Observations on Leonys Martin's Second Game

Leonys Martin's second game failed to match his first stat line: 3 for 5 with two doubles and a stolen base, but it did provide some additional insight into his game. Martin exhibited the ability to be a tough out, a drag bunt with promise, a good eye and some situational hitting.

Batting lead off for the Roughriders, Martin put together a nine pitch at bat in which he in which he spoiled four straight solid pitches after running the count to 2-2. On the ninth pitch, Martin grounded out to short, but he made a routine play fairly close by hustling down the line.

Martin's second at bat only lasted one pitch, a failed drag bunt attempt. He had also attempted a drag bunt in his first at bat as well. The first attempt was a bit late and resulted in a foul back to the backstop. In his second attempt, Martin dropped the bat too far resulting in a harmless pop out to the first baseman. While he hasn't perfected the timing of the drag bunt, he did show good footwork and a quick jump out of the box on both occasions. With a bit more work, he could certainly turn that into an asset for his offensive game.

Both Martin's third and fourth at bats came with runners in scoring position. In the fifth, Martin batted with a runner on third and only one out and he was able to put the ball in play and bring in the run. In the seventh, Martin batted with runners on first and second. After running the count to 3-0, Martin took a called strike, which appeared to be ball four. On the next pitch, Martin grounded out again, but both runners were able to advance.

Overall, Martin went 0-4, but each at bat flashed the tools of a very promising hitter.