Illinois Valley Times

Ryan Nagle of Streator turned 22 on Aug. 6, but a big number that day for him was three.

That's the number of hits he had in five at-bats for his team, the West Virginia Power, to help the minor-league team in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization top Delaware 12-7. It was also Nagle's third multi-hit effort in his previous nine games, according to the Power's website.

That showing brought the outfielder's season batting average up to .239 in 94 games. This year marks his first full season of Class A minor-league ball after playing 32 games in the Class A short season with the West Virginia Black Bears in 2015.

“It's definitely had its ups and downs,” Nagle said in an interview with the Illinois Valley Times. “But overall, it's a good experience.”

Looking at his other statistics for this season through Sunday, Nagle has 80 hits – which includes 17 doubles, one triple and one home run – 35 RBIs, 28 runs scored and five stolen bases. He also has a .301 on-base percentage and a .304 slugging percentage.

Last season, he batted .258 with six doubles, two triples, 17 RBIs and eight runs. He got on base at a .305 clip and slugged. 342.

At the level he's at in the minor leagues, Nagle said it's all about striving to get better and try new things.

“They kind of expect that from us, the up-and-down part,” Nagle said.

Nagle said he's learning a lot and improving across the board in his skill set, citing his defense as having really improved.

“I'm becoming a better base runner, too,” Nagle said.

Playing at the Class A level is different than when he was starring at the University of Illinois. Practically every day is a workday, Nagle said, as the team gets one or two days off a month. And, obviously, the talent he's battling against is better.

“You can't slack off one day,” Nagle said. "You have to be at your best every day."

A typical day for him during a homestand starts with showing up at the ballpark at 1 p.m to get some hitting or defensive work in. Then the outfielders meet to do some work together, followed by a team defensive meeting in the clubhouse. The squad then goes out for batting practice and works on different situations. By that time, Nagle said it's about an hour before the night's first pitch.

On the road, the players have to find meals on their own and relax before heading to the park about four hours before game time. Since the home team has the run of the park, the visitors have shorter workdays.

The Power travels everywhere by bus, Nagle said, with trips lasting eight or nine hours. Talking, playing cards and sleeping are favored activities on the bus.

As far as what areas he'd like to improve in, Nagle didn't get specific, saying he just wants to get better overall.

“I just want to keep getting better; don't take any day off, really – just each day, get a little better and see where that takes me,” Nagle said.