Sod Poodles News and Notes: Reed & Zunica Becoming Fast Favorites in Bomb City
Credit: Sod Poodles
Brad Zunica and Buddy Reed are both becoming fan favorites in the Bomb City in this edition of the Amarillo Sod Poodles News and Notes.
Ramirez Does It All
Emmanuel Ramirez made two separate appearances this year in two very different roles. In his first appearance in Corpus Christi in the opening series, he was brought on in relief and didn’t allow a baserunner in two innings pitched, while recording three strikeouts. The second appearance he started the game and was even better. Ramirez threw six innings pitched of one-run baseball, striking out six in the process in his first start at the new and hitter-friendly Hodgetown.
Power Poodles
Buddy Reed is scorching hot this week. After only collecting one hit in his first series against the Hooks, he has powered his way to 10 hits, including a Texas League-leading six home runs. He also did something that few people can say they have accomplished in hitting a home run and an inside the park homer in the same game. Reed has also amassed 14 RBI on his tear, leading the Texas League in that category. He is also showing his range and flashing the leather in centerfield for the club.
Brad Zunica, like his teammate Reed, is one of the hottest’ bats in the Texas League and is a significant reason that the Sod Poodles rank as one of the top teams in MiLB in terms of home runs. He has five on the year, while also collecting 11 RBI in the process. Zunica is also leading the Texas League in total bases with 29. Reed, Zunica, and teammate Jorge Ona alone (14) have more home runs than every team in the Texas League. The next closest team being the Springfield Cardinals with 12.
Home Sweet Hodgetown
Amarillo fans are glad baseball is back in the city! Sod Poodles fans are showing up in bunches as the Soddies are averaging the second highest average attendance (5,752). Only the Tulsa Drillers are averaging more with 6,019 per game.
Catching Fire
Catcher Webster Rivas is off to a hot start at the plate. Even after an 0-for-4 outing on Sunday (the first game he played in this season where he didn’t record a hit), the average is still well above the .300 mark at .346. The hits have been timely, as on Saturday he drove in the go-ahead RBI with a bloop single in the 8th. That run would eventually be the difference giving the Sod Poodles a much-needed come from behind home win.
It’s Early
Adrian Morejon continued his early season struggles in his last start bringing his season ERA to 10.13 in eight innings pitched for the Sod Poodles. The left-hander has allowed nine earned runs so far in 2019. A lot of his issues are the amount of walks/hit batsmen (9) he’s had for Amarillo.
On Deck
The Sod Poodles (5-6) travel to Midland on Monday to get their second look at the Rockhounds (4-6).
They then head back to Hodgetown to face the Hooks (4-7) for the third set this year on Thursday.
Austin is a self proclaimed “sports nut” who lives and breathes baseball. The Amarillo native spends his time writing and running the Painting Corners Podcast. He will be covering the Amarillo Sod Poodles for EVT this year.