San Francisco Giants prospect Eric Surkamp is having himself a terrific year for their double-A affiliate Richmond Flying Squirrels, currently owning the lowest ERA in the Eastern League at 1.61 in 15 games along with being tied for third is strikeouts with 102. But Surkamp achieved a feat rarely seen in baseball, striking out 11 batters in 5 2/3 innings of relief, not as a starter. Make the jump to find out more.
Surkamp came in during the third inning for the completion of an suspended game played earlier against Trenton, and proceeded to fan 11 players while allowing only two hits and three walks. He fanned 8 players during the last 9 outs of the game as he earned his fourth straight win in a row, leading the Squirrels to a 5-1 victory. It marked the fourth time Surkamp has struck out at least 10 batters in a game this season.
"I was really happy," said Surkamp, "I haven't really been satisfied with where my stuff has been throughout my past couple starts. I've had good results but really didn't feel like my off-speed was where it was at the beginning of the year. I made a few adjustments last week in a bullpen session and it really helped everything. It was the best start I had all year."
And it wasn't even an actual start.
The 23 year old Surkamp was a 2008 sixth-round pick, and is considered the Giants 8th best prospect in the Minors right now. If he keeps this up he might be moving his way up the ranks towards the majors sooner than later.