Pro Hogs Update: Pitchers Enjoying Success

Andrew Benintendi had a solid week at the plate, collecting 8 hits in four games including a double and two RBI. After hitting just .270 for the month of August it looks like he is starting to heat up in time for the post-season.

Dallas Keuchel has turned in three quality starts in a row after lasting 6 innings and allowing one unearned run and striking out 6 on Monday. He will face Benintendi and the Red Sox on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball tonight (Sunday the 9th) as the Astros go for the three game sweep.

Ryne Stanek made a couple more “opener” appearances this week for the Rays where he pitches the first inning of the game before giving way to a traditional starting pitcher. He lowered his ERA to 2.65 for the season and struck out his 69th batter in 57.2 innings. In one of the “starts” that Stanek made this week, Jalen Beeks came on in relief to throw 2.2 shutout innings, allowing only one hit and striking out 4.

In his 4th season as the Tigers’ primary catcher, James McCann is hitting .220 with 7 home runs and 34 RBI. Although he is on pace for his least productive major league season so far, he is still fielding at a .995 clip.

With minor league baseball now in post-season play, there are only a couple updates to give regarding some interesting stories. Now with 11 appearances and 15 innings pitched under his belt, Brett Eibner is 1-2 with a 1.80 ERA in his attempt to make it as a pitcher. He has 16 strikeouts while walking only 4 and has made it to the A-advanced level.

Michael Bernal has slugged his way into the AAA Mexican League this season, hitting .255 with 2 home runs and 11 RBI in 35 games, though over his last 10 games he hit .316.

Over in the NFL, a few former Hogs got their seasons off to good starts. Alex Collins scored in the Baltimore Ravens’ beatdown of the Buffalo Bills.

And for the New England Patriots, they’ve recognized they’ve got something special with their duo of Razorbacks.

Outside of those three, there weren’t a ton of stats logged. Jason Peters returned to action for the Eagles, Frank Ragnow had his first start, and Chris Smith, Jarius Wright, and Darius Philon all had modest stats in their playing time.