Visalia Heads to San Jose for Four Game Set

LOCATION: Municipal Stadium, San Jose, CA

SERIES PREVIEW:

The Visalia Oaks (19-13/52-50) head to San Jose Friday to take on the Giants (20-13/61-42) for a four game series. The Oaks, who just concluded a six game home stand against San Jose and Bakersfield, took 3 of 4 against the Giants and then were swept in a two-game series by the Blaze to go an even 3-3 on the stand. Visalia heads to San Jose with an 8-4 road record in the second half and a 24-25 record away from Recreation Park in 2006. The Oaks are in second place in the California League’s North Division, half a game behind San Jose. The division-leading Giants have been dominant at home with a 10-4 record in the second half and a 34-17 overall home record this season.

Heading into the road trip, Oaks third baseman Evan Longoria has recently been carrying Visalia’s offense. In his last nine games, Longoria is batting .412 with 3 homeruns, 10 RBI and 9 runs scored. In 23 games as an Oak, he is hitting .371/.453/.708 (AVG/OBP/SLG), with 8 homeruns, 6 doubles, 23 RBI and 20 runs scored.

The Oaks are 6-13 this season against San Jose, but took 3 of 4 from the Giants at home last weekend. Visalia has struggled in Municipal Stadium this season going just 1-7. First baseman Chris Nowak has feasted on Giants’ pitchers this year batting .371/.446/.468 in 18 games, with 6 doubles, 10 RBI and 9 walks.

Visalia is among the California League leaders in most offensive categories. The Oaks lead the circuit in runs scored (602), are second in team batting average (.285) and are second with 104 homeruns. San Jose’s offense is in the middle of the pack with a .274 batting average, good for 5th. The strength of San Jose’s team has been the pitching staff, sporting a 3.78 ERA, second behind only Lake Elsinore.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
As of 7/27

Visalia

Patrick Breen-21 HR, 2nd in League….546 SLG %, 3rd in League
Chris Nowak-.309 BA, 10th in League…29 2B, 4th in League
Jonathan Barratt-1 shutout, tied 2nd in League…last 2 starts: 1-0, 11 innings, 18 K’s, 2 BB

San Jose

John Bowker-last 9 games: .432 BA, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 8 runs scored
Brian Anderson-29 SV, leads League…41 games, 3rd in League

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS
Tuesday 8/1 Tulare Emergency Aid Council Night. Bring an item, receive a half-price ticket.
Wednesday 8/2 Weenie Wednesday. Hot dogs are just $1 at Recreation Park.

PROBABLE STARTERS:

Day	Time	Visalia Oaks (19-13/52-50)	San Jose Giants (20-13/61-42)	Broadcast
Fri	7:00	LHP Jonathan Barratt (5-2, 3.50)	RHP Gregorio Martinez (6-6, 3.83)	AM 1270 KJUG
Sat	5:00	LHP Brandon Mann (4-8, 5.60)	RHP Brooks McNiven (6-5, 3.91)	AM 1270 KJUG
Sun	1:00	LHP James Houser (8-4, 4.37)	RHP Alfredo Simon (0-3, 8.40)	AM 1270 KJUG
Mon	7:00	RHP Chris Mason (10-6, 4.33)	RHP Anthony Moreno (7-5, 4.62)	AM 1270 KJUG