A Good Friday for Former Notre Dame Star

GoshenGipper

Rest In Peace
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A Good Friday for Former Notre Dame Star
Shark Makes First Start v. Brevard

After a long anticipated wait, Jeff Samardzija took the mound tonight for the first time as a Daytona Cub. The crowd sporting mostly Notre Dame Caps and T-shirts showed up to Space Coast Stadium as the former All-American UND football player made his debut. Among the spectators included Illinois Senator, William Delgado and Notre Dame Head Football Coach, Charlie Weiss.

Samardzija chose a career in professional baseball over the NFL back in January of this year. After he signed a five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, Samardzija was optioned to Advanced-A Daytona at the end of Spring Training.

Through five sound innings, Samardzija received the no decision. He was able to get most of the Manatees out on ground and fly balls, allowing five hits, while recording only one strike out in his first outing.

The game tonight was literally an arms race. Both pitchers, Samardzija and Manatees, Will Inman, held the opposing batters to one run each through five innings. Neither Cubs nor Manatees relievers allowed any runs as the game continued throughout regulation.

In the top of the eleventh, Manatees pitcher Luis Pena loaded the bases. On Kyle Reynolds sacrifice fly to centerfield, Nate Spears scored the go ahead run for the Cubs.

In the bottom of the inning, Cubs reliever Billy Petrick struggled allowing three consecutive singles to Manatees batters, scoring one. Petrick then walked J.R. Hopf to load the bases. A fly ball to centerfield advanced the final run to split the series 1-1 with Brevard.

JeffSamardzija-DaytonaCubs.jpg
 

portlaNDgal

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I am so bummed that he isn't coming back to Boise this year. Boise plays Salem, OR only an hour from my house.
 
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