Alaskans square off in Triple-A (Baseball)
There’s only two Alaskans playing Triple-A baseball and their teams squared off in a Pacific Coast League series that ended today.
Soldotna pitcher Joe Newby of the Albuquerque Isotopes started in the finale two days after Anchorage pitcher Corey Madden appeared in relief for the New Orleans Zephyrs.
Newby made his fourth start of the season, allowing eight hits, including two home runs, and seven runs in four innings of work. He struck out five but suffered the loss in a 9-5 setback.
The 6-foot-2 right-hander fell to 1-4 on the season while his ERA jumped to 5.30.
Newby, of Dodgers fame, had been solid in his previous two starts, giving up three runs in a combined 10 innings.
He has appeared in 16 games for the Isotopes since getting promoted from Double-A earlier this season. This is his second career stint in Triple-A.
Madden, of Marlins fame, threw two innings of relief in Saturday’s 11-10 loss.
He has been a lights-out setup man in his six games with the Zephyrs after being promoted from Double-A a couple weeks ago.
He can still remember the moment he got the nod.
“My manager called me into his office after the game,” he told me. “We were on the road in Carolina playing the Mudcats. Usually when the manager calls you in, it’s to inform you that you might be moving up a level.
“I didn’t get emotional at all. I was a little surprised but that’s it. There was a need for an arm in the bullpen and I got the call. Wasn’t much time to celebrate. We got back to the hotel around 1 a.m. and I left at 7 a.m.”
This is his first time in The Big Easy.
“It’s a really unique city with a lot of culture and history. Still have a lot to see,” he said.
Fans have seen Madden get off to a strong start, carving out a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 innings.
“It’s good to know that I can still get guys out at the next level. That’s the best part of starting out well,” he said. “It feels good to be given an opportunity to face guys who have been and will be in the big leagues.”
Madden and Newby could be next to get the call.
It all started in the 907.
“I always remember playing against the younger Newby twins. I’m sure my brother, Kyle, remembers him,” Madden said. “I did know that he was playing in Chattanooga earlier this year so when we played there I was expecting to see him throw. I think it’s awesome that another Alaskan is doing well. I hope we get to face off one day, or play together, that would be cool.”