NEW ORLEANS - GAME RECAP

We were fortunate to get to see future star Tim Redding pitch for New Orleans. Redding is only in his second year of pro ball, and already had a cup of coffee with Houston this year, but was sent down to get a bit more experience with the Zephyrs. He faced Andrew Lorraine of the Calgary Cannons in a game that started 2.5 hours late due to a rain delay. On a side note, Preston Wilson, down with Calgary for 3 rehab games, started in center for the Cannons.

For three innings, Redding was unhittable, retiring the first nine batters in order, including 6 on strikeouts. The Zephyrs managed a run in the first and led 1-0 entering the fourth, when Redding hit Calgary leadoff batter Erickson. After another strikeout, Ryan McGuire walked. With men on first and second, Zephyr catcher Raul Chavez tried to pick Erickson off second, but threw wild, allowing Erickson to get to third. Wilson then grounded out, driving in the run. It was 1-1, but Redding still hadn't allowed a hit!

Redding warming up

In the fifth, New Orleans battened around with 3 doubles, a walk, hit batsman and a single to score 5 runs. With Redding pitching so well, the only question left was whether he could finish the no-hitter. After seven innings, it was still intact, but in the top of the eighth, with one out, Ben Candelaria doubled and the no-no was no more. Redding gave up 2 runs in the inning and was pulled after 8, but the Zephyrs won easily 6-3. Redding showed us the best stuff of any pitcher in the minors - it was a treat to watch him from the front row behind home plate. Preston Wilson went 0-3 against him, in a battle that you will see many times in the years to come.

Wilson swings