Laird thrived in Fenway Park dimensions

If he ever gets to play at Fenway Park, Brandon Laird could be in for a big day.

The RiverDogs first baseman couldn't have asked for a much better series than the one he enjoyed in Greenville earlier in the week. He launched five homers in four games at the Drive's West End Field, which was built with the dimensions of the Boston Red Sox's home field.

"Every at-bat, I was just trying to get a good swing on the ball, and it seemed to go out every time," he said.

Laird was 6-for-18 in the series. His other hit was a double. The sudden power surge pumped up his season home run total to a team-leading 17.

The series was representative of the progess he's seen in his hitting since the beginning of the year.

"Just knowing I'm capable of hitting the gaps. I've also learned to watch what pitchers are throwing Jesus Montero. We're similar hitters, so by seeing what they throw him, I get a better idea of how they're going to pitch me," he said.

Laird was the Yankees' 27th round draft pick out of Cypress College last year. His older brother Gerald is a catcher for the Texas Rangers, and the two keep in touch frequently.

"We talk about baseball some, but usually we talk about family," Laird said.

There was a little extra baseball to talk about on Aug. 3, though when Brandon hit his third homer in two games. That same night, Gerald hit two against Toronto.

"I called and let him know I hit another one and he hits two, almost as if to say I can do it, too." Laird said.

Record watch

With just over 20 games left on the schedule, here's a rundown of where some current RiverDogs can place themselves in the team record books.

Laird is four home runs away from cracking the top five among single-season performances and top 10 all-time. If he had any more games left in Greenville, he would have a better shot at the season record of 25 shared by three people, the last was Delmon Young in 2004.

Montero has a shot at three lists. His current batting average of .317 would be good for fifth best in a season. Though it's unlikely he could chase down Cliff Pastornicky's record .343 in 1982, he might be able to get second by surpassing Young's .322 average in 2004. Also, two dozen more hits and he'll be among the single-season leaders in that category. Mitch Hilligoss had 161 hits last season to take the fifth spot.

Montero and Justin Snyder entered Saturday's game with 30 and 29 doubles, respectively. Josh Pressley's 44 in 2000 is the season record, but they only need to get to 34 to tie fifth place.

Among the pitchers, Jonathan Ortiz is already fourth on the career list with 28 saves. Leader Kerry Lacy had 36 in 1993, and two others are tied for second at 30.

Attendance figures

If there are no more bad weather games, the Charleston RiverDogs have a good shot at breaking last year's attendance mark of 284,718.

The season attendance is 255,122 which already is the fifth best mark ever.

For much of the season, the club was on pace to crack the 300,000 plateau which is an important goal as the club eyes switching to Double-A affiliation one day. However, two rainouts late in the year and some recent games played in poor weather siphoned off several thousand more fans, so the quest for 300,000 will have to wait another year.

The club has eight home dates left and based on last season's August attendance, it will finish at around 290,000 fans.

Reach Bill Henley at 937-5595 or bhenley@postandcourier.com.