Photos by Rob Fisher
Two young players who weren’t with the San Jose Giants two weeks ago played key roles in helping the team win its second California League title in three years.
21-year-old Francisco Peguero, who played centerfield in place of injured regular Darren Ford, went two-for-five in Saturday night’s 4-3 win over High Desert that completed the three-game sweep. Peguero, who hit .385 for the playoffs, was named Most Valuable Player of the championship round.
And Eric Surkamp, who like Peguero was called up from Low-A Augusta for the Cal League playoffs, had an ugly first round appearance. The 22-year-old left gave up six runs in two innings against Bakersfield on Sept. 14. But after giving up three runs in two innings against High Desert, he settled down to strike out 12 Mavericks in eight innings to get the win.
“They just told me after the Bakersfield game I had to adjust to the league a little bit,” Surkamp said. “I had butterflies and I actually started this game the way I pitched the last game. I talked to the pitching coach between innings and he said to just let it all out there and not worry about anything. I kind of got more comfortable and fell into a groove.”
After the second inning, Surkamp retired 13 consecutive batters. He was replaced in the ninth by Rafael Cova and his 97-mph fastball. Cova made it interesting, walking pinch hitter Kyle Seager with one out. He wild pitched Seager to second, got James McOwen to pop out to the catcher, then another wild pitch sent Seager to third. But Cova got Travis Scott to fly out to center and the celebration began.
Shortstop Brian Bocock, who drove in nine runs in the playoffs, was also part of the 2007 championship team. He said this year’s team had more talent but the players weren’t as close.
“We had more people coming and going this year than in 2007. But what it came down to is we all had a bond and we all enjoy each other all the time.”
Team MVP Thomas Neal said he wasn’t surprised the Giants were able to sweep the Mavericks in three games.
“We came out every day and we knew were going to outwork and other team and when we stepped on the field that we were going to win regardless of the situation. Our goal was to win three in a row and get out of here because some of us have to go to the Instructional League.”
Other Augusta call-ups contributed throughout the playoffs. First baseman Josh Mazzolla, started every game for San Jose and hit a home run. Catcher Johnny Monell got significant playing time, homered and hit .286. And pitcher David Quinowski won two games in relief.
The Cal League championship is San Jose’s tenth since 1949 and the fourth for the Giants since 2001.
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