In his first game action since April 21, A.J. Burnett mowed through the Columbus Clippers for 5 no-hit innings, striking out 7 hapless Yankee wannabes, walking 1, beaning 1. A.J. threw 67 pitches, 40 for strikes and 1 wild, and the batters that didn’t strike out hit 6 grounders and 2 fly balls.
Jamie Vermilyea followed Burnett and notched a 4 inning save. While he did allow 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 base hits, he one-upped the ringer by striking out 8 and not issuing any free passes.
This one was over early as the SkyChiefs threw up a 7 in the bottom of the 2nd, featuring dingers by Chad Mottola and Kevin Barker. It was part of a 2-hit night for both of them, and they were joined in that department by Sergio Santos and Rob Cosby. John Hattig smacked 3 doubles, while Cosby’s hits were also of the 2-base variety and were complemented by 2 walks.
New Hampshire: Scheduled off day.
Lakeland @ Dunedin: Postponed, rain.
The Lugnuts only had 4 hits on the night as they were felled by the Timber Rattlers. 3B Anthony Hatch had 2, including a double, and also walked. 2B Sean Shoffit and RF Jacob Butler had the other 2, and each also drew a base on balls.
Russell Savickas started and threw an ineffective 5 innings, 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. Adrian Martin followed with a fab 4, 3 hits and 4 strikeouts.
Three Star Selection!
The Third Star: John Hattig, Syracuse. Double. Double. Double.
The Second Star: Adrian Martin, Lansing. 4 innings of shutout relief.
The First Star: A.J. Burnett, Syracuse. Out of his league.