Strykers shift sights to second half bounce back

THE WOODLANDS, Texas- The Woodlands Strykers have started the second half of their season similar to the first: trying to find a rhythm. They currently sit at 3-6 and 3.5 games behind the division leader, the Victoria Generals, who are 7-3. With 21 games left in the season there is time to make up the deficit, and the Strykers hope to pounce soon.

Storming out of the gate over the last week is Stryker shortstop Lance Miles, who leads the Texas Collegiate League (TCL) with a .462 batting average (6-13) over that time. He also has two steals and four walks to go along with his hot bat. Another hitter who has had a good week is infielder Greg Belton. Belton has five hits over his last 10 plate appearances, including three home runs to lead the TCL since second half play started. Belton hit two dingers against the McKinney Marshals in a great 9-7 comeback win last Saturday.

Leading the way for the pitchers is young reliever Dusty Dworak, who has pitched 11.1 innings for the Strykers, the most in the league since second half play began. He carries an ERA of 1.59 and has struck out nine batters during that time period, also topping the league in that category. Starter Nolan Holland had a good start this week as well, going 6.2 innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out six in a no-decision.

The Strykers finish up their series on Friday, July 18th, with a double-header against the Brazos Valley Bombers at The Woodlands Christian Academy. They will then play at the McKinney Marshals over the weekend and against the East Texas Pump Jacks at home to start off next week.