Miles Happy With Diamonds Start

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Scott Ludwig — Leave a comment

The 2017 Pacific Association season is just eight games complete with the Pittsburg Diamonds (4-4) currently in second place behind defending champion Sonoma Stompers (6-3). Field manager Aaron Miles has been pleased with what he’s seen early on despite the .500 record.

After an opening series sweep at the hands of Sonoma (Pittsburg led most of the opening two games) the Diamonds went on a four-game win streak which ended on Sunday.

“I am very pleased with how we are playing now after a tough first homestand which I thought we should have won two of three ball games,” commented Miles.

Offensively the Diamonds have had some standout performances so far. Vinny Guglietti leads the league hitting a scorching .485 with eight RBI. The 24-year old first baseman has over 100 games played in the Frontier League and Can-Am and if his play continues he could see a bigger payday soon.

Top draft pick Wes Wallace has been solid in center field as well as at the plate currently hitting .323 with three RBI. Lineup regulars Ordomar Valdez-Martinez (.294 average, two stolen bases) and Yiecok Calderon (.290 with one HR and four RBI) have been consistent contributors.

“The team is looking strong everywhere we thought we would be with stellar defense and strong middle of the order hitters,” added Miles. “The starting pitching is coming together and the bullpen has been great.”

A trio of starting pitchers have impressed early with Tyler Stirewalt (1.38 ERA, eight strikeouts) and Michael Gunn (13 strikeouts) among tops in the league. Skylar Shaw-Fuss (1-1; 2.25 ERA) had a dominant performance pitching seven scoreless innings against Vallejo his last start.

Wes Tramble, Angel Lara and Paul Perez are part of the bullpen that has been nearly flawless so far.

Six games remain in the current homestand with the Diamonds welcoming San Rafael to town for a three-game set beginning Tuesday night.

Players are competing and Miles is pleased; “We are excited about our chances moving forward!”