Matt Hutchison was simply outstanding on Tuesday, needing just 61 pitches to get through seven full innings in the Santa Barbara Foresters’ 5-0 win over the California Wahoo at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.
He wasn’t the star of the game, however. Not even close.
Trent Gerke threw the day’s first strike before Hutch even stepped on the mound, and to those watching it was far more important than the ceremonial first pitch being thrown by President Obama almost simultaneously at the All-Star Game in St. Louis (it was a better pitch too).
The well-spoken 13-year-old, who seems to become best friends with everybody he meets, was the man of the hour on “Trent Gerke Day” at the ballpark. It all culminated with his family being presented with a $4,585 check from the day’s proceeds for his treatment as he continues to battle Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, which he has been doing courageously since April. Trent was also presented with a personalized Foresters No. 19 jersey with his name on the back. It happened at home plate right after the game ended, with all the fans still there to give the day’s most deserved applause.
“When we look back on the season as a whole after we get done with it, I think we’ll look back on today as one of the most special moments. That was incredible, because everyone was here for Trent and to be a part of it was really special,” said Associate Head Coach Pat Burns.
Hutchison, who has befriended Trent and spent time with him in the hospital this summer, had been a reliever for the Foresters (23-9) and was making his first start despite pitching in Monday’s California Collegiate League All-Star Game. The versatile UNLV righty was thrilled to pitch on his buddy’s big day.
“Coach told me I was going to be the starter yesterday, and even though I was already pitching in the All-Star Game I was just so excited. I wanted Trent to know that I would be thinking about him out there and that I dedicated today to him,” said Hutchison.
Though he struck out only two, Hutchison put the faith in his defense and worked so quickly that the game was in the sixth inning at the one-hour mark. He needed just six pitches to get through the top of the first inning and didn’t slow down much from there.
Santa Barbara racked up 11 hits on offense, including multi-hit efforts from Casey McMurray, Drew Maggi and David Harris. Vinnie St. John added an RBI triple. Nick Di Napoli took over for Hutchison in the eighth and allowed one hit the rest of the way.
Burns pointed out that Hutchison had pitched not only the day before but in three out of four games over the weekend at the Rawlings California Cup Tournament.
“His arm was not fresh, so he had to be economical and throw first-pitch strikes. He did a great job and I think the whole staff learned from it,” said Burns.
The Foresters host the Wahoo again at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. All games are broadcast on AM 1490 KIST and www.sbforesters.org.
To make a donation to the Gerke family through the Foresters’ Hugs for Cubs Foundation, click here.
