Julian Take Bite Out of Springfield, Wins 8-4

Don't look now, but the Julian Javelina appear to be finding their rhythm. Julian downed its third consecutive opponent last week, defeating the Springfield Flying Squirrels of Republic by a count of 8-4. The series win gave the Javelina a record of 36-31-5 and vaulted them past two teams and into first place in the West.

The win was highlighted by yet another sparkling pitching performance which included 42 strike outs, a 1.69 team ERA, and two saves. The staff was led by the right arms of Jered Weaver (7IP, 1 ER, 12K) and Joel Pineiro (12 IP, 0 ER, 12K, 0.50 WHIP), despite the fact that they combined for only one win. The bullpen was also nearly flawless in recording two saves and four holds en route to controlling half of the pitching stats.

Perhaps more importantly, the offense showed its first signs of sustained life. After a slow start, Julian hit a combined .382 (34/89) Thursday through Saturday with 6 home runs, 25 RBI, 22 R, 10 BB and 3 SB. The offense was led by Ryan Zimmerman (.345, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 3 BB), Andrew McCutchen (.381, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 6 R, 3BB, 2 SB), and Austin Kearns (,300, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R, 3 BB). All told, the offense captured 5/6 offensive categories.

"The pitching is performing well enough that we can afford to wait for the bats to come around, and they're beginning to do just that. ," said GM Jamie Hoyle. "Anytime you beat a solid team like the Squirrels 8-4, you've had a good week."

Julian finds its self in the eMLB featured series of the week this week against Great Lakes Division leaders Mid Michigan Tigers.

Hits and Misses....

The team added 2B Orlando Hudson, 1B/OF Eric Hinske, IF Willie Aybar, OF Andres Torres and RP Joe Beimel to the mix in an effort to deepen their bench...SP Mat Latos will make his first appearance in the starting rotation Tuesday night....SP Johnny Cueto has been on a roll since April 30th (3-0, 27 IP, 2.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 26 K) and may be earning his way into the rotation....An unnamed source indicated the team might look to move a starting pitcher - likely Pineiro or Garland - for an accomplished bat, thus creating a permanent home in the rotation for both Latos and Cueto.