They Had Cup of Coffee With Mariners and More

It’s been a long couple days for six JetHawks.

Jason Cook, Ken Cloude, Mike Lanza, Dusty Wathan, Jesus Marquez and John Thompson flew from San Jose to Appleton, Wis., on Monday to play with the Seattle Mariners in an exhibition against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

But the game Monday night was rained out. The JetHawks had a nice dinner with Mariner players, then woke up early Tuesday to fly back to Southern California.

“It’s a little disappointing, but what can you do?” Cook said. “Mother nature ruined it.

“It was neat being around the guys, seeing how they act. It gives you the incentive to make it up there quick.”

Dave Guenther, JetHawks’ official scorer, flew to Wisconsin just to see the game. “I just figured it would be fun,” he said.

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Cloude was named the California League’s best pitching prospect and JetHawk Manager Dave Brundage was named the league’s best managing prospect in a poll by Baseball America. Marcus Sturdivant, promoted to double A at midseason, was named best outfielder and best baserunner. . . .

Injured pitchers Chris Beck and Tom Szimanski are closer to returning. Both are scheduled to throw simulated games this week. Left-hander Jeff Pearce is not progressing as well. He is scheduled to have another test today on his sore left elbow. . . .

Pitcher Clint Gould has been promoted to double A Port City. The JetHawks received right-hander Eric Morgan from Everett.

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Tonight’s Game: Modesto (Carl Dale, 5-2, 4.40) at JetHawks (Ken Cloude, 12-3, 4.02), 7:15 p.m.