D-Backs' Scherzer finally takes hill for Oaks
The 22-year-old right-hander allowed one run on two hits, striking out eight without walking a batter over five innings in Visalia's 4-3 loss to Bakersfield.
Scherzer was the 11th overall pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, but did not sign with the team until May 31. He spent last season working out in California before signing with the independent Fort Worth Cats in April, and he went 1-0 with an 0.56 ERA in 16 innings.
"I knew the contract negotiations could drag out for a while, so I was prepared to take the summer off last season," Scherzer said. "I just worked on my conditioning, getting my body in shape and developing my pitches."
The University of Missouri product, who is represented by agent Scott Boras, signed a four-year Major League contract thought to be worth between $4 million and $4.5 million.
"I'm relieved that we got it done, and now I can just focus on baseball and not worry about anything else," Scherzer said.
Blaze starter Glenn Swanson scattered three hits and one walk while fanning 10 in six shutout innings. Ryan Knippschild (2-1) allowed two hits and one walk in one inning for the win. Josh Giles recorded the last out with the tying run on second and the winning run on first for his first save.
Truan Mehl broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run triple in the eighth and Taylor Teagarden drove in a pair of runs for Bakersfield (27-33).
Kyle Wright (1-1) suffered the loss after allowing three runs -- one earned -- on three hits and one walk, fanning three in 2 1/3 innings.
Jereme Milons went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Rusty Ryal had two hits and two runs scored for Visalia (28-32).
Oaks catcher John Hester was released from a local hospital Wednesday after being diagnosed with a concussion and a possible mild skull fracture. Hester was struck in the head with a foul ball while sitting in the dugout during Wednesday's game.
Steve Conley is a contributor to MLB.com.