INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – After seeing inconsistent playing time throughout the first few months of the season, Jared Oliva has really hit his stride in August and September.
In his 26 games over the last two months, Oliva is hitting .347 with nine doubles, a triple and three home runs.
“I think a lot of [the success] has been the work from early in the season,” Oliva said. “It was kind of just slow developing. Obviously, getting more opportunity to play has definitely been a big factor, too. Honestly, it’s just been a lot of the work we’ve been putting in in the cage for previous months and has just shown up. I’ve been swinging better pitches and being on time.”
Additionally, Oliva has had a couple of the more noticeable plays in the Indianapolis season, both due to hustle. On June 9, Oliva capped off an Indianapolis win with a steal of home plate when the catcher tossed a simple lob back to the pitcher.
Have you ever seen a walk-off steal of home? Well, now you have.
Jared Oliva pulls off the feat to secure victory for the @indyindians. pic.twitter.com/hn72iy0jyK
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 10, 2022
On September 15, Oliva homered for the first time in back-to-back games. This one required a bit more hustle.
.@Jared_Oliva41 is a human highlight reel.
Hustle is just something the Oliva is always going to bring to the table to grind across extra runs.
“I like to play the game hard and aggressive,” Oliva said. “When the opportunity presents itself, and I see some way I can help the team win, I try to take advantage. A couple of those times have stood out more than others. It’s just me trying to think ahead for an opportunity to score another one, and ultimately help the team win.”
Along with that mentality, Oliva has had the opportunity to provide some leadership to a fairly youthful outfield in Indianapolis. That is a role that he has embraced, and takes pride in.
“We have a good crop of young guys,” Oliva said. “I feel like it was good to share a little bit of knowledge and help them when they make that next step. It is a good talented group. Hopefully I was able to share some info and help them out.”
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