Felix Hernandez looks to mature into a true ace in 2009. Photo: Icon SMI
There’s a nice matchup of young pitchers in Oakland as Felix Hernandez challenges rookie Josh Outman. Outman had the kind of cup of coffee in 2008 that makes one want to see more. He struck out 19 and walked just 8 in a little over 25 innings. He also allowed just one home run. Keeping the ball in the park was a strength of his in the minors as well. He’ll face the veteran Hernandez who is a year and a half younger. He was in control in his first start, working efficiently to go eight innings.
Brad Penny makes his Red Sox debut in southern California, near where he played for the Dodgers. The last two seasons, Penny saw a jump in his walks per 9, and in 2008 combined that with a jump in home runs allowed. The Red Sox hope the a healed shoulder solves the problem. Joe Saunders takes the Hill for the Angels. He baffled the Oakland right-handed batters in his first game, allowing just two hits in fourteen at bats.
Roy Oswalt brings a career .665 winning percentage into Saturday's game against the Cardinals. Photo: Icon SMI
The day ends with Jonathan Sanchez and Jake Peavy battling in San Diego. Sanchez showed a lot of potential in 2008 with a high strikeout rate and not too many hits allowed. He still walks too many batters, but he was also hurt when he faced situations with multiple runners on base, especially with a man on third. Oppoents were 15 for 38, .395 with men on 1st and 3rd, 2nd and 3rd, or loaded. Peavy pitched well in his first start, but it didn’t matter as the Padres scored just one run in support. Only Houston, with 3.5 runs per game, is scoring less than the Padres 3.6 runs per game in the NL.
Enjoy!
Posted by David Pinto at 11:48 am | Games | Permalink | No Comments
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