Sterry helps Music back to even
June 4, 2007 - South Coast League (SCL)
Macon Music News Release
"The story of the night was Vern Sterry," said his Manager Phil Plantier after the game. It's impossible to argue, as Vern Sterry managed to go eight innings and only give up one run. With the offense providing plenty of help, the Macon Music beat the Charlotte County Redfish 7-1 to move to 8-8, an even .500 on the year.
Sterry was sensational over the whole game. Through eight innings, Sterry only had to throw 87 pitches. To most of the fans in attendance it was a thing of beauty. To the man on the hill, it was simple. The catcher put up his mitt and he hit it without making the catcher move.
"I hit my spots," Sterry said simply afterwards. Coming into tonight's game, Sterry had given up 6 runs in 11 innings, but tonight was different because Sterry was having better command of his fastball. "I throw a fastball, slider and a change. Tonight I was mostly using my fastball to get outs. Early in the year everyone is struggling with control, but I'm feeling better all the time."
If Sterry could explain it so simply, that didn't make it any less impressive. His manager was certainly among those who enjoyed his performance from the rubber. When asked about his offense's performance, scoring 7 runs on 11 hits and 7 walks, Plantier had to make sure the record was set straight. "I thought the best part of tonight was Vern Sterry. He was in total control the whole time. He was locating so well, and the whole flow of the game improves when you have a pitcher in control."
Pitching Coach Bryce Florie noted that he thought the bullpen seemed to be the strength of the team's staff. "If our starters can do that some more that'll help. Now it's like all our guys but Devin had a day off." Reliever Devin Anderson, normally the guy at the end of close games, came in for the ninth despite the lopsided score. "It was good to get him out there," Florie noted. "He hasn't gotten many end of the game moments recently, so it was good to get him out there."
Despite the coaches' glowing review of the pitchers' performance, the Macon Music's bats also shined. Plantier had to compliment his offense as well, "There were more quality at bats tonight, and the offense was steady. They took advantage of a couple opportunities the other team gave us. Guys are getting better at getting in a hitter's count. That helps them get on base. When you're a hitter and you get guys on base in front of you, it makes it easier."
One guy who is feeling better is shortstop Mike DeVeaux. DeVeaux went two for three with two walks and two runs driven in. "I had a good first week, then a miserable second week," DeVeaux noted. "The league got my scouting reports and pitchers were throwing me a lot of breaking balls. But we've been working a lot in the cage and before games. You can't think about the homerun. All you can do is square the bat on the ball."
DeVeaux is a native son, having been raised in Statesboro, Georgia, and attended Georgia College in Milledgeville. He enjoys playing in front of family and friends, but isn't sure the front office enjoys his requests for more tickets. "They're killing me on the reserve tickets."
Notes: The Field of Dreams promotion was participated in by the Warner Robins National League Cardinals...Sumo Wrestling made its debut as a between innings promotional event on the night. All involved considered it a successful debut...The National Anthem was performed by April Montgomery...The night's attendance was 1,020, the crowd was still very involved in the game despite being the lowest number on the year...The umpires were Richard Jordan behind the plate and Charlie Stevens in the field.
South Coast League Stories from June 4, 2007
- Sterry helps Music back to even - Macon Music
- Peanuts Win First Game Against Second Place Aiken - South Georgia Peanuts
- Juice blanked by Joes - Bradenton Juice
- Granados pitches Joes over Juice - Anderson Joes
- Bradenon Juice Makes Changes To Schedule - Bradenton Juice
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