PCL1 Sacramento River Cats

Duchscherer Named PCL Pitcher of the Year

Published on August 27, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Pacific Coast League today named Sacramento River Cats right-handed pitcher Justin Duchscherer its "Pitcher of the Year" for the 2003 season. The award, presented annually, is voted upon by the managers and media of the 16 PCL clubs.

"Justin is very deserving of this award, as he really has been the most consistent pitcher in the PCL this season," River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco said. "He has dominated opposing batters, and he hasn't lost a game since June 3. When Justin takes the hill for our team, we know we have a good chance of winning the game."

Duchscherer, 25, is 13-2 with a 3.28 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) with Sacramento this season. He set a new River Cats record for wins in a season and represented Sacramento in the Triple-A All-Star Game earlier this year. Duchscherer leads the league in wins (13) and has the PCL's sixth-best ERA (3.28). He has won his last 10 decisions. Earlier this week, has was named the right-handed starting pitcher for the 2003 All-PCL Team.

Originally selected by the Boston Red Sox in the eighth round of the 1996 Draft, Duchscherer has played in the Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Oakland A's organizations. He was acquired by Oakland in a March 2002 trade for right-handed pitcher Luis Vizcaino. In 169 career minor league games (152 starts), he is 56-46 with a 3.53 ERA.

Yesterday, the PCL named River Cats shortstop Bobby Crosby its 2003 "Rookie of the Year." The league will announce its "Most Valuable Player" tomorrow and its "Manager of the Year" on Friday.

Last week, the River Cats clinched the PCL's South Division for the third time in four seasons, securing a playoff spot. Sacramento will begin the postseason Sept. 3-4 on the road -- returning home Sept. 5-7 to complete the best-of-five series. Tickets for all River Cats home games (including postseason games) are available at the Raley Field Ticket Office, on the internet at www.rivercats.com and at all Tickets.com outlets (select Raley's & Bel Air stores). Fans can also purchase tickets by phone at 916-371-HITS.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 27, 2003


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