Clubhouse Comments From Manager Michael Schlact

A Conversation with Manager Michael Schlact

Q: The performances of your starting pitchers recently have been such a highlight in recent games with the performance of Matthew Sox tonight being no exception. How impressive has this run been that this group has put together? 

Schlact: "I think it is a testament to the continuity that they have. They are always communicating with each other. More importantly, it's about their work ethic and attention to details. It's been special and fun to watch. To have a group like this on the mound is special. We are blessed." 

Q: One highlight from your pitchers collectively tonight was their ability to keep Rocky Mountain's top 3 hitters in the order quiet. Those 3 hitters finished with 11 strikeouts combined. What led to this success? 

Schlact: "Missing bats is really important in baseball. Getting punchouts is great. The best indicator of having good pure stuff is seeing whiffs on pitches in the strikezone. I feel like we see a lot of that. Missing bats, and having the ability to put a hitter away is a skillset you either have or you don't. Especially at the professional level. It's fun to watch." 

Q: For your relievers specifically they were able to finish with big strikeouts in high leverage situations. Both Noah Owen, and Zach Lampton struck out Vibes with the tying run in scoring position there in the late innings. How important are moments like this? 

Schlact: "You cannot really teach the fearlessness it takes to be able to make a pitch when you need to. I'm proud of them for that. I think it's worth noting that we have all the faith in the world in Nick Bautista as well after an outing he will want back. We're going to throw him right back out there again in a similar situation. These are growth moments."

Q: Offensive highlights did not dictate Friday's game, but a home run from Alec Sanchez proved to be key coming down the stretch. He also executed his swing in a matchup that can hold an advantage from a pitching stand point with a southpaw facing a left handed hitter. How impressed were you with that approach? 

Schlact: "It was great, I think a lot of our hitters are solid against lefties and Sanchez is no different. It speaks to the skill level and concentration he has. I think he was struggling a little bit through the beginning of the season to find his swing. He's gone through a few slumps. However, it has not affected who he is as a leader on this team and how he's performed defensively. To now see him turn that corner at the plate is great."