May 27, 2009: Tonight's 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.

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.

LAST START: Nieves made the start against Clinton on May 18. He allowed four runs on nine hits over five innings. But, he picked up the win in a 14-7 Wisconsin victory. Nieves did not walk a batter and struck out two.

LAST APPEARANCE: Nieves pitched two innings of relief at Kane County on May 22. He allowed a run on two hits over two innings and had a no decision.

VS. DAYTON: Nieves has never faced the Dragons.

VS. CINCINNATI: Nieves pitched three times against the Billings Mustangs, the Pioneer League affiliate of the Reds, in 2008. He was 1-1 in three starts. In 16 innings against Billings, Nieves allowed eight runs on 18 hits and struck out 14 while walking just four.

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


SCHEDULED RELIEVER

RHP CODY SCARPETTA: Selected by Milwaukee in the 11th round of the 2007 draft out of Guilford (IL) High School.

LAST SEASON: Scarpetta started his first pro season with the Arizona League affiliate of the Brewers. He went 1-0 in six games (five starts) with a 0.57ERA and struck out 27 with eight walks over 15-2/3 innings. He did not allow a run over his final 15 innings in the Arizona League. Scarpetta was 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in six games (three starts) after being promoted to Helena. Struck out 31 and walked eight in 20-2/3 innings for the Brewers.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Scarpetta’s father Dan was drafted by Milwaukee in the 3rd round of the 1982 draft and pitched in the Brewer organization from 1982-1983 and 1985-1988.

ONE OF 40: Scarpetta is on Milwaukee’s 40-Man Roster

BASEBALL IN PARADISE: Scarpetta pitched for the West Oahu CaneFires in Hawaii Winter Baseball after the 2008 regular season.

RATED: Baseball America ranked Scarpetta as the #15 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewer organization before the 2009 season.

LAST APPEARANCE: Scarpetta took the loss at Kane County on May 22. He made the start and allowed five runs (four earned) over 3-1/3 innings. Scarpetta walked four and struck out two in the game.

VS. DAYTON: Scarpetta has never faced the Dragons.

VS. CINCINNATI: Scarpetta made a start against Billings on August 23, 2008. He allowed one run on two hits over five innings. Scarpetta walked one and struck out six in the victory.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 IP (4/22/09 vs. Peoria)
STRIKEOUTS: 10 (2x - 8/2/08 vs. AZL Athletics & 4/22 vs. Peoria)