Prokopec Upstages a Blazing Phenom

San Antonio’s Luke Prokopec pitched six scoreless innings Monday during a 6-0 victory over Midland, extending his scoreless-inning streak to 19 1/3.

Prokopec out-dueled Midland’s Jesus Colome, rated Oakland’s third-best prospect by Baseball America. The 19-year-old Colome had a fastball clocked at 100 mph while pitching for Class-A Visalia last season.

But it was Prokopec, a 22-year-old right-hander, who dominated. He gave up five hits and struck out 10.

“I don’t care if the scouts came to watch me or not,” Prokopec said after the game. “It doesn’t matter how hard you throw because anybody can hit a fastball.”

Prokopec, who is 3-0 in eight starts for the double-A Missions, missed most of May after having a nail removed from his right middle finger. His 0.96 earned-run average is the lowest in the Texas League.

He is second in the league with 55 strikeouts.

Prokopec was converted from an infielder to a pitcher midway through the 1997 season and was named the Dodgers’ minor league pitcher of the year the following season. He was 11-5 with a 2.44 ERA in 25 starts for Class-A San Bernardino and San Antonio.

Carlos Garcia, a 22-year-old right-hander from Empalme, Mexico, is tied for the California League lead with seven victories. He is 7-3 with a 2.97 ERA for San Bernardino.