Return of the Soulsucker (Jukich vs. Hirsh)

Moosic, PA (April 27, 2010) - Ben Jukich, the pitcher lost via Rule 5, then returned, made his first start of the season on a bitterly cold night at PNC Field.  Scranton is sort of up in the mountains, and can be very cold and windy in the spring.  It actually snowed during the game, and you could see the players' breaths.

Jukich looked disappointing normal, not like his Gameday pic at all.

Yes, he's sprouted some weird facial hair, as have many of the Bats.  The Reds are apparently now allowing their minor leaguers to grow facial hair.

On the mound for the SWB Yankees, Jason Hirsh.  He would come within four outs of a no-hitter.

Corky Miller has a big, droopy mustache that reminded me of Sal Fasano.  The fans in front of me were apparently reminded of Mike Piazza, because they kept calling him "Piazza" throughout the game.  ("Hey, Piazza!  Control your pitcher!")

Danny Dorn in the on-deck circle.

Because it was so cold and windy, the stands were pretty empty.  It was so quiet I could hear the Bats talking in the dugout below.  Dorn's teammates call him "Danny" or "Dornie."

Zack Cozart attempts a bunt.

It didn't work.

Juan Miranda homers off Jukich.

Corky Miller.

Danny Dorn and Juan Miranda.

Juan Francisco fouls a ball off his foot.

Chris Valaika.

Valaika walks back to the dugout after striking out.

Danny Dorn throws his bat in frustration.

Yes, it was that kind of night.

Wilkin Castillo tries a bunt.

It didn't work.  He heads back to the dugout.

Jesus Delgado pitched the 6th and 7th.

Chris Valaika.

Drew Sutton.

Zack Cozart is not afraid to get his uniform dirty.

Finally, with two out in the 8th, Corky, mighty Corky, is advancing to the bat.

We didn't know it at the time, but this would be Hirsh's last pitch of the night.

Corky sent it over the left field wall.

Dave Miley takes the ball and sends Hirsh to the showers.  He got a nice ovation from the three or four fans left.

(Actually, quite a few people stuck around because of the no-hitter.  The place emptied out pretty fast after that, though.)

Jon Adkins pitched the 8th.

Jesus Montero, one of the Yankees' studly catching prospects, hit a single off Adkins.

Corky's hit would be the only one the Bats got.  The Yankees celebrate their victory.

Not exactly the most action-filled photos this time, but there aren't too many highlights in an almost-no-hitter.

Final score: Louisville 1, SWB 2.