Oaks Advance to Take On Giants
Published on September 9, 2006 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
SERIES PREVIEW: The Visalia Oaks take on the San Jose Giants for the California League North Division Championship beginning Saturday at Municipal Stadium with fi rst pitch at 1 PM. Visalia advanced to the second round by defeating the Stockton Ports Thursday and Friday to win the fi rst round series two games to one. The second-round is a best-of-fi ve series and the winner will battle the South Division Champion for the California League Title. The Oaks travel to San Jose for game one of the best-of-fi ve series Saturday. Game two is Sunday in San Jose at 5 PM, with game three back in Visalia Monday at 6:35 PM. If necessary, game four is Tuesday at Recreation Park at 6:35 PM and game fi ve is scheduled for 7:00 PM Wednesday in San Jose.
The Oaks struggled against San Jose in the fi rst half of the season going just 3-12 against the Giants. Visalia turned that around in the second half with an 8-3 record, improving their overall mark to 11-15 against San Jose. The Oaks potent offense was held in check by San Jose's pitching staff during the regular season. The Oaks hit .260/.324/.364 (AVG/OBP/SLG) against the Giants while Visalia fi nished the year batting .289/.359/.437 overall in 2006. Catcher Josh Arhart has carried the Oaks offense against San Jose this year. In 17 games, he is batting .338/.361/.574 with 7 doubles, 3 homeruns and 16 RBI. In the regular season, Visalia featured one of the most prolifi c offenses in the Cal League. The Oaks were second on the circuit in batting average (.289), second in runs scored (861) and second in homeruns (135). This playoff series features strength against strength as Visalia's offense matches up against San Jose's pitching staff. The Giants led the Cal League with a 3.85 team ERA and fi nished fi rst in strikeouts (1177) in the regular season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: As of 9/8
Visalia
Chris Nowak-.308 BA, 9th in League...103 RBI, leads League...45 2B, leads
League
John Jaso-.309 BA, 8th in League...vs. SJ: .306 BA, 4 2B, 9 RBI, 9 runs
Chris Mason-12 wins, tied League lead
San Jose
Brian Anderson-37 SV, Cal League record, Cal League Pitcher of the Year
LOCATION: Municipal Stadium, San Jose, CA and Recreation Park, Visalia, CA
PROBABLE STARTERS: Day Time Visalia Oaks (42-28/75-65) San
Jose Giants (41-29/82-58) Broadcast
Sat 1:00 RHP Chris Mason (12-10, 5.02) RHP Tim
Lincecum (2-0, 1.95) AM 1270 KJUG
Sun 5:00 LHP Brandon Mann (4-9, 5.64) RHP
Darren Sack (7-3, 1.94) AM 1270 KJUG
Mon 6:35 LHP James Houser (12-4, 4.41) TBA
AM 1270 KJUG
Tue 6:35 LHP Jonathan Barratt (9-6, 2.93) TBA
AM 1270 KJUG
Wed 7:00 RHP Derek Feldkamp (8-6, 6.41) TBA
AM 1270 KJUG
California League Stories from September 9, 2006
- Giants Edge Oaks 3-2 In North Division Finals Opener - Visalia Rawhide
- Barratt Dominates as Oaks Stay Alive - Visalia Rawhide
- Oaks Advance to Take On Giants - Visalia Rawhide
- Oaks Come Back with Six-Run Eighth Inning; Win 8-4 Advance to 2nd Round - Visalia Rawhide
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