Smith Thrives on Regular Duty

Outfielder Scott Smith is back in the California League, but this time to play.

Last season, Smith started in Riverside, but was buried on a team that had six or seven outfielders most of the time. Playing only against left-handed pitchers, he hit .235 with two homers in 56 games.

He was sent down to Wisconsin to play every day. He hit .327 in the final 34 games there, and has hit .329 with 10 homers and 48 runs batted in during the first half this season.

“If you know you are going to be in the lineup [every day], you can take some chances,” said Smith, 24, who started his first game with the JetHawks on Friday night.

Smith could become a valuable addition for the JetHawks, whose best right-handed power threat in the first half was catcher Scot Sealy, who hit seven home runs.

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Tonight’s Game: Visalia (Gary Goldsmith, 5-4, 4.94) at JetHawks (Brett Hinchliffe, 5-7, 5.08), 7:15.