Last night, I witnessed and broadcast one of the best pitched games by a Nashville Sounds pitcher this year. The pitcher’s name is Chris Capuano and here was a guy who won 18 games for the Milwaukee Brewers one year (2005). Here is a guy who has also endured two “Tommy John” surgeries on his left elbow and many wondered if he would ever pitch again? Well, last night, I think I got the answer and I believe that he WILL continue to pitch as long as he stays healthy.
After posting a 2-0 record with a 1.23 ERA at Class A Brevard County in the Florida State League, Capuano was promoted to Triple-A Nashville and his seasonal debut with the Sounds was the perfect script for a great comeback. Chris hurled eight strong innings last night and I thought he could have completed the game. Of course, the Brewers had him on a pitch count and considering the circumstances that Capuano has dealt with, I can totally understand why Milwaukee has been careful with him. He spotted his fastball where he wanted it to go and he showed the poise and presence of a major league pitcher. Capuano received help when his batterymate, Catcher Jonathan Lucroy, set the tone early when he crushed a three-run homer to give the Sounds a 3-0 lead and that was all the runs that Capuano would need as the Sounds clobbered the Tacoma Rainiers, 8-0 last night after being blanked 4-0 by Tacoma starter Steven Shell the day before. Capuano allowed just three hits while walking only two and striking out five in his eight solid innings of pitching.
Reliever Zach Braddock also showed the form on why he is a top pitching prospect in the Brewers’ system. After being shelled for eight runs in one inning against the Isotopes in a 15-12 loss in Albuquerque last Sunday, Braddock finished out the game by striking out the side despite giving up a run. What I admire about Braddock was that he did NOT let his previous performance get him down. Zach did not allow an earned run prior to getting shellacked last Sunday and he just showed his resiliency by pitching with the outstanding stuff he has to be a big leaguer.
So far this year, the Sounds pitching staff has been very good, particularly the bullpen. The Nashville relief corps has had its moments, but overall, the bullpen has been solid and reliable. Pitching Coach Rich Gale has been an outstanding mentor and teacher for these Sounds pitchers.
Tonight, the Sounds look to make it three out of four against Tacoma here at Greer Stadium. For those youngsters interested in a special souvenir, don’t forget that tonight is Kids’ T-Shirt night. The first 1,000 youngsters, ages 12 and under, will receive a free Sounds’ T-Shirt, courtesy of First Bank. Gametime is at 7:05PM. This will be the last game between the Sounds and the Rainiers this season, unless both of these teams meet in the post-season playoffs.
I encourage everyone to keep coming out and supporting this outstanding Sounds team, which is in first place in the Northern Division of the PCL’s American Conference. If you cannot make it out to the game, then I will have the radio broadcast at 7:00PM Central Time over 104.5 The Zone (WGFX-FM) and at nashvillesounds.com. If you can make it to the game, then bring your portable radio along and I am sure that I can be great company for you.
See you tonight at the ballpark!
- Posted on May 14, 2010 at 11:27 am
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