Smokies' Hedges flattens Biscuits

The approach of hitters at an advanced level might cause issues for some newly promoted pitchers. Don't count Zach Hedges among them.

"Obviously, there are more advanced hitters [in Double-A] and they've proven that to get where they are," he said. "You have to respect the hitters in that sense, but know yourself as a pitcher, too. You buy into your strengths and execute them as often as you can. Keep attacking with your strengths and not give the hitter too much credit."  

That approach has worked well for the Cubs prospect, who allowed four hits and a walk with six strikeouts in seven innings Tuesday night as Double-A Tennessee blanked visiting Montgomery, 7-0.

After allowing four runs in his first Southern League start, Hedges (2-1) has produced back-to-back scoreless outings and given up one earned run over his last 19 innings. In his first four starts for the Smokies, the 23-year-old has a 1.80 ERA in 25 innings.

"It's a mix of a few things," the right-hander said. "I have the confidence to pitch to my strengths, and that's the same no matter where you play. The hitters have a little more advanced approach here. In A-ball, they have an approach, but they also swing at almost everything. Up here, you can set up your pitches and try to pitch to their weaknesses, which works to my advantage."

Hedges retired the first six Biscuits before encountering some trouble in the third inning. Armando Araiza drew a one-out walk and Pat Blair singled, but the California native induced a double play from Braxton Lee to escape trouble.

Hedges allowed a base hit to Patrick Leonard in the fourth, then set down Montgomery in order in the fifth and sixth. After getting the first two outs in the seventh, he yielded back-to-back singles to Rays No. 15 prospect Justin Williams and Kean Wong but retired Cade Gotta on a grounder to second on his 84th and final pitch. He exited with a 14-inning scoreless streak.

"Just got into a nice groove," the Azusa Pacific product said. "I'm confident with my two-seamer and I'm locating it well and down in the zone. The way the guys have been playing defensively and the way the offense has been scoring early on, it really helps me be aggressive. It's awesome to have that behind you and it's a huge confidence boost to know that I can pitch to my strengths and let the hitters get themselves out."

Hedges was promoted from Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach on July 24 after going 7-8 with a 2.89 ERA and fewer than six strikeouts per nine innings in 16 Carolina League starts.

"I was staying focused on the process," the 2014 26th-round pick said. "Whether the promotion came this year or not, I was going to stay with it and try to dominate. But when it came, I was very helpful and thankful. As a player, you have to believe you can succeed at any level. So I've been very happy with what's going on." 

David Garner struck out one in a perfect eighth and Nick Sarianides pitched around two hits in the ninth to complete the Smokies' fifth shutout.

Tennessee made life easier for its starter. Top Cubs prospect Ian Happ hit a two-run homer, No. 15 prospect Victor Caratini went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored and Joey Vosler homered and drove in three runs.

Williams doubled in his second straight two-hit game for Montgomery. Biscuits starter Yonny Chirinos (4-3) allowed five runs on a season-high 12 hits while striking out two in 4 2/3 innings.