June 19, 2009

Major League Baseball has long been an outlet for families seeking a nine-inning vacation. As Father's Day approaches, many fans will be taking dear old dad to the park to see his favorite Vols take the field. This week's update features a quartet of pitchers: Mike Lincoln, Luke Hochevar, Scot Drucker and James Adkins.

Mike Lincoln- right-handed pitcher, Cincinnati Reds

Reds' righty Mike Lincoln had a strong outing against the Kansas City Royals June 12. Lincoln pitched two scoreless innings in the game with a strikeout to his credit. This performance aids Lincoln's quest to lower his ERA- now at his season-best 8.22. Mike Lincoln played on The Hill during the Vols' 1996 campaign.

Luke Hochevar- right-handed pitcher, Kansas City Royals

After earning his first MLB win of the year June 6, Luke Hochevar repeated this feat with his second win June 12. Hochevar tossed nine innings against the Cincinnati Reds allowing only one run on three hits. He gave up just one walk while striking out three. The right-hander also struck out three in the Royals' loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks June 18.

Scot Drucker- right-handed pitcher, Toledo Mud Hens

Scot Drucker earned his second-straight win this week in what was almost an exact replica of his June 6 win. In both games, Drucker threw six scoreless innings allowing three hits in each. The difference in the June 14 win was his three walks and single strikeout. Regardless, Drucker earned his fourth win of the year, which takes his ERA to 4.56.

James Adkins-left-handed pitcher, Chattanooga Lookouts

The last 10 games have seen steady improvement for James Adkins. His ERA over the span is 3.39 in 58.1 innings-pitched. Adkins tossed 6.1 scoreless innings June 12 while striking out four. Adkins has 30 strikeouts on the season and has only given up five homeruns.