Sox shutout by Yanks 4-0, unknown NY LHP contiunes startling turnaround
By Earl Nash
An “off-the-radar” pitcher from the Washington Wild–a roster bubble guy–held the Sox scoreless for the first five frames on two hits as the Yankees defeated Boston, 4-0, on Wednesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
March 20, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Vidal Nuno (96) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Outside of Staten Island, LHP Vidal Nuno was an unknown. He was signed from independent ball, pitched last year at Class A Tampa and Double-A Trenton and 24 year-old Nuno explains his sudden turnaround from being cut by the Indians to shooting up the Yankee system to developing a changeup.
“I didn’t have a changeup. I had the command, but that changeup has been a key factor for the last year and a half. You have to mix up speeds with these great hitters coming up through the levels.” [Nick Peruffo of the Trentonian]
The better known LHP, Sox Felix Doubront was not as impressive; with 7 hits in 4 1/3 innings, one W, five Ks and was a victim of a crooked number inning, when the Yankees bunched together 4 singles, a double, 2 sac flies , with Doubront chipping in a walk and a WP, for 4 runs.
The Yankees signed Nuno, 24, last season from the Washington Wild, an independent team that picked him up after the Indians let him go. He had previously been drafted by the Indians in the 48th round of the 2009 draft and had decent numbers in two seasons before they released him.
Nuno has done nothing but impress, ever since signing [2011]. In 25 innings with the Staten Island Yankees: 1.95 ERA, 8.5 K/9, and a 1.4 BB/9. Promoted to Low-A Charleston, he posted a 1.80 ERA, a 8.3 K/9, and an impressive 0.4 BB/9 in 40 innings.
He began this season out of the High-A Tampa bullpen where he had a 2.96 ERA, a 9.6 K/9, and a 2.2 BB/9 in 24.1 innings. Due only to injuries, he was promoted to the Double-A Trenton
Cleveland’s 48th round pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft from Baker University turned his career around with the Yankees making the MiLB Organization All-Star team.
The loss leaves the Sox just a game over .500 at 13-12.
BOX: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_03_20_bosmlb_nyamlb_1&mode=box
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