. This marked his ninth multi-hit performance this season in 40 games played for Amarillo, with a .290 batting average since joining the Sod Poodles roster.

Looking Ahead

As the Sod Poodles continue their journey through the Texas League, they will face new challenges and opportunities. With their mix of strong performances and tough losses, the team is poised to make a push in the second half of the season. Fans can expect more exciting games and individual achievements from this talented group of players.