Oaks Take On Division Leading Giants
SERIES PREVIEW:
The Visalia Oaks head home to begin an eight-game homestand playing their best baseball of the year. The Oaks have won two series in a row, and five of their last six games. The Oaks swept their first series of the year from the Modesto Nuts last week at Recreation Park and then took two of three from the Bakersfield Blaze over the weekend in Bakersfield. Meanwhile, the first place Giants, holders of the California League’s top winning percentage (.659), were swept in a weekend series at Lancaster, which still has the league’s worst record.
The Oaks have struggled against San Jose, going 1-7 against the Giants this year in two series played at Municipal Stadium in San Jose. The Oaks have lost five one-run games to San Jose, and two two-run games. Because each game has been so close, San Jose has outscored the Oaks by a combined score of just 40-34.
The Oaks-Giants matchup is a study in contrasts. The Oaks have scored 249 runs, (5.79 runs/game), tops in the California League. The Oaks have been even more prolific recently averaging 6.84 runs per game in May and scoring 34 runs in the three game series at Bakersfield. The Giants, who have spent the season at the top of the League in both pitching and defense are excellent at preventing runs from scoring.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
As of 5-21
Visalia
John Jaso - 15 gm hitting streak, 2nd best in League this yr...hitting .376 (24 H/64 AB) over strk
Reid Brignac - hitting .341/.397/.576, leads team in SLG, 8 HR #2 in league
Patrick Breen - .321/.409/.569, 8 HR, #2 in league
San Jose
Nick Pereira- 5-0, 1.50 ERA, tied #1 league W, #1 in ERA (8 ER/48.0 IP)...46 K, 10 BB
Brian Anderson -10 SV #1 League, 1.42 ERA (3 ER/19 IP), .176 AVG against
PROBABLE STARTERS:
| Day | Time | Visalia Oaks (19-24) | San Jose Giants (27-14) | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 6:35 | LHP Brandon Mann (2-3, 5.06) | LHP Alex Hinshaw (3-0, 2.42) | AM 1270 |
| Tue | 6:35 | LHP James Houser (1-4, 4.50) | RHP Nick Pereira (5-0, 1.50) | AM 1270 |
| Wed | 6:35 | RHP Chris Mason (2-2, 3.38) | RHP Gregorio Martinez (1-2, 3.60) | AM 1270 |
| Thu | 6:35 | RHP Derek Feldkamp (2-3, 8.05) | LHP Jesus Reina (2-1, 5.89) | AM 1270 |
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS:
Monday 5/22 Monday Madness
Tuesday 5/23 Two-for-Tuesday. Two-for-One GA Tickets
Wednesday 5/24Weenie Wednesday. $1 hotdogs at Recreation Park.
Thursday 5/25 Thirsty Thursday- sodas and beers are $1 at Recreation Park