Perhaps the best thing that can be said about the Thunder's 7-3 loss to the Fisher Cats Friday night is that it was an improvement over their 6-0 loss opening night. Though they struggled early against starter Deck McGuire, they started to put some hits together off of the Fisher Cats bullpen and actually had a chance to get back into the game with the bases loaded and no outs in the eighth before Taylor Dugas grounded into a double play.

While obviously trying to find trends after two games isn't helpful, it was also nice to see Mason Williams pick up a hit for the second game in a row, especially after his tough start at Double-A last year. Here is some video - not exactly Ruthian, but it still counts.



Zach Wilson also got the legs moving on this infield RBI single in the sixth...the Thunder's first run of the season.

On the mound, Jeremy Bleich actually threw the ball pretty well, particularly with his breaking pitches. Given the result, he was understandably frustrated with himself after the game for not making his best pitches in the big spots, but considering he is still coming back from pretty significant shoulder surgery it was an encouraging start to the season.

Also, before the game, I got to talk to Rob Refsnyder for the first time, and I found him to be a really interesting, thoughtful guy. Here are some quotes that didn't make it into the story:

On the changing role of second basemen in MLB:

(Jason) Kipnis just got a huge deal. I think baseball is changing. Middle-of-the-diamond guys, not only are they good hitters, but they have good power numbers. They get on base. I think middle-of-the-diamond guys are changing the game. You don’t see many just contact hitters, you see some thump. Cano, Kipnis, Pedroia, some big all-star faces. Utley. It’s always fun seeing how they play and everyone’s style is a little different. Hopefully I can make my own mold at second base, and I’m excited going forward to see how it all shakes out.

On growing up in southern California and not being a Dodgers fan:

Growing up I liked the Phillies. My parents are from Philly, so when Utley and Howard first got there things were pretty exciting. I was a little bit of a Yankees fan because of Jeter and watched the Angels a little bit. I’ve just always been a baseball fan, so when its on TV I watch it.

On taking infield advice from Tony Franklin:

He’s very honest and very thorough in his explanations. I’ve worked with him a little bit, but he really let Carlos Mendoza and Luis Sojo (coach) last year, and Tony has been more just little tips on position and things like that. He always jokes that it’s a lot different than when he played. Last night there were a couple of routine balls hit to my left, and I was in good position because what the Yankees are trying to do as a whole. There is a whole adjustment period for the organization, so hopefully we have a lot of success moving forward.

Also, here he is taking some BP: