Even with opponent's advance scouting, Difo continues to deliver

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

July 30, 2017, 6:19am

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Shortstop Wilmer Difo connected on the biggest hit of the game Saturday night for the Nationals in their 4-2 loss to the Rockies.

His two-run single that dropped perfectly in front of left fielder Gerardo Parra helped to ignite a rally for the Nationals that in the end came up a bit short. But the base hit on the first offering from Rockies starter German MÃ¡rquez was a signal that Difo is improving in his pitch recognition.

His July has been outstanding. Difo has now hit safely in 16 of the last 17 games he has started. He has also reached safely in 27 of 32 games he has started this season.

Difo has hit .369 (24-for-65) with a double, two homers, 10 RBIs, seven walks, two stolen bases and 16 runs scored during his recent run.

"I feel very good up there," Difo said through Nats interpreter Octavio Martinez. "I've always worked hard to make sure I take good at-bats up at the plate. Sometimes I get a little overly aggressive and chase pitches but for the most part I've been feeling great and then having a good approach."

But July has been even better for Difo. He has made contact and has kept the ball on the ground. Any reason for not popping the ball up as much recently?

"I don't think I've changed anything," Difo said via Martinez. "My approach has pretty much remained the same. I've remained very aggressive. If anything, I've choked up on the bat a little bit. I think that's helped a lot in my bat control."

His recent uptick in play has not been lost on manager Dusty Baker. Difo's hot streak has also silenced those in media who have wondered why Difo is batting second while Anthony Rendon bats sixth.

"He's staying out of the air and he's hitting the ball the other way," Baker noted. "He'll pull it up on occasion. You see how they were playing him tonight. Because that's a double down the line, but they were standing right there, so evidently they've been scouting Difo too. He's been a tough out. He's been a clutch man for us in that No. 2 spot. Difo's playing well."