Will Baker’s summer is off to a hot start, with hits in four of the first five games. He’s already reached base eight times. Although offense is down across the Cape Cod League to begin the season, Baker has thrived with the new challenge of using wood bats.
“Swinging wood, I feel like I have a good understanding of where the barrel is,” Baker said after Thursday’s victory. “That puts me at a good advantage when it comes to summer ball in the Cape.”
No matter the bat, Baker’s offense has been impressive this year. He played in 44 games for Georgia Tech during his freshman season, posting an .831 OPS. The infielder had a .336 on-base percentage, with a 10.3% walk rate.
He’s continued that consistency with Y-D, producing from several spots in the lineup for manager Scott Pickler. He has four RBIs already, the most on the team. His strong bat fits in well with an already-deep Y-D lineup.
The Australian native blasted his first home run of the summer on Thursday at Eldredge Park in Orleans. After Alex Hernandez singled to left field, Will Baker drove the 1-2 pitch to deep right field. His no-doubter was the first long ball for Y-D this season.
“I was just thinking about sticking with my approach, even on two strikes, just staying within myself and trying to put a good swing on it,” Baker said after the game.
