NORFOLK, Va. — The core group of talent for the Norfolk Tides is now with the parent club Baltimore Orioles these days, however Tides fans have noticed the cupboard wasn't left bare.
Case in point is outfielder Colton Cowser. He's been one of the main reasons why Norfolk (22-7) sports the best record in the entire International League this season. About a month ago, the Houston, Texas native was struggling, but since then owns the longest on-base streak in the International League at 23 games in a row. It's also the longest overall this season.
"I think it's just more ABs (at bats) I got, the more comfortable I started getting", he said. Cowser is currently hitting .324 to go with 5 homers and 23 runs batted in. "Shaking some rust off and now I know what my approach is".
"He commands the strike zone so well", says Tides manager Buck Britton. "When he struggles a little, he can get a little passive at the plate and I think it's more of a mindset of if it's over the middle of the plate, I'm going to get a swing off".
With all that success during the past month, Cowser will be the first to tell you, there's a balance between seeking assistance when there are problems and doing it on your own.
"I like to hear a little bit of advice, but I also like to dissect things".