Infielder Must Knuckle Down

The JetHawks will be facing a first-time pitcher today in San Bernardino’s Ryan Sowards, an infielder who has been converted to a knuckleball pitcher.

Sowards has thrown simulated games in extended spring training, but today will be his first time on the mound in a professional game.

“I’ll just sit and watch and see what happens,” said Stampede Manager Del Crandall. “He may do well and he may struggle. I know he can get the ball over the plate sometimes. We’ll see how often.”

Sowards’ start was necessitated because Eddie Oropesa has gone to Costa Rica to bring his family to the United States. Oropesa defected from Cuba in 1994 and pitched briefly at Mission College.

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Randy Johnson, last season’s American League Cy Young Award winner out since May 12 with a bulging disc in his back, is scheduled to pitch for the JetHawks at the Hangar Friday against the San Jose Giants. The Mariners will be playing the Angels in Anaheim. He will be the fourth Mariner to play for Lancaster this season. The others are pitchers Chris Bosio and Bob Wolcott and first baseman Ricky Jordan.

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Greg Wooten (7-1, 2.47 ERA) was named the best pitcher in the Mariners’ organization for the first half of this season in Baseball America’s midseason report. Left-hander Trey Moore (1-7, 7.71) was named the biggest disappointment.

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Tonight’s Game: JetHawks (Greg Wooten, 2-1, 6.04) at San Bernardino (Ryan Sowards, 0-0, 0.00), 5 p.m.