Pablo Sandoval Throws Five Shutout Innings In First Career Start

Image credit: Pablo Sandoval (Photo courtesy of Jean Fruth Images)

In his first ever pro start, Pablo Sandoval spun a gem.

Pitching for the Atlantic League’s Staten Island FerryHawks last Saturday, Sandoval struck out four while holding Lancaster to four hits and one walk in 5.1 scoreless innings.

As bizarre as it may sound, the performance continues an impressive scoreless streak for the 38-year-old former first baseman/third baseman.

Sandoval, who played 14 seasons in MLB for the Giants, Red Sox and Braves, threw a pair of scoreless innings for San Francisco back in 2018 and 2019. He then made a pair of scoreless appearances in blowout losses for the FerryHawks this season, which set up his first-ever start as a pitcher.

Between MLB and the Atlantic League, Sandoval has now thrown 9.1 scoreless innings in five games. He has allowed five hits, walked three and struck out four.

All four strikeouts came in this start, so it’s not as if he’s blowing away hitters. But while his main job remains to be the partner league team’s DH—he’s hitting .248/.314/.362—his ability to throw strikes has gotten results.