Burt extends on-base streak to 50 games

D.J. Burt knew he was getting on base a lot, he knew his streak was becoming noteworthy, but he didn't care. He just wanted to have another good game.

The Royals prospect ended up doing both on Wednesday night as he slapped an RBI single to extend that on-base streak to a Minor League season-high 50 games in Rookie-level Idaho Falls' 5-4 win over Ogden at Melaleuca Field.

"I don't really try to press too much at the plate and just try to be a spark for the team, use my speed to my advantage to get on," Burt said. "I usually try not to worry about [streaks] too much. I just try to go out and have fun and have fun with the game."

Chukars broadcaster Alex Cohen alerted Burt to the streak last week when he tagged the 19-year-old on Twitter. Knowing about it didn't faze Burt, who had 10 hits in his last six games heading into Wednesday.

"It really doesn't bother me. It's a very exciting accomplishment, but then again, I just try to have fun with the game and be a spark plug to the team," he said. "I've been seeing the ball pretty good this month, just sticking with my game plan on fastballs and just get on any way on possible, bunting, stuff like that."

Burt failed to extend the streak when he struck out in the bottom of the first, but he singled to center field to score Xavier Fernandez in the second.

"The [score] was tied and we're trying to make a run for the playoffs and I was just trying to do all I can to get the runner in from second base," he said. "It was huge, it was very exciting."

The North Carolina native also helped produce the winning run by drawing a leadoff walk in the ninth. He's reached base in every game since June 27, raising his average 229 points to .288 during that span. He's also drawn 36 walks and gotten plunked twice, producing a .398 on-base percentage that ranks 12th in the Pioneer League.

"To me, it means I've had a pretty successful year, just being patient at the plate. That really brings more out of the streak to me -- me being patient and just my on-base percentage really excites me," said Burt, a 2014 fourth-round pick. "I've grown a lot, I've learned a lot, [like] just being patient at the plate, working the count, two-strike battling at the plate, not giving up, not letting the pitcher easily get me. Just being a tough out."

After Burt walked in the ninth, he was erased when Roman Collins bunted into a forceout. Joshua Banuelos followed with an RBI double as the Chukars moved one game ahead of the second-place Raptors in the South Division second-half race. 

As Idaho Falls inches closer to a playoff berth, Burt said it's clear exactly how long he wants the on-base streak to last.

"Hopefully to the championship game," he said.

Tripp Davis (6-2) struck out four and worked around a hit over 2 2/3 innings for the win.