Hernandez rebounds for Quad Cities

Elieser Hernandez was on a mission in Monday's start for Class A Quad Cities after a cracked fingernail on his pitching hand led to him getting roughed up for five runs on six hits in just 1 2/3 innings in his last outing on June 28.

"He was able to have a good side session this week to come back prepared," River Bandits pitching coach Chris Holt said. "He had a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He was upset about the way that went down last time out. He really wanted to come out today and fire on all cylinders. He did a good job doing that."

The right-handed Houston prospect allowed one hit while matching a career high with 10 strikeouts over eight shutout innings in Quad Cities' 9-1 thumping of Beloit at Modern Woodman Park.

 "In general, 11 of 25 batters he faced saw 0-2 or 1-2 counts," Holt said. "Ten out of 25 saw 2-0 or 2-1 counts, but he made excellent or quality pitches with both fastball and off-speed to get outs. He was able to really attack the zone with quality pitches whether he was ahead or behind. Fifteen out of 25 batters he faced saw four or less pitches. He really was efficient with his stuff and made pitches when he had to behind in the count."

Hernandez (4-2) faced the minimum through the seventh inning. He gave up a single to Mike Martin to lead off the fourth inning, but immediately induced a double play from Trace Loehr and fanned Trent Gilbert. He surrendered a two-out walk to Ryan Howell in the eighth and his wild pitch advanced Howell to second base, but he struck out Justin Higley to end the threat.

"He had an excellent off-speed mix," said Holt, who credited catcher Anthony Hermelyn for keeping pitch selection and tempo. "His changeup was solid in the zone and as a chase pitch for lefties, and he had a good slider vs. righties. He was able to elevate the fastball for swings-and-misses. For strikeout pitches, he was able to paint the outside corner for some strikeouts against right-handers, so he was able to do a number of different things to get ahead and put guys away."

The 21-year-old rebounded from his toughest outing since joining the River Bandits on May 26. Prior to that, he had given up just two earned runs in his first four starts with Quad Cities.

The Venezuelan right-hander started the year with Class A Advanced Lancaster and was sent down after going 1-4 with a 9.10 ERA in eight appearances.

"He's been doing a lot of work since he's come back to Quad Cities on lining up his delivery, getting more in sync and repeating his delivery in the windup and stretch, and he was able to stay consistent with that tonight," Holt said. "When he missed, he made adjustments within a pitch or two instead of after a batter or two. His ability to make adjustments more quickly, he's getting more adept at doing that as he matures.

"It always comes down to pitch quality. On days when he's less successful or gets hit behind in the count, sometimes he comes back into the zone a bit bigger on the plate. Even when he was behind in the count today, he was able to attack and stay focused on what he was doing."

Makay Nelson gave up a run in the ninth, but shut the door for the River Bandits.

Kristian Trompiz homered, tripled and drove in three runs while Dexture McCall added three RBIs for Quad Cities

Beloit starter Michael Murray (3-2) took the loss after giving up four runs on nine hits in five innings. Jared Lyons was tagged for four runs on three hits in an inning of relief.