NOTEBOOK Scrappers vs. Spikes

Who’s hot: Kaimi Mead found the going rough early in the season, losing three of his first four decisions. However since that time, the lefty has won three of his four decisions and is on a roll. During that span, he has worked 20 innings, allowing 19 hits and eight earned runs. His control has been a little shaky at times with eight walks, but he has struck out 11. “I am not doing anything differently now than I was before,” said Mead. “The important thing for me is that I got my confidence level up. I realize now that I can get these guys out and that is what I needed to see.” … Eric Berger continues to be strong out of the starting gate. The lefty is 2-0 in five starts, having allowed a dozen hits while working 21 innings. He has only allowed three earned runs for an ERA of 1.29 and his control is outstanding with five walks compared to 24 strikeouts. … Isaias Velasquez has been putting it together with a seven-game hitting streak. During that span, he has gone 10-for-26 with five runs scored and one RBI. … Jeremie Tice has hit safely in five of his last six games, going 7-for-21 during that time. He has scored four runs. … Brock Simpson has gone 6-for-16 (.375) during his last five games with a home run and a double.

And who’s not: P. J. Zocchi was roughed up quite a bit in his latest start. He worked five innings, allowing seven hits and four earned runs. He walked two and struck out five. … Corteze Armstrong stopped an 0-for-27 streak with a ground single in Williamsport a week ago, but since that time he has started another hitless streak that shows him 0-for-5, giving him a 1-for-32 log for his last 16 games.

Bill Albright