There’s no one that Double-A Tulsa would rather come up in a big spot than Josue De Paula.
MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 prospect -- and the top-ranked prospect in the Dodgers organization -- clubbed a go-ahead two-run homer to spark a 6-4 Drillers’ victory over Double-A Frisco on Friday night at Riders Field.
De Paula’s home run came moments after Tulsa coughed up a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. The left-handed hitter responded in a big way, driving an up-and-away fastball out to left field for an impressive opposite-field shot.
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It was the 16th home run of the season for the 21-year-old, who is slashing .323/.416/.554 with 44 extra-base hits and 69 RBIs in 81 games for the Drillers. His .970 OPS is third best in the Texas League, among qualified hitters. He also ranks second in RBIs, second in extra-base hits and third in slugging percentage.
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De Paula picked up right where he left off on the other side of the All-Star break with more high-level production. He is hitting .365 with a 1.081 OPS in a 41-game stretch that dates back to May 21.
De Paula also singled in his first at-bat, finishing his night 2-for-5 with two RBIs.