Kemp extends hitting streak to 25 games

Tony Kemp is a big disciple of former Major Leaguer Steve Springer's philosophy that a player is not going to get a hit every game, so they should just focus on quality at-bats.

But the Astros' No. 14 prospect has found a way to have it all, extending his hitting streak to 25 games with two base knocks in Triple-A Fresno's 6-2 win against Sacramento on Tuesday at Chukchanski Park.

"I'm trying to keep things simple up at the plate and not do too much and not overthink, but just try to put the bat on the ball," he said. "I think it's just being comfortable within yourself and getting good swings on good pitches and not swing outside of your zone and staying within your approach."

Across Triple-A and Double-A, Kemp's stretch tied Mariners prospect Dario Pizzano for the longest streak in the Minors this season. The Fresno leadoff hitter wasted no time matching the mark, lining a single to center field in his first at-bat against the River Cats.

"I don't think I can recall a time like this. Just keeping things simple; I keep saying that and it's kind of cliché, but that's really what it is. You have four to five opportunities to get up there and have good, quality at-bats," he said. "I was big into Steve Springer and you can't get too down on yourself, you can't get too high or too low on yourself, you got to stay even keel. And if you hit the ball hard, you win.

"You're not going to get hits every game, but if you can just have good quality at-bats, good things are going to happen."

Along with the former Major Leaguer turned motivational speaker, Kemp has learned a lot from his brother, Corey, who is big on improving each day, as well as his new teammates, especially Robbie Grossman and L.J. Hoes.

"Those guys have taken me under their wing. I just like to pick their brain because they've been in the big leagues and they've been on the big stage and just trying to listen to them and what they did and listen to the mistakes they made," Kemp said. "Those two guys have really helped me out along the way."

The Vanderbilt product said he tries to get to the cage early with hitting coach Leon Roberts to work on simplifying his approach. In 13 games with the Grizzlies, Kemp is batting .385 with two extra-base hits and just two strikeouts.

"I think it's also a thing of going to the plate and knowing that you have eight other guys that if I get on base, hopefully I can be hit in," the second baseman said. "Those guys are unbelievable and I can't say enough about the team. They come to the field every day with a positive attitude and a ready-to-work attitude and I think that's rubbed off on me."

The Grizzlies don't have a scheduled off day until the Triple-A All-Star break on July 13, but that doesn't mean Kemp thinks he'll get a hit every day until then. He'll continue to strive for quality at-bats each time his name is on the lineup card.

"I have no idea [how long it will last]. Honestly you can't really worry yourself about the streak," he said. "This time doesn't last long, the window for baseball doesn't last forever, so you just got to take advantage while you got the opportunity. "

Kemp added an RBI in support of Fresno starter Luis Cruz (4-2), who allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while fanning six in seven innings.

Sacramento starter Chris Stratton (0-1) yielded four runs -- one earned -- on four hits and two walks over two frames.