2044.07 - The Long Beach Independent - 2044 Draftee Makes Debut
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:32 pm
DEL WILLIS MAKES SURPRISE STARTS
August 10, 2044
Long Beach, CA
In a surprising move, the Long Beach Surfers earlier promoted 244 First-Round draftee Del Willis directly from AA to start against the Nashville Bluebirds. The talented righty is 22 years old, but was expected to spend at least the balance of the '44 season in the minor leaugues, as scouts generally agree that he has some polishing left to do on his three pitches.
Though the start was away from the bright lights of Long Beach, the game was an important one. The Bluebirds are the Surfers' closest competition to win the top Wild Card spot in the Frick League. Of course the Surfers are aiming to win the division, but outside of that, they would like the advantage of the top WC position. Willis' nerves were evident in the first inning, as he allowed a walk and a wild pitch, but added a strikeout, flyout and groundout to escape the inning without allowing any runs.
The balance of his 4.2 IP were a mixed bag, as he allowed four more walks and a home run, but added three more K's. In the end, his 3 ER allowed was just enough for the team, as the bullpen was solid, and newly acquired catcher António Ruíz provided 3 RBI in a 5-4 victory. The win closed out a 2-1 series victory for the Surfers at Les Paul Field.
With a successful debut, and 13 intra-division games rapidly approaching, Willis was handed the ball for another start in order to give another rest to the regular rotation members. Facing another Heartland Division foe, Willis pitched a strong 6 innings and earned the win, with six strikeouts and just three walks. Designated hitter Gonzalo Martínez provided the offensive spark, going 4/5 with a home run and 3 RBI.
The Surfers go for the sweep against the Twin Cities River Monsters tomorrow night, before hosting the San Fernando Bears for three games. The Surfers have not indicated when Willis might start again, but it will surely be a must-watch occasion as the 22 year old looks to contribute to the pennant chase just months after being drafted.
August 10, 2044
Long Beach, CA
In a surprising move, the Long Beach Surfers earlier promoted 244 First-Round draftee Del Willis directly from AA to start against the Nashville Bluebirds. The talented righty is 22 years old, but was expected to spend at least the balance of the '44 season in the minor leaugues, as scouts generally agree that he has some polishing left to do on his three pitches.
Though the start was away from the bright lights of Long Beach, the game was an important one. The Bluebirds are the Surfers' closest competition to win the top Wild Card spot in the Frick League. Of course the Surfers are aiming to win the division, but outside of that, they would like the advantage of the top WC position. Willis' nerves were evident in the first inning, as he allowed a walk and a wild pitch, but added a strikeout, flyout and groundout to escape the inning without allowing any runs.
The balance of his 4.2 IP were a mixed bag, as he allowed four more walks and a home run, but added three more K's. In the end, his 3 ER allowed was just enough for the team, as the bullpen was solid, and newly acquired catcher António Ruíz provided 3 RBI in a 5-4 victory. The win closed out a 2-1 series victory for the Surfers at Les Paul Field.
With a successful debut, and 13 intra-division games rapidly approaching, Willis was handed the ball for another start in order to give another rest to the regular rotation members. Facing another Heartland Division foe, Willis pitched a strong 6 innings and earned the win, with six strikeouts and just three walks. Designated hitter Gonzalo Martínez provided the offensive spark, going 4/5 with a home run and 3 RBI.
The Surfers go for the sweep against the Twin Cities River Monsters tomorrow night, before hosting the San Fernando Bears for three games. The Surfers have not indicated when Willis might start again, but it will surely be a must-watch occasion as the 22 year old looks to contribute to the pennant chase just months after being drafted.
