Plasencia goes on a hot streak

Francisco Plasencia has played in 66 of the Potomac Nationals' 76 games this year.

He has recently done all he can to prove he can be an everyday player.

Plasencia is on a team-high 12-game hit streak, the longest current streak in the Carolina League. As of Friday, the Nationals' left/center fielder had hit .325 during the streak and seen his average surge from .248 to .260. He was at .261 following Friday's 6-5 win over Frederick.

The streak reached 11 the previous night when Plasencia sent a ground ball to Keys second baseman Ryan Adams and beat out Adams' throw to first base.

That was Potomac's lone hit in a 2-0 loss, one which dropped the Nationals to 4-4 in the second half.

"I feel confident," Plasencia said. "I feel comfortable and know I need to be more confident than at the beginning of the season."

Plasencia has shown an ability to hit for power during this streak. Two of his seven home runs have come in the last 10 games. His most recent tied the score at one on June 30 in what turned into an 8-4, 12-inning win over Winston-Salem.

"I'm trying to see the ball better all the time," Plasencia said.

Now in his third season at Potomac, Plasencia, who attributes his recent success to having a more open stance, is seeking to become a consistent hitter. He showed an ability to master High-A pitching in 2008 by hitting .278 with five home runs, 45 RBI and 46 runs scored.

"I'm just trying to hit the ball a little harder," he said.

His work ethic has not gone unnoticed.

"He's been a steady player," Potomac manager Trent Jewett said. "He's got a consistent approach. He's done a nice job for us. He's done well in left field too. I'm happy with his performance."

Plasencia entered professional baseball in 2001. He started in the Arizona League and also played at short-season Ogden before being released by the Brewers in 2004.

His first season in the Washington Nationals organization came a year later in which his 56 RBI ranked second in the short-season New York-Penn League. He ranked fourth in the league with a career-high 11 home runs.

HE LOVES HOME

Jeff Mandel made the Carolina League All-Star team and was the starting pitcher against the California League on June 23. Mandel is also a strong performer at Pfitzner Stadium: Through his first seven home starts in 2009, the right-hander was 3-2 with a 2.90 ERA.

One of his best home performances came April 30 when he tossed a seven-inning complete game, allowing Potomac to split a doubleheader. Mandel allowed four hits and walked one.

He started Friday's game against Frederick and was perfect for the first three innings. Mandel worked out of a one-on, no-out jam in the fourth before allowing three runs in the fifth.

Mandel earned the victory to improve to 7-4.

ODDS AND ENDS

At 42-34, Potomac has enjoyed most of its success on the road. The Nationals are 27-15 away from home and only 15-19 at Pfitzner Stadium. … Sunday's starting pitcher, Will Atwood, has three victories, all on the road. … Friday's attendance was 5,117. Fans were treated to a fireworks show following the game.

Staff writer Robert Daski can be reached at 703-878-8049.