Published: July 04, 2009 10:02 pm         

Former ISU pitcher Tatusko flirts with no-hitter

TERRE HAUTE — Former Indiana State pitcher Ryan Tatusko came within two outs of tossing Bakersfield’s first no-hitter in 15 years on Wednesday.

Tatusko, an 18th-round pick by the Texas Rangers (506th overall) in 2007, settled for a one-hitter and his first career complete game as the Blaze blanked Modesto 2-0.

“I was always primarily a starter in college,” said Tatusko. “I’m more accustomed to the routine. Whatever the Rangers see me doing in the future, I’m up for it. I’m just happy to show them I’m ready for whatever role they have for me.”

Breaking up the no-hit bid by Tatusko (2-2) was Hector Gomez, reaching on a sharp single into center field. Tatusko threw a season-high 117 pitches, walked three and struck out seven while lowering his earned run average to 3.06.

“I made a great pitch, but he did his job better than me that one time,” said Tatusko. “I was mainly focused on the shutout. If that’s all I was going to give up, I’ll take a one-hitter anytime.

“This by far eclipses the best outing I’ve had as a professional. I hope this shows the Rangers that no matter what role they put me in, I can succeed. Hopefully, it opens some eyes.”

I I I

News of former Indiana State or Wabash Valley-connected players last week:

• Clint Barmes — Barmes was 6 for 27 with two doubles, a home run and RBI for Colorado. While a robust 7 for 13 from June 26-28, he was just 1 for 30 in the three games before and four games after.

• Mitch Stetter — Stetter made three relief appearances for Milwaukee, not allowing a run in 3 2-3 innings. He recorded his 14th hold on June 29.

• Joe Thatcher — Thatcher allowed one run in three innings over two relief appearances (July 1-2) for San Diego.

• Alex Graman — Graman remains on the disabled list with Seibu.

• Ronnie Prettyman — Prettyman remains on the disabled list with West Tennessee.

• Jake Eigsti — Eigsti was 2 for 12 with a double in four games with St. Lucie.

• Brian Omogrosso — Omogrosso allowed at least two runs in each of his first four relief appearances since being promoted to Charlotte. He was placed on the disabled list on July 1.

• Matt Zaleski — Zaleski made just one relief appearance with Birmingham, allowing no runs in 2 2-3 innings. He has not allowed an earned run in his last six games, covering 16 2-3 innings.

• Nevin Ashley — Ashley was 5 for 17 with a double, three walks and a RBI in five games with Montgomery.

• Ryan Tatusko — Tatusko pitched a one-hit, complete game shutout on July 12 for Bakersfield.

• Josh Phegley — Phegley was 3 for 4 in his professional debut with Kannapolis on June 28. For the week, he was 5 for 13 with two RBI’s in three games.

• Nick Ciolli — Ciolli was 9 for 27 with two doubles, his first pro home run (vs. Missoula on July 2) and four RBI’s. He had hit safely in his first eight pro games until going 0 for 5 on Friday.

• Brady Shoemaker — Shoemaker was 4 for 14 with a double and two RBI’s with Bristol. He has hit safely in his first eight pro games, but has not played since June 30.

• Bronco Lafrenz — Lafrenz started his pro career on the roster with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, but did not play a game. He has since been assigned to the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League. In his pro debut on July 2, he was 0 for 5 with three strikeouts.

• Eric Valdez — Valdez allowed one run in 5 1-3 innings in two relief outings with Pulaski. He earned his first pro victory on June 28.

• Michael Manus — Manus made his pro debut on June 29, allowing one unearned run in one inning of relief for the Gulf Coast League Tigers. On Friday, he allowed one earned run in one inning, suffering his first pro defeat.

• John Purdom — Purdom was 1 for 9 with York.

• Chris Jones — Jones remains on the disabled list for Gary.

— Compiled by

Dennis Clark





(Listed by league level)

Through games of Friday

Position players

Player (Team; Class/Parent club) AB R H HR RBI Avg.

Clint Barmes (Colorado Rockies)267 267 41 73 9 38 .273

Ronnie Prettyman (W.Tenn.; AA/Seattle) 67 7 16 3 10 .239

Nevin Ashley (Montgomery; AA/Tampa Bay) 180 16 36 2 23 .200

Jake Eigsti (St. Lucie; A-adv./NY Mets) 90 4 19 1 9 .211

Josh Phegley (Kannapolis; A/CWS) 13 3 5 0 2 .385

Bronco Lafrenz (Williamsport; A/Phil.) 5 0 0 0 0 .000

Nick Cioli (Great Falls; Rookie/CWS) 39 9 13 1 4 .333

Brady Shoemaker (Bristol; Rookie/CWS) 29 5 11 0 3 .379

John Purdom (York; Independent) 33 2 6 0 1 .182

Pitchers

Pitcher (Team; Class-Parent club) IP H BB SO W-L Sv ERA

Mitch Stetter (Milwaukee Brewers) 27.2 15 11 34 2-0 1 2.28

Joe Thatcher (San Diego Padres) 15.2 19 9 17 0-0 0 5.17

Alex Graman (Seibu, Japan) 5.0 6 2 1 0-2 3 5.40

Brian Omogrosso (Charlotte; AAA/CWS) 78.2 79 43 70 7-2 0 5.03

Matt Zaleski (Birmingham; AA/CWS) 50.0 43 11 34 5-1 2 2.34

Ryan Tatusko (Bakersfield; A-adv./Texas) 53.0 43 16 42 2-2 0 3.06

Eric Valdez (Pulaski; Rookie/Seattle) 7.1 8 2 9 1-0 0 6.14

Michael Manus (GCL Tigers; Rookie-Detroit) 2.0 3 0 2 0-1 0 4.50

Chris Jones (Gary; Independent) 30.0 28 9 18 1-1 0 3.60