Rick VandenHurk Blanks Braves, Earns First Win

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Rick VandenHurk Blanks Braves, Earns First Win

Kyle Galdeira
07/22/08

Former Waikiki BeachBoys hurler Rick VandenHurk earned his first victory of the year, pitching Florida past Atlanta, 4-0, at Miami’s Dolphin Stadium. VandenHurk improved to 1-1 on the season after pitching five innings without allowing a hit or run, striking out seven Braves hitters, and overcoming five walks.

“It’s awesome to be back here and playing with the Big League club,” said VandenHurk after the game via cell phone. “Especially with the (National League) East (Division) standings being so close, this win was very important.”

While VandenHurk struggled to find the strike zone at times—52 of his 94 pitches were strikes—he managed to pitch himself out of a no out, bases loaded jam in the fourth inning by striking out two and inducing Mark Kotsay’s fly out. Florida’s Mike Jacobs launched a two-out, three-run home run in the home half of the inning to put the Marlins ahead for good.

“I just wanted to attack the hitters and keep our team in the game,” VandenHurk said.

VandenHurk—the first 2006 Hawaii Winter Baseball alumnus to reach the major leagues—made his first start of 2008 since two April appearances through which he surrendered seven earned runs in 5 1/3 innings pitched. The Netherlands native hopes to secure a spot in a patchwork Marlins’ starting rotation. Marlins broadcasters have deemed him “The Incredible Hurk,” and even his curveball has earned a moniker: “The Holland Hammer.”

Atlanta appears to be one of VandenHurk’s favorite opponents as the right-hander picked up his first career victory on June 5, 2007 when the Marlins defeated the same Atlanta Braves, 5-1. VandenHurk allowed just one hit and no runs in six innings of that contest, and struck out four batters while walking two en route to the win over future Hall-of-Fame hurler John Smoltz. Of his 86 pitches, 58 went for strikes and VandenHurk’s control issues faced in his four major league appearances earlier this year were nonexistent as the hurler concentrated on throwing mostly fastballs.

As he did in Tuesday’s game, VandenHurk had a no-hitter going through the first six frames until Yunel Escobar reached on a double in the seventh inning. After Edgar Renteria walked, VandenHurk gave way to relievers Taylor Tankersley and Matt Lindstrom who combined to retire the ensuing three batters and kept the win intact.

Interestingly, VandenHurk was originally elevated to the majors on April 10, 2007 after not throwing a pitch in competition higher than the Class-A level.

In his time with the BeachBoys in 2006, VandenHurk led the HWB league with 63 strikeouts in 40 innings, and posted a respectable 3.60 ERA. He was later named to the league’s all-star team.