Wednesday, August 21, 1996

PDogs' Monroe Heats Up Down the Stretch

By LANCE FLEMING
Staff Writer

As the weather has heated up, so has Abilene centerfielder Darryl Monroe, whose solid season has picked up even more over the Prairie Dogs' last 10 games.

Monroe has raised his average to .305 after going 16 for 41 (.390) over the last 10 games. In that span he's scored seven runs, driven in five more, hit two home runs and reached base 22 times.

The Abilene centerfielder has played well all season, but he's really picked it up as the Prairie Dogs are trying to hold off Lubbock for the second-half Texas-Louisiana League championship.

"I'll take the way he's played all year," Abilene manager Phil Stephenson said of Monroe's play of late. "I think he's probably matured over the course of the last year as a player both mentally and physically. He's learned more and more about the game."

In addition to his offensive output, Monroe has been even more effective in the field. He's made just three errors in centerfield.

But what has made Monroe even more valuable to the Prairie Dogs is his ability to hit the long ball.
He led off Monday's win over Tyler with his 12th home run of the season, which is two more than Barry Jones hit last year to lead the team.

His ability to hit the long ball from the leadoff spot has made him an integral part of the Dogs' offense.

"Most leadoff guys at any level of baseball are lucky to get to double figures in home runs," Stephenson said. "When I first saw him I figured he'd hit about four or five. Then he got to seven and I thought that was pretty good. Then he got to 10 and now 12. That's really good considering he plays half of his games here. I've seen him hit balls here that are outs that are home runs in every other park in the league."

Kerry Knox (10-2, 3.34 ERA) will start for the Prairie Dogs tonight against the Wildcatters. Tommy Carter (0-1, 6.85) will get the start for Tyler.

Tonight is Dr Pepper/Pepsi Can Night. Any fan who brings a Dr Pepper or Pepsi can to the ballpark will receive $1 off any ticket.