Prospect Blackburn fires seven shutout innings

Last Saturday, Giants prospect Clayton Blackburn made what might have been the best start of his career, striking out a career-high 11 batters in eight scoreless innings. He came close to replicating it Friday, throwing seven scoreless innings to lead Double-A Richmond to a 3-0 victory over Bowie.

Blackburn, the Giants' No. 7 prospect, struck out nine batters, walked two and scattered six hits in the effort. He threw 97 pitches and extended his scoreless-innings streak to 15.

The Baysox recorded five hits and one walk in the first three innings, but Blackburn was able to keep them off the scoreboard. He then all but silenced their offense in the final four innings, striking out seven batters.

Blackburn earned his first victory since July 4, when he returned from the disabled list to throw five scoreless innings in Game 2 of a doubleheader against Reading. He had been sidelined since May 19 by a strained lat muscle in his right side.

In 16 starts for the Flying Squirrels this season, Blackburn is 4-5 with a 2.64 ERA. He has struck out 77 batters and walked 19 in 85 1/3 innings.