Baseball
Roberto Osuna Starts Strong
The C’s start this nooner sending “baby face” 17 year-old Roberto Osuna to the mound in hopes of securing yet another victory.
This marks his debut for the right-hander from Juan Jose Rios Mexico who struck out a franchise record 13 batters in five innings against Everett. He allowed only one hit over his five innings allowing one walk.
He played in the Appalachian League which has 10 teams for Bluefield Blue Jays where he struck out 24 batters in 24 innings earning an ERA of 1.50.
The first inning took 39 minutes to play; with many thinking the nooner could turn into an evening with the C’s.
While the C’s sent Osuna to the mound, Salem gave the duties to Joe Biagini who is 0-4 with an average of 3.78.
Interesting that the first inning both Managers made the long walk out of the dug-out to have a chat with both starters.
For the C’s it obviously worked as Roberto Osuna was throwing at 95 mph fast ball and his change-up crossed the plate at 78 mph.
The first saw both teams putting runs across the plate, but the second run was scored as Fuenmayor hit a sac-fly sending one run across the plate.
The game was a seesaw battle until the bottom of the 5th when Charles hit a tie-breaking run on a RBI groundout to 2nd and scored left Fielder Newman taking a 5-4 lead.
Charles calls Bakersfield California home and obviously enjoys playing such a key role in any game.
The C’s took advantage of a pair of errors by Salem as reliever Steven Okert (RHP), struggled on a couple of routine plays at first base.
Balbino Fuenmayor scored on his (Okert’s) first error in the bottom of the 5th allowing the C’s to take a 6-4 lead,. Shortly after this Okert caused a second error an inning later, which allowed the C’s to grab two more runs.
Balbino who has struggled of late turned his game around and finished the afternoon with two hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored.
Jorge Flores added two RBI’s scoring three runs in the bottom of the inning.Overall the C’s managed 12 hits in a game that took 2:53 much to the delight of all 4,636 diehard fans.
The C’s also saw a total of eight players collect at least one hit in the afternoon contest.Nick Purdy replaced Roberto Osuna (3.0 IP) on the mound and was impressive in tossing three shutout innings who was making his home debut at Scotiabank Field.
Purdy (2-1) allowed only two hits over his three innings and picked up his second victory of the season and lowered his ERA to 2.28.
Bryan Longpre (2.0 IP) and Jon Lucas (1.0 IP) never allowed a run over the final three innings, combining to allow just one hit with a solid pair of strikeouts.
The C’s hit the road and return to the Nat August 11th for yet another Fireworks night presented by CUPE BC.
In addition this is the annual induction ceremony starting at 7:00 pm. In other news the Canadians announced they have assigned the Jay’s first round draft pick Markus Stroman to New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Stroman was the 22nd this season at the draft. He tweeted to his supporters on Wednesday: “Shout out to Vancouver. Gorgeous City and unbelievable people! Loved my time there. Headed out to Manchester, NH to chase the dream!”
Thanks to Markus for such kind works about the City and the Fans that watched him play.
Anyone that had a chance of watching him pitch knows full well that he will be in the Jay’s system and at Rogers Centre in the near future.
This kid has talent!!