I was finally able to make my way out to the DBAP tonight to catch a Bulls game after spending the opening month in college. I was suprised to see that Jeff Niemann was getting the start and even more suprised when I saw Juan Salas in the dugout and eventually in the game. It was a good (well great) and not so much time for those two.

First the great. Jeff Niemann was nearly untouchable, not sure if he was Shields untouchable, but good none the less. He only went 3 innings (Pitch count I guess) but struck out 4 allowing just 1 hit and didn't walk a batter. His stuff was on from the start as he struck out the first two batters. He had good velocity on his fastball and nasty break on the curve/slider not sure excactly what it is.

Salas came in to start the 4th and was really good in that inning but came back out in the 5th and got destroyed including a 2 run shot by Buck Coats.  He gave up 5 runs and took the loss while working 2 innings. I guess he was scheduled to work 2 innings no matter what because Durham showed no sign of bringing him out of the 5th inning despite the 5 runs given up.

All in all it was good to see Niemann come back strong and even though he took the loss it was nice to see Salas is already back up and pitching in AAA, I know the bullpen is pitching really well but he has nasty stuff and it will be nice to have him ready within the next couple weeks just in case anyone else gets hurt (knock on wood)

...oh and Ruggiano hit another homerun (opposite field), he is tearing it up since being sent down and up and down.