Ward hitting the ball hard since demotion

Nick Christensen

Thursday, July 31, 2003 | 9:17 a.m.

Daryle Ward is hitting the ball well in Triple-A.

A first baseman who struggled and the start of the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ward is 8-for-16 five games into his 51s stint. Ward recorded the only Las Vegas hits in an 8-2 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies Wednesday night at Cashman Field.

"I'm not going to discourage myself over situations," Ward said after Wednesday's loss. "Most of us young players like to play, so it's fun to get out here, swing the bat, get out on the field, and play."

Ward isn't just hitting the ball, he's crushing it. On his double off the right field wall Wednesday, Ward hit the ball so hard that 51s media director Jim Gemma said he thought the ball would go through the wall.

Later, hit a "pop-up" that was blown in by a strong wind from right. If it weren't for the wind, said 51s broadcaster Russ Langer, the ball "would have cleared the lights" in right.

Manager John Shoemaker has been impressed by Ward's contribution as well.

"We knew he was a good hitter, and he's proven that in the first four games he's played." Shoemaker said.

With his experience, Ward also has offered a quiet presence in the clubhouse.

"I just try to lead by example," he said. "I talk with the guys as much as I can. If there are certain situations where I think I would do it a little different, I'll go up to them one-on-one, and say something."

And with the Dodgers' continued struggles, does his short-term success here frustrate him?

"(The Dodgers) don't want me right now," he said. "So I'm here, helping this team."