We Got Wood - 42.39 - AAA Pitcher Shuts Down Heartland Foe

[7teen]

Just moments before the last sim, the Portland Lumberjacks struck a deal with the Boise Spuds to send long time Wilson pet reliever Hector Diaz to the Spuds in exchange for Triple-A starter Alfredo Perales. Needing any arm that could potentially start a game, the Lumberjacks instantly called Perales up to Portland to fill Diaz's spot on the roster and be in the rotation. After the trade was confirmed, it was announced that Perales' first start would be against the Omaha Hawks at home.

"I'd be lying if I said all the Heartland talk hadn't trickled down to the minor leagues" commented Perales after the game. "I mean you can't go anywhere in the league these days without hearing Heartland this and the Heartland that. It's really becoming sickening."

Perales is no stranger to the BBA though having spent 7 seasons in the league prior to 2042 with 3 different teams including two stints with Nashville and with the Heartland division last season. "My success in the BBA has been spotty at best. Especially the last few seasons." Perales hadn't posted an ERA under 7.70 in a season since 2037. Perales was obviously feeling a little extra juice on the night.

After Andre Ly hit a solo homerun with 1 out in the opening inning, many wondered how Perales may react. First game back and his team already down 1-0. But Mario Guerrer belted a 2-run shot for the Lumberjacks in the bottom half and gave Perales and the team a lead. That's when Alfredo went to work. Over the next 6.1 innings (7.1 total for the night) Alfredo sliced and diced his was through a "potent" Heartland lineup. When Perales left the mound in the top of the 8th inning, the 38,000+ fans in attendance at the Trail in Multnomah rose to their feet in unison. Perales tipped his cap to the home town and exited down the dugout steps. He left the game with his team up 3-1 after having allowed just the lone run on 3 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 5.

"That was an awesome feeling" said the 26 year old. "To be back on a big league mound after spending more than a year down in the minors means so much. Hopefully I can stay a little while longer."

Portland scored 2 in the 8th and Omaha scored 2 in the 9th off of the Portland bullpen to give the Lumberjacks a 5-3 win over the Heartland.

[jleddy]

Love it. I personally would have gone with "Former Boise AAA Pitcher Shuts Down Yellow Springs" but yours will do...it's all the same sentiment.