The JetHawks lost a 1-0 game last night, but return home to try to continue their season against Lake Elsinore in Game 2 of the best-of-three series.
Lancaster Starter: Nick Tropeano
The Astros' 5th Round pick in 2011, Nick Tropeano was promoted to Lancaster from Lexington (where he posted a 2.78 ERA/1.18 WHIP in 15 appearances/14 starts) in late June. For the JetHawks, Tropeano is 6-3 with an impressive 3.31 ERA/1.32 WHIP in 12 starts. He has struck out 69 batters, with 21 walks, in 70.2IP.
In the six starts since allowing 6H/6ER, 4K:4BB in 3IP on July 30, Tropeano has thrown 37.2IP, 35H/9ER, 35K:8BB, and has gone at least 6 innings in five of those six starts. Against Lake Elsinore, Tropeano has thrown 10IP (2 starts), 13H/4ER, 12K:4BB.
Lake Elsinore Starter: Chris Fetter
Fetter was the Padres' 9th Round pick in the 2009 draft, and will be making his 4th start for the Storm in 2012. He's spent parts of three seasons with Lake Elsinore, so he ought to know how to pitch in the Cal League.
In his three starts for Lake Elsinore in 2012, Fetter has put up 10.1IP, 13H/5ER, 6K:6BB, with a 4.35 ERA/1.84 WHIP. FanGraphs puts his FIP at an eyebrow-raising 6.30.
Fetter has made a start this season at Lancaster, on August 26, throwing 2.2IP, 6H/4R (3ER), 2K:4BB. His last start of the season went much better, throwing 4IP, 3H/2R (0ER), with 2K:1BB.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
