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ANAHEIMBrandon Belts hitting streak is only at sevengames, but its the longest of his career. And it isnt just composed of groundsingles and bloopers, either.
Belt has one extra-base hit in five of those seven games,including three home runs. He hit the ball with authority twice while reachingbase in all four plate appearances during the Giants 5-3 victory at AngelStadium on Monday.
Added to his ability to draw a walk, which didnt completely disappeareven when he was struggling, and Belt has become a major on-base presence. Hehas a .571 OBP to go along with a .455 average during his hitting streak,lifting his season OBP to a very lofty .379.
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RELATED: Brandon Belt career stats2012 Game logs
Its a far cry from the hitter who slumped his shoulders andclearly lacked for confidence in his first 48 games, when he was just a .224hitter with no home runs and a .328 slugging percentage.
Hes really settling in here, Giants manager Bruce Bochysaid. Hes throwing out good at-bats and I think its helped him to go outthere every day, too. Hes getting those four at-bats, knowing hes going to bein the lineup. I know thats helped him settle down.
But Ill add to that. It took some adjustments on his part.I dont think it wouldve helped him earlier to play more until he made someadjustments.
San Francisco Giants
Bochys qualification, no doubt, was aimed at his critics the vocal faction of Giants fans who made a fuss whenever Aubrey Huff or BrettPill was at first base.
Belt is clearing his hips better and turning on pitches.Those are among the adjustments coaches wanted him to make this spring, and itsbeen an ongoing process. Having the opportunity to work on it against majorleague pitching, rather than during batting practice or in the minors, hasallowed Belt to get comfortable.
What does Belt think?
Thats a great way to describe it, he said. Its gettingcomfortable and confident. Confidence is something Ive lacked in the past.Right now its high and Im enjoying baseball again. Just keep doing what Imdoing and keep riding the wave.