The GCL Nationals won the first game in the best-of-three series 3-1 over the GCL Marlins (box).
LHP Josh Smoker allowed one run on seven hits over 5IP, striking out just one. RHP Shane McCatty scattered a hit and three walks over two innings of relief for the win. RHP John Santiago pitched the final two innings, giving up one hit and striking out one for the save. The GCL Nats fell behind 1-0 early but tied the game in the 6th when with two outs Justino Cuevas was hit by a pitch, moved to third on a single by Brett Newsome and scored on a single by Yeurys Tejeda. In the eighth, Tejeda put the Nats ahead with a bases loaded single, scoring Eury Perez and Hendry Jimenez.
The series continues tomorrow with the GCL Nationals hosting and RHP Taylor Jordan the probable starter as the Nats look to take the series in two games.
#1 by Positively Half St. - September 2nd, 2009 at 15:06
Congratulations, guys! Win it all tomorrow!
#2 by VladiHondo - September 2nd, 2009 at 15:06
From the recap, another key play in the 2nd:
Brent Keys singles on a ground ball to center fielder Eury Perez. Jobduan Morales scores. Marquise Cooper out at home on the throw, center fielder Eury Perez to catcher Adrian Nieto.
This ended the inning, with only 1 run in for the GCL Guppies.
#3 by VladiHondo - September 2nd, 2009 at 15:14
Oops, should really read the whole thing:
In the 3rd inning with 1 out:
Terrence Dayleg doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Naoya Washiya.
With Marcell Ozuna batting, wild pitch by Josh Smoker, Terrence Dayleg to 3rd.
Marcell Ozuna reaches on a fielder’s choice out, third baseman Yeurys Tejeda to catcher Adrian Nieto. Terrence Dayleg out at home.
In the inning the Nats took the lead, their last 2 outs were Newsome getting nailed at 3rd when throw home was cut, then soon after Tejeda caught stealing.
Plus noticing a HEAVY emphasis on sac bunting.
#4 by RD - September 2nd, 2009 at 15:41
Hopefully the time in the GCL has helped Smoker get back on track. The positives about him in HS was that he has good command when he doesn’t try to overthrow … 7 hits, 0 walks, 1 K says to me he’s pitching to contact and not overthrowing. It’d be nice to get him(and McGeary) back on track next year at Hagerstown.
#5 by cjrugger - September 2nd, 2009 at 15:49
as a 20 year old completing his second full pro season, I’d like to see him be able to strike out more than 32 in 47 innings in the GCL…
#6 by RD - September 2nd, 2009 at 16:04
Again though, it’s about him staying within himself. Without question, you’d like to see more K’s.
With the rough patches he’s had, you have to get back to the basics. You have to get back to just working in the zone and not trying to overpower guys with stuff you don’t have. He’s got a 3/1 K/BB ratio which is solid. He’s got to get his confidence back and then he can start being more aggressive on the corners and slightly out of the zone. Im not saying he’s figured it all out – Just that it seems like some of the numbers say he’s learning to pitch within himself and isn’t trying to overthrow like he’s been known to do.