River Cats manager Todd Steverson said he didn't agree but it sure looked like Lenny DiNardo was taking a hard hit (or several, for that matter) Saturday night to save the team's bullpen from abuse.
Why else would DiNardo be left on the mound to give up 14 hits and 15 earned runs in just three-plus innings of Fresno's 15-0 thrashing of the River Cats before an announced crowd of 13,028 at Raley Field?
Clearly, Steverson and pitching coach Rick Rodriguez believe the 28-year-old DiNardo is mentally strong enough to take this whipping and keep on ticking.
Steverson threw out the possibility DiNardo could be his starter Wednesday when the River Cats host the Salt Lake Bees in a best-of-five Pacific Conference playoff series.
DiNardo gave up seven runs in the second inning and allowed eight consecutive batters to reach base before getting out of the inning.
It was worse in the fourth when eight consecutive batters hit successfully to reach base and score. Included in Fresno's season-high single inning assault was Olympian Nate Schierholtz's first grand slam of the season.
DiNardo mercifully was removed after 81 pitches and received a smattering of applause from fans that recognized he'd hung in as long as he could.
Steverson explained how DiNardo wasn't hit hard early in one of the innings when he "gave up seven or eight runs." He was serious, too.
The bottom line, though, was DiNardo helped save a bullpen preparing to defend a Triple-A crown this week in the playoffs. David Shafer relieved him and delivered four innings of two-hit, one-walk, scoreless pitching while Bret Prinz and Brad Kilby followed without giving up a hit or a run.
"The bottom line is everyone can't pitch every day," Steverson said. "Now, that sign isn't posted out in front of the stadium."
Nor is there a sign that indicates the mental strength of a pitcher who can shake off a performance like this one and be depended upon to come back strong in his next outing.
"At this level in the minor leagues," Steverson said, "you're not at full capacity every night."
In fact, outfielder Aaron Cunningham was called up Saturday to join the A's.
Call The Bee's Martin McNeal, (916) 326-5504.
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