Juan Silverio has been a one-man wrecking crew this week for the Sugar Land Skeeters as they’ve taken on the Somerset Patriots at home in Constellation Field.
The third baseman racked up five runs-batted-in on May 28 and belted a grand slam on June 1 for the second of his three home runs in the last week. The 27-year-old from the Dominican Republic is tied for the league lead with 29 RBI. Going into Sunday’s game, Silverio had scored seven runs, hit a double, had 13 RBI and stole two bases last week against the Patriots.
“I’ve been working hard and making adjustments because the last series we played on the road I wasn’t doing a really good job, so I made adjustments to do better this series,” he said with the aid of a translator. “Last year was really good for me but I just played the second half of the season, so this season is going to be the whole season … I’m working hard to play better every day.”
Third base coach Lincoln “Juice” Gumbs has noticed Silverio hitting his stride this past week.
“Juan has been on fire. He comes every day, he plays hard and at this moment right now, he’s settling in,” he said.
Although Silverio stood out last week, he isn’t the only Skeeter to have his bat wake up. Dennis Phipps, Cody Stanley, Anthony Giansanti and Jared Mitchell have been coming on strong and Zach Borenstein hit his fourth homer of the season Monday night for a two-run walk-off win.
“The guys are settling in a little bit better now. They’re taking better at-bats. I think we’re starting to round out to where guys, they’re starting to play with each other,” Gumbs said. “Guys are taking at-bats and not trying to do everything themselves and feel like they have to be a hero. They pass on the baton and guys are stepping up.”
Gumbs said that the pitching staff been crucial in keeping opposing bats cold.
“The pitching staff, they’re holding their own. They keep us in games,” he said. “I speak about them as a unit, not one particular guy; it’s not one particular guy that’s standing out, I think they’re all doing a great job together. Each starter comes in and they give us what they have, and they keep us in games, and they give us a chance to win.”

Transactions
The Skeeters released pitcher James Dykstra and shortstop Alvaro Rondon. They signed pitcher Daniel Schlereth, activated pitcher Cesar Cabral and outfielder Willy Taveras from the temporarily inactive list, and placed pitcher Mitch Talbot on the temporarily inactive list. Outfielder Jabari Henry was placed on the seven-day injured list.

Upcoming
After taking Monday off, the Skeeters hit the road for six games, three at Lancaster and three in Southern Maryland. They return to Constellation Field June 10 for an eight-game home stand, four against Lancaster and four against New Britain. There will be a beer mug giveaway on June 16, Father’s Day.

Skeeter of the Week
Juan Silverio belted three home runs, including a grand slam, last week to earn Skeeter of the Week honors.

Atlantic League standings

Wins–Losses–Games back
Freedom Division
Sugar Land Skeeters 24-14-0
Lancaster Barnstormers 13-20-8.5
York Revolution 12-24-11
S. Maryland Blue Crabs 10-26-13

Liberty Division
Long Island Ducks 23-12-0
High Point Rockers 21-15-2.5
New Britain Bees 19-15-3.5
Somerset Patriots 20-16-3.5

Results
May 27
Skeeters 7, Patriots 6
May 28
Skeeters 8, Patriots 3
May 29
Patriots 1, Skeeters 0
May 30
Patriots 6, Skeeters 3
May 31
Skeeters 4, Patriots 3
June 1
Skeeters 11, Patriots 6
June 2
Skeeters 9, Patriots 6