How does Stingers manager Garry Templeton spell relief when he needs a starting pitcher in a pinch?
B-R-U-S-K-E. That's how.
For the fourth time this season, reliever Jim Bruske was called into starting duty to fill a vacancy in Salt Lake's starting rotation. On Wednesday, the righthander stepped in to replace starter Scot Shields who was called up by the Anaheim Angels in the morning.
"He found out kind of early this time. So that gave him time to prepare himself," Templeton said after Bruske joined teammates Juan Alvarez and Brendan Donnelly in pitching Salt Lake's first shutout at home this season — a 3-0 win over Fresno at Franklin Covey Field. "Normally, it's like 'Hey Bruske, you're starting.' "
Sometimes, Bruske explained, word comes just 30 minutes before game time. And though such notice can be a test, its not as challenging as moving back and forth from the bullpen to starter.
"I don't want to do it all the time. It's tough on your arm," said Bruske, who noted preparation varies for starters and relievers. ". . . It makes it hard. It does. But, oh well, I'll take the ball any time."
While Bruske was carrying a two-hit shutout into the sixth inning, his teammates had built a 3-0 advantage. A two-out triple by Wilmy Caceres brought home two scores in the second inning, while Jose Nieves knocked in another run on a fielder's choice in the fourth.
The lead, however, became endangered when Fresno loaded the bases with no outs on a pair of singles and a walk in the sixth inning. That's when Bruske left the game in favor of Alvarez. He recorded a strikeout before third baseman Jose Fernandez turned a double play with first baseman Chris Pritchett.
"I was lucky to get out of that," said Bruske. "Alvarez picked me up big time. He did a great job. I hit a wall after the fifth inning."
Though its always satisfying to contribute to a shutout, Alvarez said it was a team effort. He credited a defensive play by Scott Morgan and clutch hits by teammates as keys to the victory.
Alvarez was replaced by Donnelly who earned the save by preserving the shutout.
The series continues Thursday at 7 p.m. Salt Lake RHP Shad Williams (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and Fresno RHP Ryan Jensen (6-1, 3.03 ERA) are the scheduled starters. Jensen is an alum of Cottonwood High and Southern Utah University.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com