Victor Rodriguez has completely changed the mindset of this line up. No one is swinging for the fences trying to play hero ball. They are all working together as a unit and more importantly they are CLUTCH!

I remember earlier in the season shildt said victor preached hitting up the middle for multiple reasons. If you are aiming for up the middle, it simplifies your approach. Also, it benefits you if you swing late and early. Shildt said if you are late, you go opposite field. If you are early, you pull the ball for a hard hit.

Then after todays game, shildt gave Rodriguez his flowers. He said he has a lot of knowledge and instilled faith into this line up. Rodriguez has a saying. I believe it is “all we need is 1” and “Now we need 1 more.” Idk if it was in regard to hits or runs but that positive and never say die attitude definitely comes from victor.