ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Kyle Parker and Andrew Barb combined on a three-hit shutout in a 1-0 Timber Rattler win over the Kane County Cougars. Greg Halman provided the only run of the game with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the sixth.
THE SPECTACULAR KYLE PARKER: The Rattler starting pitcher pitched 7-1/3 innings and allowed just three hits for his second victory of the season. Parker did not walk a batter and struck out six. He did not allow a hit until Christian Vitters one out single in the top of the sixth. Both the 7-1/3 innings pitched and the six strikeouts were career highs for Parker.
MEN OF QUALITY: Parker followed up a quality start by Chris Tillman on Sunday with a quality start last night. That makes the first time in 2007 the Rattlers have gotten quality starts (at least 6 innings with three unearned runs or less) in back-to-back games.
ONE LAST NOTE ON THE DONUT: Wisconsin became the last team in the Midwest League to shutout an opponent this season.
FLAWED GEM: Kane County starter Andrew Bailey allowed three hits over six innings and struck out a career high eleven. However, he took the loss because he allowed the Halman home run.
DEEP SIX: Barb went the final 1-2/3 innings to pick up his sixth save of the season. He struck out three as he retired all five batters he faced. Barb is 6-for-6 in save opportunities this season.
TURNING TWO: The Rattler defense turned a pair of double plays behind Parker last night. The second twin killing came when Kalian Sams caught a flyball in right field and doubled off Vitters at first in the sixth. The outfield assist was the second of the season for Sams.
GOING DEEP: Halman’s solo home run in the sixth was his third home run of the season. It was his first since May 29.
FIRST TIME: Last night was the first shutout by the Rattler pitching staff this season. The last time Wisconsin shutout an opponent was August 29, 2006 at Peoria. The Rattlers beat the Chiefs 3-0 at O’Brien Field.
KEEPING TRACK: Alex Meneses drew another walk last night. He has thirteen and is tied for the team lead with Alex Liddi in that category. Meneses has played in just ten games for the Rattlers this season.
OPPOSING STARTER: James Heuser was a 27th round pick of the Athletics in the 2003 draft out of Illinois Valley Community College. This is Heuser’s second tour with Kane County. He appeared in 18 games as a reliever for the Cougars in 2005 with a record of 0-2 and an ERA of 4.30 in 14-2/3 innings. He spent last season with Vancouver in the Northwest League and was 5-4 wit a 4.13ERA in 14 games (12 starts). In his last start for the Cougars in 2007, Heuser beat the Great Lakes Loons. On May 17 at Elfstrom Stadium, he allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings with two walks and five strikeouts in a 6-3 Cougar win. This will be Heuser’s first start and second appearance against the Timber Rattlers. He made a one inning relief stint against Wisconsin on May 23, 2005 at Elfstrom Stadium. Heuser went one inning and gave up one run on one hit with a walk, a balk, and a strikeout. Last season, Heuser faced Everett, Seattle’s Northwest League affiliate, twice. He went 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA as a member of the Canadians with thirteen strikeouts in twelve innings.
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