Hunter Pence: Unsung hero in recent upsurge by the Philadelphia Phillies - MLB Update
Improved performances have started to come forth from the Philadelphia Phillies after manager Charlie Manuel took a swipe at the players earlier. The offence which was crumbling in every game is stepping up at the right moments and providing hits. Hunter
Pence has led the charge in this regard.
With a miraculous turn around in last few games, he has improved his batting average to .248. Flurry of homers coming off his bat in recent games was exactly what the manager wanted from him in the start of the season.
Nine home runs and 25 RBIs he has contributed make him an important link in the Phillies’ offence now.
If he continues with the same pace, he can neutralise the impact of the absence of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard in the line-up.
Happy with the way he made the bulk of the contribution in Phillies’ recent victories, he says, fans’ anger does not affect his concentration. What matters the most to him is going on the plate and giving his best.
“No matter what happens, I love to play the game and will come out and give it all, and the thing is that I am enjoying at-bats and even when I am not getting the job done,” said Pence. “And getting booed I know that I was ready and I love the game and love
the fans whether they boo me or not and I am mad at myself when I don’t’ get the job done.”
Before he had asserted his significance, fans were lashing out at him. Questioning his inability to support the offence when it needed him the most, he was being booed off.
Manuel was frustrated after relievers were continuously blowing up lead down in the innings. Following a sweep at the hands of the New York Mets, closed-door meeting was called up and issues with the bullpen were discussed.
Since then, the Phillies’ relievers have been doing great job and keeping opponents from going past the lead.
Without growing complacent, Pence will be better off working out his flaws and find ways for improving further.
Only with consistency in performance, he can help the Phillies sustain and keep building on their wins. He will look forward to achieve this and become a reason of cheers for disgruntled fans.
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