L.I. Ducks: Tim Melville Redefines Pitch Economy With Gem Over York

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

SEASON OPENING SERIES

Ducks lead series 2-0

I - LID 12; YRK 3

II - LID 14; YRK 0

Long Island Ducks

vs.

York Revolution

Long Island batters unleashed a second straight Quack attack against the Revolution in game two at York, scoring against five of six pitchers faced.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit his first home run as a member of the Ducks, and drove in four runs as the designated hitter.  Eight different Ducks drove in at least one run apiece.  With another fourteen runs on Saturday (twelve earned), the Ducks have now amassed 26 runs in their first two games against the Revs.

However, Long Island pitching was the true story of game two.  Starter Tim Melville handed in one of the funkiest performances I've ever come across.  York had a clearly defined plan of attack against Melville, going after his first pitch throughout the game.   The results are curious to say the least.

• Tim Melville faced 22 batters through six innings pitched.  
• Three batters hit safely off Melville's first pitch.
• Two batters drew walks on exactly four pitches.
• Six batters struck out on exactly three pitches.
• Eleven batters were retired after swinging at the first pitch.
• Tim Melville threw just 40 pitches with 32 (80%) going for strikes!

This should also serve a lesson for pitching to contact.

But I digress ...

Relievers Kam Mickolio and Alex Katz joined to pitch three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk with four strikeouts to close out Long Island's 14-0 whitewashing of the Revolution.