by James Beltran
Staff Writer
Goefrey Tomlinson proved in the series against the UNC Charlotte 49ers that it will take more than a hamstring pull to slow down his torrid pace this season.
After being sidelined six games due to injury, Tomlinson picked up right where he left off, pestering the 49ers' defense with six trips to the basepads in his 11 total at-bats.
The Cougars center fielder was the main ingredient in Houston's offensive run in the three-game sweep of UNCC. He had seven RBI in the series, including four in the second game of the twin billing on Saturday.
Tomlinson was lethal in the extra base-hit department, collecting five in the series, including two home runs and three doubles. With that, he now ties Dustin Carr for the team lead in long balls and pulls closer to Bruce Rios for most RBI. Tomlinson is three behind with 38.
"I felt pretty good," Tomlinson said. "I was a little anxious to get out there. It's a good feeling to be out on the field with the guys again for the rest of the season."
The Cougars' offense can only get better with the addition of Tomlinson's team leading .422 batting average. It's a scary thought, considering Houston was averaging a healthy 8.7 runs per game in his absence.
"I was a little worried whether he would be able to catch up to certain pitches," Houston coach Rayner Noble said. "He proved he wouldn't have a problem with that in the first game.
"I'm glad that he's back. He didn't look like he missed a lick."
Added to his damage in driving in runs, Tomlinson also hurt the 49ers with his scoring ability. Once on base, the Houston bats did a good job of keeping the inning alive. In his six turns on base, Tomlinson came around to score four times.
He is third on the team in runs scored with 39.
Tomlinson said he is not worried the injury will affect him in the future. "If I go out there and give 100 percent all the time, then I think I'll be fine."
With his play so far this season, Houston may not have a hard time winning games if Tomlinson were to only give 50 percent of his efforts. He tops the team in batting average, home runs, triples (3) and slugging percentage (.756). He is second in hits with 57, and also second in doubles (15).
Statistics such as these are sure to be eye-openers to major league teams come draft time. But there are still games left to be played, and if Tomlinson is to keep in favorable terms with the scouts, he will have to maintain his performance.