59,06 Tanaka throws no hitter

[handaspencer]

Michihiro Tanaka was king of the hill on Thursday as he pitched a complete game no hitter against the Sydney Sharks in a 9-0 victory. Tanaka said the toughest part was the last couple innings. You know you have a no hitter going and so does everyone else in the ballpark. That was the hard part, keeping focused and concentrating while your heart is pounding.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about this outing was the fact it only took 81 pitches to go the complete game. Tanaka didn't walk a single batter and had 8 k's during the outing. The win evened Tanaka's record to 2-2 on the season and lowered his ERA to 5.26 on the season. Tanaka has switched to the rotation for this season after being possibly the best reliever in the GBC last season. Out of the gate Tanaka has struggled some so we believe this is a great sign he is settling into the rotation GM Spencer said.

The Monarchs seem to be turning things around and have won 7 of the last 10 games. We have the biggest majority of our championship team back from last year and we feel we are going to be in the thick of things all the way until the end. The Monarchs have struggled defensively some which has impacted the pitching staff. We are seeing signs of things turning around and the confidence rising in our pitching staff.

[Jwalk100]

Tanaka, the BBA beckons.

[Dington]

81 pitches is insane!

[handaspencer]

yea when i seen 81 pitches i had to take a double take to make sure.