JETHAWKS REPORT : JetHawk Pearce Has Been Here, Done This

When JetHawk left-hander Jeff Pearce stepped into the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga for this weekend’s series, it brought back memories of the first incarnation of Pearce’s career.

In 1993, Pearce was an outfielder with the Quakes, an affiliate of the San Diego Padres. He batted .281 in 101 games, but he was unhappy with his progression in the Padre system, so he asked for his release.

The Padres released him and he played the 1994 season in the independent Northern League, where he injured his right shoulder and was converted into a pitcher.

The Seattle Mariners signed Pearce as a pitcher in 1995.

“I never thought I’d be here again,” Pearce said.

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Relief pitcher John Daniels became engaged Saturday morning to a woman he met exactly a year ago while pitching for the Mariners’ affiliate in Appleton, Wis.

“I put the ring on the dog’s collar and let it go into the bedroom and wake her up,” Daniels said.

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With Jose Cruz Jr. still bothered by a pulled groin and Jesus Marquez needing a day off, Manager Dave Brundage got creative with his outfield Saturday, moving first baseman James Clifford to left field. Clifford had not played outfield since 1994.

The Quakes, who began the night last in the Southern Division, seemed to be beefing up their roster in the past two days.

The Quakes added 26-year-old reliever Todd Schmitt, 25-year-old infielder Dickie Woodridge and 30-year-old outfielder John Massarelli, who played against Brundage in the triple-A Pacific Coast League.

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Today’s Game:

JetHawks (Ivan Montane, 2-1, 3.99) at Rancho Cucamonga (Brett Walters, 1-2, 3.26), 1:15.