Z's Pitchers Put Royals' Bats to Sleep
July 23, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release
OMAHA, NE - New Orleans starter Rick VandenHurk got a measure of revenge against the Omaha Royals Friday night, pitching the Zephyrs to a 2-1 win in the series opener witnessed by 15,316 fans.
VandenHurk, the 25-year old righty from the Netherlands, had one of the worst outings of his professional career against the Royals last month in New Orleans, giving up nine runs in 2.1 innings. In two starts vs. Omaha this season, he was 0-1 with an 11.88 ERA.
But, on Friday he limited the Royals to one run on just hits in 7.0 innings to run his record to 7-4. He walked three and struck out seven. Brett Sinkbeil pitched a perfect eighth inning and Scott Strickland gave up a two-out single to Kila Ka'aihue in the ninth, but retired Ed Lucas on a grounder to short to notch his 12th save. Lucas went 0-for-3 with a walk on the night, halting his season-high hitting streak at ten games.
The Zephyrs took a 1-0 lead four pitches into the contest, when Scott Cousins led off with a home run just over the center field wall. Things didn't get much easier for Blaine Hardy (2-3), who was making his first Triple-A start after coming in with a 1.80 ERA and three saves in 19 relief appearances with Omaha. He lasted just one, 41-pitch inning, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks, striking out one.
The Royals scored their only run in the bottom of the first, when David Lough smashed his 10th home run of the season over the right field wall. Omaha's biggest threat after that came in the sixth inning, when Jarrod Dyson delivered his first Triple-A hit with a leadoff single to center and Lough walked to put two speedsters on base with no outs. But, VandenHurk induced Mike Moustakas to hit a broken bat grounder to short that turned into a double play and then struck out Kila Ka'aihue on three pitches.
The Royals bullpen fired eight scoreless innings for the second consecutive game. Matt Herges worked five shutout stanzas, allowing only two singles. Devon Lowery retired all nine New Orleans batters he faced, fanning four.
Omaha (51-47) hosts New Orleans (47-50) in a 5:30 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday. The Z's have right-hander Brian Lawrence (9-6, 4.11) in game one and righty Adalberto Mendez (3-3, 4.82) in the nightcap, while the Royals will counter with right-hander Bryan Bullington (7-2, 2.84) and righty Federico Castaneda (3-1, 3.61).
It's appearance number two at Rosenblatt this season for The ZOOperstars!, presented by the Nebraska Credit Union League. The world-famous entertainment act featuring memorable characters like Harry Canary will be performing during both games. The Salem Stepping Saints Drill Team will perform in between games. It's also Boy Scout Night, including a Scout picnic and festival before the doubleheader and a sleepover on the field after the second game. The night is also presented by The Big O 101.9, WOWT and The Reader.
For tickets, call (402) 738-5100, or print tickets online at www.oroyals.com.
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