Mister Baseball

The Dutch right-handed pitcher Rick van den Hurk (W 1-1), recalled for a spot start from Double A, dominated the Atlanta Braves (4-0) in his first Major League start since April. The 23-year-old, who worked on a new slider in the Minors, baffled the Braves lineup, led by Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira, over five innings, allowing no hits, no runs and just five walks. He struck out seven. It was his first win of the season.

His fastball reached 95 MPH and he also mixed in a curveball. The only thing, what denied a “real” no-hitter was his high pitch count of 94 (52 strikes), which led to his substitution in after five innings. He combined with relievers Joe Nelson, Renyel Pinto and Matt Lindstrom for a one-hitter. Van den Hurk faced his biggest jam in the fourth, when he walked the first three batters. But he got out of the trouble with strikeouts against Jeff Francoeur and Kelly Johnson, in addition to a pop out by Mark Kotsay.

In April he was charged with seven runs in 5 1/3 innings and was send down after his first two starts of the season. On Tuesday he replaced Andrew Miller, who is sidelined with a knee injury.  It is not clear at the moment, if he stays in the big leagues, as Anibal Sanchez is scheduled to throw his last rehab start this Thursday and could return to the rotation afterwards.

At the Triple A level, the Dutch players impressed too on Tuesday. Shairon Martis (W 1-2), who closed out the Futures Game last week at the Yankee Stadium in New York, struck out twelve in 5 2/3 innings against Red Sox affiliate Pawtucket. It was his first victory for the Columbus Clippers (Washington Nationals). He gave up just one run on five hits and two walks and lowered his ERA to 3.28. His possible teammates at the Olympic Games, Yurendell de Caster and Roger Bernadina also contributed in the 4-1 win. Third Baseman de Caster hit his tenth homerun of the season. Center fielder Bernadina reached base three times and scored once. He also stole his 30th base (AA+AAA) of the year.