Arkansas Travelers News: August 18 - August 24, 2024

The Arkansas Travelers, a Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, have had a mixed bag of performances over the past week. As of June 11, 2024, the team stands at a 32-24 record, placing them second in the Texas League North, just half a game behind the Springfield Cardinals.

Recent Games

- **Against Amarillo Sod Poodles**: The Travelers concluded their series against Amarillo on June 2 with a 2-0 win, thanks to a strong performance by righty Blas Castano, who pitched five scoreless innings. First baseman Ben Ramirez and catcher Jake Anchia were key contributors to the victory.

- **Against Midland RockHounds**: The Travelers had a series of mixed results against Midland. They started strong with a 2-1 win on Tuesday, June 4, courtesy of Andrew Miller's walk-off single in the 10th inning. However, they faced a shutout loss on Wednesday, June 5, with Midland winning 1-0. The Travelers bounced back on Thursday, June 6, with Juan Mercedes leading the way in a 2-1 victory. Friday, June 7, saw the Travelers come from behind to win 7-4, with Cole Young hitting a three-run home run. However, they ended the series with a 5-1 loss on Saturday, June 8.

Notable Performances

- **Cole Young**: Young has been a standout player, showcasing excellent defense at shortstop and a smooth left-handed swing. He has quickly emerged as a leader on the field and is expected to be a quality major league player.

- **Juan Mercedes**: Mercedes delivered a quality start in the series opener against Wichita, helping the Travelers to an 8-3 win.

- **Logan Evans**: Evans threw six scoreless innings against Amarillo, securing a win for the Travelers.

Upcoming Schedule

The Travelers have a favorable schedule ahead, which could help them secure the first half of the season. They are set to play six games in Tulsa, followed by six home games against the last-place Wichita Wind Surge. This schedule gives them a good chance to overtake Springfield for first place.

Conclusion

The Arkansas Travelers have shown resilience and determination over the past week, with several players stepping up to make significant contributions. Despite some setbacks, the team remains in a strong position to compete for the top spot in the Texas League North. With a favorable schedule ahead, the Travelers are poised to make a push for first place.