Ryan Ward absolutely went off on Friday night, delivering a monstrous four-hit performance for Oklahoma City, complete with a home run and two doubles. This was a massive statement: after getting optioned on June 30 and then going seven July games without an extra-base hit, Ward smashed his way back, reminding everyone what he can do.
Comets' Bats Go Boom
Triple-A Oklahoma City put on an offensive clinic, racking up eight extra-base hits in a total romp over the El Paso Chihuahuas. Ward, naturally, had three of those. Alek Thomas crushed his third homer in just three games. Jack Suwinski joined the party with two doubles and drove in four runs, while Austin Gauthier and Ryan Fitzgerald also notched doubles. Christian Romero looked solid, striking out five and only giving up one run across 5 1/3 innings. Things got wild late, though. Ryder Ryan was one out shy of a three-inning save but gave up three runs in the ninth. Jerming Rosario stepped in with the bases loaded and the tying run up, striking out Bryce Johnson to nail the save.George's Blazing Return Fuels Drillers
Down in Double-A, the Tulsa Drillers snagged a big win against the Springfield Cardinals, fueled by exciting returns. Josue De Paula was clutch, smashing an RBI double in a four-run rally in the seventh that put the Drillers ahead for good. Zyhir Hope came through big, too, with the game-tying two-run single in that same seventh, adding a walk and a stolen base. But the real buzz? Kendall George is BACK! After missing a month with a knee injury, George made an incredible impact. In his first four games back with Tulsa, he's already racked up eight hits in 16 at-bats, plus three walks and three stolen bases. On Friday, he singled twice, walked, stole two bases, and scored a pair. Evan Shaw earned the win with three scoreless, hitless innings in relief, fanning four.Loons Battle But Fall Short
High-A Great Lakes fought hard but ultimately fell to the Dayton Dragons, doomed by two runs in the eighth. Robby Porco walked two in the eighth before getting pulled, and those walks scored on a single off Justin Chambers. Despite the loss, Chase Harlan, just a day after his 20th birthday, launched his third home run and sixth extra-base hit since getting promoted. Shortstop Emil Morales, not even 20 until September, continued his insane tear, adding a double, a single, and two RBI. In just four games this series, Morales has dropped 10 hits, including five extra-base hits, and seven RBI. What a night across the system! Ward's explosion and George's electric return are exactly the kind of momentum swings you want to see. You gotta believe these guys will keep this fire burning, pushing their teams hard as the season rolls on. Keep an eye on George, because he looks ready to tear it up!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.