Baker Continues Hot July with Two More Home Runs in Keys’ 6-4 Loss to Salem

Frederick, MD – It can be argued that no other player currently in the Carolina League is as hot as Frederick Keys’ first baseman Aaron Baker. In the month of July, Baker is hitting .344 with eight home runs and 23 RBI in 15 games.

The 24-year-old added two more homers to his total Tuesday that gives him a total of 22 for the season.  Since the All-Star break, Baker is hitting an impressive .336 with 11 HR and 31 RBI in 25 games.

The Denton, Texas native is showing patience at the plate and is not expanding the strike zone.  The biggest adjustment according to manager Orlando Gomez is his ability to shorten his swing and make it compact.

The consistency for Baker at the Single-A level is starting to show. He was acquired by the Baltimore Orioles in the Derrek Lee trade at the deadline in 2011.

Baker was promoted last season, but struggled with Double-A Bowie as he batted only .196 with three RBI in 15 games.  There are no reports on whether a promotion is near for the power hitter, but he is on by far the best stretch in his career.

Post-game quotes

Aaron Baker

– On his Month of July

“I’m not really looking for anything. I’m just going up there and getting ready on time.  When I am right on time, and kind of easy in the box it’s easier to adjust to the off-speed pitches now.”

– On the home run at bats

“First at-bat I was thinking that the pitcher was going to stay away I don’t really remember the pitch.  The second time was definitely a changeup that I hit out to right.”

– On the loss

“Tonight was tough. We took the lead early and they tied it up and took it right back. They took the lead at the end of the game.  Sometimes it’s tough, but it’s going to happen that way. You just have to swallow it, come back and get ready for tomorrow.”

– On if this is best stretch of career

“I don’t know.  I don’t really think about that. I just try to go out there and have good at bats and have a good time.  I just try to go out there and have fun.”

Orlando Gomez

On Baker

“Baker is swinging the bat really well right now. I am very happy for him. It’s not a surprise because he has power and everything. He is making some adjustments, not rushing, and not trying to over swing. When he is getting his pitches he is hitting them. You don’t see him lunging. He is more relaxed at the plate.  his strike zone is a lot better. It’s good for him I am very happy.”