Potters pitching dominates, pushes win streak to 9

One word can be used to describe the pitching staff of the Lincoln Potters over the course of the team's nine-game winning streak: dominant. Over the last 36 innings, the Potters have surrendered three runs and combined for 42 strikeouts against 12 walks. Thirteen of those strikeouts came Tuesday night in a 20-1 victory over the Pleasanton Jaxx with starting pitcher John Alkire leading the way with five in four shutout innings. "Our pitching coach, Nate Kujawski, is doing a really good job and the players, they're putting in the work out there. This was something that was a point of emphasis when I got the job," said Potters manager Eli Garcia. "I really want to have a good pitching staff to be able to compete with some of the top teams in our league. It definitely is looking good right now, and we're looking to just keep getting better." The Potters were also elevated by the power bat of Air Force's Tripp Garrish, who belted his first home run of the season Tuesday night. Garrish is only with the Potters for a few weeks before he has to report back to Colorado Springs for boot camp, but after enjoying his time with the team last summer he said he wanted to make sure he was back at McBean for another season. "I love it here. I love the fans, the environment, I love the team," said Garrish. "I have no complaints here. It's an awesome time, and I wouldn't want to spend it any other place." Garrish said it was a relief to see his home run clear the fence, especially after having a few balls that he squared up stay in the ballpark. "I didn't know it was going to be out off the bat, to be honest," said Garrish. "I started running hard but I knew I got a good barrel, and then I sucked over the fence. It was a good feeling." Garcia also credits Lincoln's winning streak to team chemistry. The first week of June is tricky for summer ball clubs, with players moving in from all around the country. It's easy for the team unity to take a hit or for egos to get in the way, but Garcia says this group has gotten along since day one. "We've definitely got a good, mature group of guys this summer," said Garcia. "They know what it takes and what it looks like to come into a summer ball club. I can relate to them from a player's perspective as well because I just got done playing not too long ago. It has been a fun summer so far and I'm just looking forward to just keeping this going every single day." Garrish echoed Garcia's words, saying, "We all love each other. Even though I've known most of these guys for about a week, it seems like I've known these guys for years. I'm just trying to have fun, trying to enjoy every moment of baseball I can." The Potters (11-1) welcomed the Placer County Peloteros to McBean for a three-game series that started Thursday.