Pierson follow-up
With Jason Matteucci in need of rest to nurse a sore groin, Pierson as a fellow left-handed batter with an affinity for hitting well at Nettleton Stadium was a natural choice to get the start against Reno righty Matt Parris on the mound.
“I played some center in spring training and I shag fly balls all the time (in batting practice), but this is the first time ever in my life (being in the outfield) in a game,” Pierson said. “It’s something entirely new, it’s like being a kid again playing a position for the first time. I’m real excited to give it a shot.”
The Outlaws were given batting practice off, so Pierson took advantage of an open field by taking fly balls from Parent in center.
“Toochie’s groin is hurting more and more every day, it was time for a few games off and Pierson’s looked good when we put him out there in practice,” Parent said. “And (Pierson) can do some things with the bat. He can help us as long as he’s out there at any position.”
In time spent mostly as a spot starter for second baseman Eric Pringle and shortstop Jesse Kovacs, Pierson had appeared in 19 games this season going into Sunday’s game. His 14 hits and .275 batting average were bolstered by his team-high .450 home average recorded with nine hits in 20 at-bats.