GRANATO, PRENDERGAST MAKE MINOR LEAGUE DEBUT
6-21-04

RICHMOND, Va. -  Former Virginia Commonwealth infielder Anthony Granato and pitcher Matt Prendergast made their minor league debut this past weekend.  Granato saw time in all three games with the Boise Hawks (A), while Prendergast closed for the Tri-City Dust Devils (A) on Sunday. 

Granato made his debut at second base on Friday, June 18, in a 6-4 loss to the Spokane Indians.  The infielder started in all three contests at second base, but was moved to his collegiate position of third base late in Game 3.  Granato owns a .182 batting average after the weekend.  He recorded two hits, runs and RBI. 

Prendergast, drafted in the 21st round by Colorado, made his debut on Sunday, June 20, as he entered the game in the eighth inning and closed for the Dust Devils.  The right-hander earned a no-decision after pitching 2.0 innings. He allowed three earned runs on two hits, including one home run. Prendergast struck out two Yakima batters and walked one in the 12-0 loss.

Former VCU second baseman Nick Jones joins Granato with the Hawks.  The second-year veteran started as designated hitter for Boise on Friday and Saturday.  On Sunday, he pinch-ran and later came in to play second, moving Granato over to third in the 10th inning. Jones has seen time in three games, producing a .333 batting average.

Brandon Inge, VCU’s current lone major leaguer, has played in 55 games this season with the Detroit Tigers.   He is currently listed as a third baseman, but has played in the outfield and behind the plate this season.  Inge has tabbed 20 runs, 43 hits and 30 RBI this season.  He owns a .283 batting average, which is among the team’s top five.  Inge has accumulated six doubles, two triples and seven homeruns to date.

Jason Dubois, who spent the past month in the outfield for the Chicago Cubs, has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa Cubs.  He was brought to the Chicago Cubs after they had to place Sammy Sosa on the disabled list in late May. With Iowa, Dubois owns a .287 average and has 26 runs, 41 hits and 36 RBI.

The pitching twins, Brian and Sean Marshall, returned to the field this season.  Brian Marshall was placed with the Sarasota Red Sox (A) and has made nine appearances.  Brian owns a 3.18 ERA, along with an 0-1 record after 11.1 innings.  Sean Marshall was assigned to the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (AA) in Jackson, Tenn.  He currently owns a 2-2 record after six appearances.  Sean has pitched 29.1 innings and has a 5.90 ERA.

Cla Meredith was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and has been working with the club.  He has been assigned to Augusta Green Jackets in Augusta, Ga.