Roughriders at Rockhounds

Beaven has been promoted up to AA Frisco and makes his first AA start tonight in Midland. I need to catch up on a few things with Beaven first...

On June 4th, 2009

Bakersfield 4, at Visalia 3 (12 innings)

Win: Flores (3-1, 3.24)

OF Joey Butler singled home Davis Stoneburner in the 12th, and OF Tim Smith’s sac fly provided needed insurance. Butler (.294/.348/.443) was 3-6 with a double and his 4th steal. Smith (.328/.410/.448) also doubled and walked.

Since a two-inning, eight-run start on May 2nd, Blake Beavan has pitched 41.1 innings with a 3.92 RA, 2.40 ERA, 40 hits, three homers, eight walks, and 24 strikeouts. On Wednesday, he tied a season high with six strikeouts, walked one, and allowed a run on seven hits in six innings. Ryan Falcon followed with 2.1 scoreless relief innings.

On June 10th, 2009

at Bakersfield 5, San Jose 3

Win: Beavan (5-4, 4.30)

Save: Reed (4, 1.74)

Blake Beavan fanned six in eight innings while allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. He retired the side in order five times. Though his ERA is almost two runs higher than what he posted in Clinton last year, his peripheral stats have barely changed. A few more balls hit into play are eluding his defense, and a few more hits are coming with runners in scoring position. Essentially, he’s matching last year’s performance in a tougher league.

He almost didn’t keep the win. Corey Young allowed a single and two walks to load the bases with one out in the 9th. Evan Reed relieved him and induced an impressive, game-ending 5-2-3 double play. Give credit to Jonathan Greene and Jose Felix.

The Cal League announced its roster yesterday for the California/Carolina All-Star game. 1B Mauro Gomez and 2B Matt Lawson will make the trip to Lake Elsinore on the 23rd. Lawson (.311/.366/.435) celebrated the announcement with two walks and a single. Gomez (.272/.333/.508) singled, doubled, and walked. Ian Gac hit his 10th homer.

So, Beavan is 5-4 with a 4.30 ERA, but started the season 0-4 with a 7.88 ERA (Follow this link to a previous post: CLICK HERE). I wouldn't know if he has faced any Rockhounds before, but either way, I am thinking this debut could start out like his previous Bakersfield debut... rocky and then after some adjustments, he could get a call next season to start in AAA Oklahoma.

Jason Fernandez has pitched 71.1 innings this season for the Rockhounds. He has a 6-5 record with a 3.79 ERA in twelve starts (he has one complete game). He gives up a HR every ten innings or so and gives up a walk every 2.84 innings, or every eight outs.

Forecast: I am a Beavan fan, and if they were in Frisco tonight, I might have found a way to go out and see him pitch. He's making his debut on the road, it's his first AA start, and I would like to say that I think it would go well... but I just don't believe that. I really, really don't. Look for the Rockhounds to win this one, as they are in first place and Frisco is in last place. Having the best farm system doesn't necessarily mean they are going to win all the time... not even half the time. It just makes you scratch your head a little. Rockhounds win it by stopping a five game losing streak with a score of 4-2. Johnny Out.

Home Plate