Willson Contreras played a complete game Monday in Iowa’s 11-0 thumping of Albuquerque.
Willson Contreras went 4-for-5 with two home runs, three runs scored and five RBI. The I-Cubs scored 10 runs in the sixth inning with the big hit coming off the bat of Contreras, a grand slam over the wall in right center. Contreras capped his career-day at the dish with a solo homer to right in the eighth inning.
And Contreras called a four-hit shutout in which three pitchers (Jake Buchanan, Felix Pena, Carl Edwards Jr.) issued one walk in nine innings.
Willson Contreras extended his hitting streak to nine games Monday with the four-hit performance. Contreras is 13-for-39 over that span and he’s hit five home runs in his last six games.
Over his last 27 games, Contreras has hit .320/.415/.650 with seven doubles, a triple and eight home runs for a 1.065 OPS. Contreras has 14 walks and 17 strikeouts in 100 at-bats. And half of his 32 hits over the last month have gone for extra bases (16).
For the season, arguably the top catching prospect in the game is batting .329/.418/.559 with 11 doubles, a triple and eight home runs for a .977 OPS while showing improvement defensively.
Marty Pevey, Iowa’s manager, told the Des Moines Register after Monday’s game that he was “impressed with Contreras work behind the plate.” Pevey said Contreras is “receiving” and “calling games better.” Pevey also said that Contreras could probably “survive right now” offensively in the big leagues. Defensively, Contreras has “got a long way to go.”
Contreras recently told the Des Moines Register that he thinks he is ready to play in the big leagues. Contreras pointed out that decision is out of his control. He has to stay focused and work on improving daily both defensively and offensively.
Contreras was recently moved to the second spot in the lineup. And he’s thriving in the new role according to the Des Moines Register.
In six games batting in the two-hole, Contreras is 9-for-27 with two doubles, five home runs, two walks and seven strikeouts (.333/.400/.963) for a 1.363 OPS.
By all accounts, Willson Contreras is a good guy in the clubhouse that just gets it. Contreras wrapped up his career day by signing autographs and spending time with his fans at Principal Park.