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SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws Set to Kick Off Post-Season

September 8, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


KANNAPOLIS, NC - The BlueClaws clinched their spot in the playoffs on June 18th. Now, almost three months later, they get their chance to win a title.

The BlueClaws (78-58) enter the 2009 South Atlantic League Northern Division Championship Series on Wednesday night at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium against Kannapolis (82-57), the second-half divisional champions.

The BlueClaws won the first half title at 42-26, and will host games two and (if necessary) three of the series on Friday and Saturday at FirstEnergy Park. Tickets are available at 732-901-7000, in person at the BlueClaws box office, or online at BlueClaws.com.

A Look At The BlueClaws Post-Season Starters

With comments from Manager Dusty Wathan

Matthew Way (4-1, 3.14), a 5th round pick this season from Washington State, will pitch game one for the BlueClaws. He went 2-3, 1.66 with Williamsport before an August promotion. He has walked 12 and struck out 85 in 75.1 innings between the two clubs.

"He's been outstanding for us. He throws a lot of strikes and doesn't walk anybody really," said Wathan. "Hopefully he can take his regular season success into the playoffs."

Their Game Two starter will be Trevor May (4-1, 2.56), a 2008 4th round draft choice. May has allowed just three earned runs in his last 25 innings pitched. He threw five shutout innings in his tune-up on Sunday.

""He went right after hitters on Sunday, threw strikes," said Wathan. "He doesn't get hit around so if he can keep guys off base, he has a chance to win almost every game he's in."

If there is a game three, Jesus Sanchez (10-6, 3.44) will pitch. Sanchez was a catcher until this season, when he led the BlueClaws in wins and went 9-2 over his last 15 starts.

"If you were to tell folks in the league that he was catching last year, they would have said you're crazy," said Wathan. "The improvement that he's made and the hard work that he's put in has been great."

Some BlueClaws Notes Entering The Post-Season

- Lakewood led all of Minor League Baseball with 210 stolen bases as a team. Only two other teams had as many as 200.

- Anthony Gose has 76 stolen bases to lead all of Minor League Baseball. His 60th steal broke Chris Roberson's team record on August 4th.

- Wathan on catcher Travis d'Arnaud (hit .302 in the second half after hitting .207 in the first half): "He's driving balls the other way, and thinking doubles instead of home runs. When he stays within himself, he'll have a lot of success like he's had the last month or so."

- Matthew Way on starting game one: "I wanted to establish myself as one of the better pitchers here and to be named the first pitcher for the playoffs was one of the things I set out to do; it was one of the goals I set for myself. It's rewarding."

- BlueClaws hitting coach Greg Legg managed here in 2000, when the then-Phillies affiliate was called the Piedmont Boll Weevils. They were knocked out in the first round, losing games two and three each by a 1-0 score.

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South Atlantic League Stories from September 8, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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