It’s one final push for the Bowling Green Hot Rods, who start a nine-game home stand on Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. – hosting Fort Wayne Ind.) for the first of a three-game series.

With 13 games left in the first half, Bowling Green (29-27) sits four games out of a playoff spot. However, the Hot Rods believe a strong two weeks can be enough to overcome the deficit. Helping BG’s cause is that the home stand not only features three games against Fort Wayne, but three each against South Bend (Ind.) and Lake County (Ohio). All three teams are in front of the Hot Rods in the standings, with South Bend leading the way in the Midwest League’s Eastern Division. 

“It’s going to be huge for us,” BG manager Reinaldo Ruiz said. “Right now we are not in a good position, but the good thing is we are going to be home for the next nine games. It’s a good chance for us, with the way we play at home. We are going to face those teams that are in front of us. We are playing better and I think we are going to have a good chance.”

Ruiz said he is encouraged by the Hot Rods’ recent road trip in which Bowling Green finished 3-3. The trip began with two losses, but the Hot Rods won three straight before falling to Lansing (Mich.) 6-2 on Sunday.

“We battled and started playing better offensively,” Ruiz said. “We are swinging the bats better and that’s good to see. The pitching has done really good, too. I think we have good momentum right now, even though we lost (Sunday).”

Bowling Green pitchers have posted a 2.51 ERA in the last five games and are 3.69 for the season despite continual shakeup in the staff. Three pitchers have been promoted to High A Port Charlotte (Fla.) the last two weeks, the latest being right-hander Henry Centeno who is fifth in the Midwest League with a 1.34 ERA.

“It’s not easy for us as a team, but it is a good thing for the players,” Ruiz said. “The way this organization works, if you do well, you are going to get the promotion. The team is going to suffer, because you have to move guys. It’s not easy, but it is good for the players.”

Blake Bivens, who replaced Centeno on the roster, is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA, with Ruiz also praising Bryan Bonnell’s work in the bullpen. 

The pitching staff, as well as the 25-man roster, got a bit of rest with Monday’s off day – the final off day in the first half. Ruiz said he hopes Monday can be the perfect opportunity for the team to recharge and be ready for a strong stretch run.

“It’s very convenient to have the off day after that road trip and before this nine games at home,” Ruiz said. “It is going to be huge for us and a chance for us to make the playoffs. Hopefully we can come back and play well enough to be in the race.”

– Follow Bowling Green Hot Rods reporter Micheal Compton on Twitter @mcompton428 or visit bgdailynews.com.