CalL1 San Jose Giants

Giants at Modesto Nuts

Published on August 27, 2008 under California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release


Internet Radio Broadcast...The entire series from Modesto can be heard live on www.sjgiants.com with Joe Ritzo calling all of the action.

THE SAN JOSE GIANTS...will attempt to win the second half North Division title when they travel to Modesto on Wednesday to begin a three-game series against the Nuts at John Thurman Field. San Jose (39-25) currently owns a 5 1/2 game lead over Modesto (33-30) with just six games remaining in the regular season. The Giants need just one victory in the series to secure the division crown. San Jose swept a three-game set from the visiting High Desert Mavericks in their most recent series. The Giants posted victories of 5-1, 11-8 and 4-1 to improve their home record to a remarkable 46-21.

Kevin Pucetas Named California League Pitcher of the Year...Giants right-hander Kevin Pucetas was named California League Pitcher of the Year last Monday. Pucetas, who is scheduled to pitch on Friday, won his first 10 decisions this season to tie a San Jose record and is currently third in the league with a 3.07 ERA. The 23-year old is 10-2 overall with 99 strikeouts and just 23 walks over 120 1/3 innings pitched. Pucetas, who represented the California League in the mid-season All-Star Game and also pitched in the Futures Game this year, has shown remarkable consistency over the course of the season having allowed two runs or fewer in 16 of his 23 starts.

Matt Downs, Tim Alderson Also Earn All-Star Honors...Infielder Matt Downs and starting pitcher Tim Alderson also garnered post-season California League All-Star honors. Downs is currently tied for seventh in the league with a .309 batting average to go with 30 doubles, 17 home runs, 75 RBI's and 24 stolen bases. Alderson leads the California League with a 2.91 ERA and has compiled a 12-4 record in 25 starts. Alderson and Pucetas fill two of the three starting pitchers slots on the All-Star Team. San Jose's three overall selections tied Lake Elsinore for the most of any club in the league.

Giants vs. Nuts 2008...San Jose holds an 18-10 lead over Modesto in the season series. The Giants will play the Nuts 31 times this year - the most of any opponent. San Jose has dominated Modesto at Municipal Stadium with a 12-2 record, but the Nuts hold a slim advantage at John Thurman Field (8-6). Individually, Downs has posted the top offensive numbers against Modesto with a .350 batting average and three home runs in 21 games. On the mound, Clayton Tanner, who is expected to start on Thursday, owns a 2.43 ERA and 2-2 record in six starts versus the Nuts.

Downs, Schoop, Paterson Take Home Team Awards...The Giants have began their annual team award ceremonies with three players having already taken home some hardware. Downs was recently named the 2008 San Jose Giants Offensive Player of the Year while Schoop garnered Defensive Player of the Year honors. Schoop boasts the third-best shortstop fielding percentage in the league at .962. Meanwhile, Joe Paterson was named the team's Relief Pitcher of the Year. The left-hander has appeared in 32 games out of the bullpen, compiling a 3-2 record, 2.80 ERA and six saves. Paterson has struck out 37 batters over 35 1/3 innings and has held the opposition to a .205 batting average. The Giants will name their Community Service Award winner, Pitcher of the Year and Most Valuable Player during the next home series (August 30-September 1 vs. Lancaster).

Modesto Nuts...The Nuts, an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, enter the series with a four-game lead over the Visalia Oaks for the final playoff spot in the North Division. Modesto's overall record currently stands at 67-66 while Visalia owns a 63-70 mark. Both teams have seven games remaining in the regular season. The Nuts are second in the California League with a 3.99 team ERA - trailing only the Giants (3.24). Offensively, Modesto is ninth in the league in batting average (.265), runs scored (4.6 per game) and home runs (80). Individually, Modesto is led by first baseman Mike Paulk (.302 AVG, 7 HR, 63 RBI) and outfielder Anthony Jackson (.297 AVG, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 38 SB). Catcher Michael McKenry paces the club with 17 homers and 66 RBI's. Jhoulys Chacin, who will start the series opener on Wednesday, has recorded a Colorado Rockies minor league record 18 wins this season between Asheville (Low-A) and Modesto. The 20-year old right-hander leads all of minor league baseball in victories.

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California League Stories from August 27, 2008


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