May 18, 2009 Timber Rattler Pitchers

SCHEDULED STARTER:

LHP EFRAIN NIEVES: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2007 draft out of Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.

LAST SEASON: Nieves went 6-3 with a 4.48 ERA in 16 games (11 starts) at Helena. He walked 10 and struck out 66 over 76-1/3 innings.

LAST START: Nieves made the start at Cedar Rapids on May 13. He allowed two runs on three hits over five innings for a no decision. Nieves walked three and struck out six in the game.

VS. CLINTON: Today is the first time Nieves will face the LumberKings.

VS. MARINERS: Nieves has never faced an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners before today.

AMONG THE LEADERS: Nieves was fifth in the Pioneer League in innings pitched and fifth in the Pioneer League in wins.

STREAKING: Nieves won four consecutive decisions between June 22 and July 13, 2008.

AWARD WINNING: Nieves was the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for his performances July 7-13.

WHAT A GAME! Nieves tossed eight innings without allowing a run and striking out nine at Great Falls on August 25. He retired the side in order in the first inning. The Voyagers picked up a leadoff double in the second inning. Then, Nieves retired the next 21 batters in a row.

WORKING VACATION: Nieves pitched for Arecibo in the Puerto Rican Winter League during the off season.

RATED: Baseball America ranked Nieves as the #23 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 8.0 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)
STRIKEOUTS: 9 (8/25/08 at Great Falls)

SCHEDULED RELIEVER:

RHP TREY WATTEN: Selected by Milwaukee in the 7th round of the 2008 draft out of Abilene Christian University.

LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.

COLLEGIATELY: At Abilene Christian, Watten was 20-3 with a 2.74 ERA over two seasons. He also struck out 188 batters over 167-1/3 innings pitched for the Wildcats.

LONE STAR ALL-STAR: Watten was a First Team All-Lone Star Conference South Division selection as both a pitcher and a utility player in 2007. Watten also played shortstop for the Wildcats.

OLD DAYS: Watten pitched high school baseball for Coppel (TX) High and earned First Team Class 5A All-State selection and a District 6-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2005.

SAVING THE DAY: Watten earned his first professional save on August 30, 2008. He worked three scoreless innings against Great Falls. Watten walked a two and struck out two to close out the Voyagers. Watten also picked up a save in his first appearance as a Timber Rattler. Watten pitched four scoreless innings and struck out a career high six as the Rattlers beat Quad Cities on April 10.

LAST SEASON: Watten was 3-2 with a save and a 5.40 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) at Helena. He walked 25 and struck out 40 over 55 innings.

LAST APPEARANCE: Watten lost the second game of the doubleheader on May 14 at Cedar Rapids. He allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings with a walk and six strikeouts.

VS. CLINTON: Watten made the start against the LumberKings on April 16. He gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits over four innings. Watten walked one and struck out five, but took the loss at Alliant Energy Field

VS. MARINERS: Watten’s start on April 16 is the only appearance against a Mariners affiliate in his career.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (6/20/08 vs. Missoula)
STRIKEOUTS: 6 (4/10/09 vs. Quad Cities)