For Spencer, Every Save Is a Relief

Sean Spencer still treats every save and every solid outing just a little differently than his teammates.

Sure, the Lancaster JetHawks’ left-handed relief pitcher is glad he’s pitching well, but not as thankful as he is to be pitching at all.

“I’m just happy to be back out there,” said Spencer, who underwent the tendon-replacement procedure known as Tommy John surgery last spring at the University of Washington.

Although the injury scared off many clubs, the Seattle Mariners took a chance and drafted Spencer in the 40th round of the June draft. He signed, but did not make his debut in a minor league game until this spring in Lancaster.

So far, he’s been the most reliable pitcher out of the bullpen. He is 1-0 with a 2.41 earned-run average and two saves.

“I feel just like I did before the surgery,” said Spencer, who turns 22 on May 29.

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Tonight’s Game: JetHawks (Jeff Farnsworth, 0-1, 7.90) at San Bernardino (Jeff Williams, 4-1, 2.33), 7:05.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Scanning Monday box scores: TRIPLE A--Catcher Jeff Tackett (Camarillo) had two hits, including a double, for Oklahoma City. . . . Outfielder Jalal Leach (Pepperdine) had two hits, including his second homer, for Tacoma, Wash. . . . Outfielder Jacob Cruz (Channel Islands) had four hits, including three doubles, for Phoenix. . . . Outfielder Ryan Radmanovich (Pepperdine) had two hits, including a double, for Salt Lake City. DOUBLE A--First baseman Brad Fullmer (Montclair Prep) had three hits, including two doubles, for Harrisburg, Pa. . . . Outfielder Pat Bryant (Cleveland) had two hits, including a double, for Trenton, N.J. . . . Former JetHawk right-hander Marino Santana gave up a run in 2 1/3 innings of relief for Jacksonville, Fla., beating many of his former Lancaster teammates, now playing for Memphis. Santana gave up one of former JetHawk outfielder Shane Monahan’s two home runs. Monahan drove in four runs. Another former JetHawk, outfielder Jesus Marquez, homered and drove in four runs for Jacksonville. CLASS A--Shortstop Dan Cey (El Camino Real) hit his second home run and drove in five runs for Fort Myers, Fla. . . . Left-hander Chris Garza (Notre Dame) went to 2-0 for Fort Wayne.