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Blomquist's effort helps taxed bullpen

By Scott Mees, The Southern

Monday, July 2, 2007 7:24 AM CDT

O'FALLON, Mo. - When a starting pitcher only throws a few innings it can decimate the bullpen for days to come.

But when Brian Blomquist threw a complete game 4-0 shutout over River City Saturday night it took that strain off the Southern Illinois Miners relief pitchers. The shutout was also the first complete game in Miners franchise history.

"We've had situations in the last few games where (Jon) Qualls went deep into a ballgame and now Blomquist goes the whole game," said Miners manager Mike Pinto. "It really allows us for our guys to have proper rest so we can use them at the right times. It saves you from a strategic standpoint in addition to keeping guys arms healthier."

Blomquist wasn't blowing the ball past hitters. He just kept changing speeds, keeping the hitters off-balance and working quickly.

"They are a good fastball hitting team so I tried to mix it up and get ahead early in the count," Blomquist said. "After the first couple of innings I kind of knew it was a good day to pitch."

The Miners also receive dazzling defensive plays from Kevin Koski, Mike Scanzano and Chris Hall.

"Our defense made unbelievable plays," Blomquist said. "It's a great feeling and takes a big weight off your back when you see plays made like that."

Catcher Rob Wirth appreciated the quick innings and said he knew Blomquist was dealing early on in the contest.

"He worked quick and made it real nice for our guys defensively," Wirth said. "Any time you've got a guy that can work quickly and keep us in the ballgame it's a great feeling."

Blomquist has a record of 2-3 with an ERA of just 2.73 this season.

Say goodbye: Pinto said the club released pitchers Danny Almonte Saturday and Chris McGraw Sunday. Almonte, the former Little League World Series star was just 0-1 with a 5.28 ERA in six appearances. McGraw was 2-2 with a 6.23 ERA in 13 games.

Who's the new guy? Sunday's starting pitcher, Ryan Quigley, was just signed by the Miners. He is a rookie from St. Xavier University where he compiled a 7-0 record and led his squad to the NAIA World Series. Quigley hails from Joliet, throws right-handed and his 6-foot-2. The Miners also signed right-handed reliever Griffin Bailey, who attended the University of Louisville.

scott.mees@thesouthern.com

351-5086