Syracuse 1 @ Charlotte 3
Kevin Goldstein had a bit in Unfiltered at BP recently that he had been told that Dustin McGowan was "awfully impressive" in Florida. Well, McGowan has confirmed that as he's come out of the gates strong this year. In 10 innings McGowan has given up just two runs (one unearned) on 8 hits and 3 walks. He has struck out *17*.
The key for McGowan now will be to stretch his starts out beyond 5 innings. Last night he threw 96 pitches (54 strikes) over his 5 innings.
It will be interesting to see what the Jays do if they need to replace a starter in the rotation. McGowan could very well get the call - especially if the Jays want to keep Janssen in relief (perhaps being a Heilman-like reliever, in that he could start, but might be more valuable for the team in the pen).
Adam Lind was 2-5 and Sal Fasano was 2-4 with a HR. In the doesn't mean much department, Lind had 23 walks in 109 ABs with the Chiefs last year. He has yet to walk this year.
Connecticut 5 @ New Hampshire 4
Californian Ricky Romero got the start and gave up 3 runs in the first - two on an Eddy Martinez-Esteve HR. On the night Romero gave up 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks in 4.2 innings with only 1 K. It's tough to play baseball in cold weather if you're used to it. I'm not sure how much worse it would be if you're used to LA weather.
Schneider, Cosby and Lydon each had two hits for the Fisher Cats.
Dunedin - Postponed: Rain
Lansing 1 @ West Michigan 2
Well, it's cold in Michigan and they didn't seem to have any problems pitching last night. The Nuts had just 3 hits on the night - 2 by Brian Pettway. Pettway is off to a quick start this season hitting .444/.444/.667 to start the year. He needs to hit his way to Dunedin quickly if he wants any chance of ever seeing the majors.
Lefty Nathan Starner started for Lansing and pitched 5 solid innings, giving up 2 runs (1 ER) on 2 hits and a walk. He struck out 6. I can't remember Starner from last year, but he pitched out of the bullpen in Pulaski.
3 Stars!
3 - Nathan Starner
2 - Sal Fasano
1 - Dustin McGowan