MLB
National League Player Of The Month Award
Every month, both the National and American League’s give out awards like the Player of the Month. One player on the Pirates who specifically stuck out during the month of May was first baseman Josh Bell. The National League Player of the Month is Josh Bell.
Josh Bell’s Season Thus Far
Nobody knew what kind of season to expect from Josh Bell coming into this season. In fact, he’s surprised everyone with his play thus far. Currently, Bell is one of the leagues hottest hitters boosting a .332 batting average and with 75 hits, 18 home runs, and 53 RBIs. Additionally, Bell has a slugging percentage of .681 and an OPS at 1.077
Bell’s Month Of May
Bell leads the National league offense in multiple categories. In fact, his batting average of .390 leads all of baseball along with his OPS at 1.238. On the other hand, Bell also leads all of baseball in two other categories; home runs with 12, and RBIs with 31. Bell was very streaky in May and it showed. To top the month of May off, Bell compiled a 15-game hit streak, though it ended on the last road trip to San Diego. That specific 15-game streak helped pave the way for Josh Bell to have a historic month of May.
Another significance of Bell’s performance in the month of May is the fact that Bell at times carried the Pirates to victory and, without his strong performance, the Pirates may not be in the position they are.
Conclusion
Even though the Pirates are sitting in fourth place in the NL Central. They’re only two games below .500 at 28-30 and are rightfully in the thick of things in the division. Another hot month from Bell in June could propel this team and elevate the play to the next level.
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Written by Tom Johnston
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Photo Credit to Pirates via Twitter
