Hessler Strong in Win over San Jose
Published on June 15, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
VISALIA - After being eliminated from first half title contention on Friday night, the Rawhide bounced back to defeat the San Jose Giants by a score of 7-4 on Saturday night at Rawhide Ballpark, maintaining the second best record (39-30) in the California League.
Rawhide starter Keith Hessler (W, 5-3) was excellent in his third start against San Jose. He tossed 6.0 innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits, while striking out four and allowing no free passes to Giants batters.
The Giants attacked Hessler in the 1st inning, as John Plonius hit a one-out solo shot off the barn in right field to put San Jose up 1-0. After an infield single from Mac Williamson, Devin Harris drove an RBI-double to right to give San Jose an early 2-0 lead. Hessler would settle in to pitch five more scoreless innings.
Trailing 2-1 in the 6th inning, the Rawhide offense came alive. David Nick had an RBI-single off Giants reliever Edward Concepcion (L, 0-1) to tie things up. With Kerry Jenkins standing on third base and only one out, Kevin Medrano grounded out to second base to plate Jenkins and tie things up. Then the go-ahead run would come in on a balk from Concepcion.
A two-out error from Polonius would keep things alive for the Rawhide in the 7th inning, allowing Raul Navarro to come home and score. Gerson Montilla and David Nick would each drive in a run in the inning to make it 7-3.
The Rawhide made it interesting in the 9th inning, allowing the tying run to come to the plate with the bases loaded. But Jake Barrett would be summoned from the 'pen to eliminate the threat, as he struck out Myles Schroder to secure the victory and pick up his league-leading 15th save of the season. The Rawhide are still undefeated (30-0) when holding a lead after the 7th inning.
The Rawhide look to secure a series victory on Sunday afternoon as they round out the first half of the season at 2 pm on a special Father's Day. Don't forget to register for the Macy's Dig For Dad promotion at the ballpark, where dads can dig for great prizes on the field after the game!
California League Stories from June 15, 2013
- JetHawks Win South's First Half, Clinch Playoffs - Lancaster JetHawks
- Hessler Strong in Win over San Jose - Visalia Rawhide
- Late Comeback Falls Short in 6-4 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
- Quakes Rock Ports 13-2 - Stockton Ports
- Giants Clinch First Half Title with 10-Inning Win - San Jose Giants
- 1st Half Title Hopes Alive After 4-3 Victory - Inland Empire 66ers
- 'Hawks Rally in Ninth to Clinch Share of Title - Lancaster JetHawks
- Nuts Fall 5-3, Drop Fourth Straight - Modesto Nuts
- Garcia Goes Deep Twice in Big Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Capitalize in 6th, Hold off Modesto, 5-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
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