By Sam Bush
Maikel Franco cannot get to Philly soon enough.
Especially after his walk-off double scored two runners last night and was the difference in Lehigh Valley’s 6-5 victory over Columbus.
After the hit, Franco upped his season batting average to .346, a dramatic bump from his quiet spring training with the Phillies and a late-season cup of coffee where he seemed to struggle against major league pitching.
“It’s a great opportunity, something to look forward to,” Franco said prior to Tuesday’s game when asked his thoughts on potentially being called up to Philly even as early as Friday. “If I can get into that position, I’ll just be happy. Keep doing what I’m doing now.”
It is obvious that the everyday at bats in Triple-A have helped Franco’s confidence and his production from the plate as well.
“I’m just thinking about what I can do now,” Franco explained. “Slow down a little. When I go out there, I think this has really helped me a lot this year.”
The 22-year-old admitted to trying a little too hard during his appearance with the Phillies last summer but that this time around he feels that his mind is ready for the challenge.
