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MOOSIC — The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have felt a power surge since they left PNC Field on Tuesday.
After watching four home runs go out of the park off of the bats of the Buffalo Bisons on April 15, the RailRiders have gotten a taste of the long ball during their recent series against the Lousiville Bats earlier. Clint Frazier and Rob Refsnyder each recorded their first home runs of the season this week.
“Every year I’m trying to hit 50 doubles and the doubles obviously turn into home runs,” Refsnyder said. “Hitting the balls in the gaps is what I’m focusing on.”
Frazier’s April 18 and April 22 home runs could be signs of the things to come.
The 22-year-old has what RailRiders hitting coach P.J. Pilittere “world-class bat speed,” which gives Frazier raw power. As Frazier continues to work on his approach at the plate and stabilizes the foundation of his swing, home runs could become more of a familiarity this season.
Smith shining in opportunity
Caleb Smith made his first start with the RailRiders on April 13. It was a spot start, taking the place of Johnny Barbato, who had been recently designated for assignment.
On just two and a half hours of sleep — coming all the way to Moosic from Akron, Ohio, where he was with Double-A Trenton — Smith performed admirably. He allowed just a solo home run in five innings. While he didn’t get the win, Smith did more than he was asked for.
“I’m pretty impressed I wasn’t tired and dragging and I could get up for the game. It was nice,” Smith said after the game. “I was definitely tired when I got here. I was thinking about taking a nap in the clubhouse, but I didn’t want to be that new guy that naps in the clubhouse.”
Smith carried the momentum on Wednesday, going 4.2 innings and allowing just one earned run on two hits and three walks. He struck out five batters in each appearance.
Wade climbing leaderboard
RailRiders lead-off man Tyler Wade continues to cause trouble on the base paths for opposing catchers.
With two stolen bases in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s recent series against Louisville, Wade ranks second in the International League with six steals. Gwinnett’s Ozzie Albies has seven.
Wade also ranks in the top 15 in batting average as well, at .353.