Drury, Hernandez Lead Rawhide to 4-0 Win

Excellent pitching combined with stellar defense propelled the Rawhide to 4-0 victory over the Stockton Ports on a magnificent central California spring day. With the temperature hovering around 70 degrees and canines on the right field Pasture for "Bark at the Park Day," Rawhide starter Hector Hernandez (1-0) pitched 6 scoreless innings, limiting the potent Ports lineup to 4 hits and one walk. 

With two on and one out in the second inning, center fielder Evan Marzelli made the play of the game. The Ports' Aaron Shipman lined a ball to right center that appeared headed to the alley for extra bases. Marzelli made a great read on the ball off the bat, and made a tumbling, sprawling catch. 

In the bottom of the 1st, Brandon Drury provided his team with all the scoring they would need, as Drury crushed an offering from Ports starter Shawn Haviland (0-1) well beyond the left field fence. The homer was Drury's second of the season. In the 5th, a Ports error on a potential ending inning double play opened the door for more scoring. A Drury double, followed by a Rudy Flores 2-run bloop single down the left field line provided the Rawhide with a 4-0 cushion.

Drury not only helped with his bat, but he also made two fine plays at third helping to preserve the victory.

As been the fashion thus far in the early season, the Rawhide bullpen would step in and close the door. Keith Hessler pitched 2 innings striking out 4, while Enrique Burgos closed out the 9th with a scoreless frame.

The Rawhide will host the Modesto Nuts at 1 p.m. on the first "Make A Difference Monday" promotion of the season. Each fan who brings $5 dollars worth of school supplies will receive a voucher for a free ticket to a future Rawhide home game.