June 2, 2061
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
Fresh off signing a million dollar contract to play for Nashville after being drafted in the first round, Dave Labonte is already showing the front office they made the right decision. In his first career start, the 19-year-old spun a shutout using just 95 pitches.
“I really had my command out there today,” said Labonte. “I was able to induce a lot of weak groundballs and didn’t walk anyway. Keeping the ball down is the key to being successful in this league and ff you don't do that, they'll make you pay. It definitely didn’t feel like my first game – I felt in midseason form.”
RHP Dave Labonte
Not only did he look in midseason form, the kid looked like a veteran. He allowed six hits, but induced two double plays to help limit his pitch count. Though the 3 strikeouts don’t seem glamourous, he didn’t drag out at-bats, but allowed soft contact early in the count.
RF Gerardo Flores delivered two RBI on the offensive side and Labonte and the Sea Turtles cruised to a 3-0 victory. Labonte’s next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Havana Cigars, so be sure to arrive early to get the best seats to see a young star before he leaves for bigger lights.
