Pitching for GCL Nationals, Brad Meyers fares well in first pro start since early 2012

The Rookie-level Gulf Coast Nationals have started off well, going 11-3 in their first 14 games, including winning seven of their first eight contests. Right-hander Brad Meyers made the start Saturday, going two innings, allowing one hit and no runs with one strikeout and no walks. He faced six batters and induced three groundouts. To put it in perspective, it was his longest outing since 2011. He last pitched in 2012 for a Yankees affiliate, when he lasted just 1 2/3 innings, surrendering in eight runs, seven earned, on eight hits with one home run. Meyers has been recovering from a torn labrum suffered throwing and weightlifting while getting ready for the 2012 season. This is a big moment for him in a long road back to pitching in a game. That makes Saturday's start an even bigger deal because Meyers was able to breeze through the two frames. The only hit was a single by the GCL Mets' Jean Rodriguez. He was washed away by a double play courtesy of the next hitter. Meyers' second inning went 1-2-3, which included a called third strike to the Mets' Jhoan Urena. GCL Nats first baseman Jose Marmolejos-Diaz is tied for the league lead with 11 RBIs and is fourth in the league with 15 hits. Second baseman Brian Mejia is hitting .333 with three doubles and three triples. He is tied for third in the GCL with a .583 slugging percentage. Center fielder Rafael Bautista is tied for the GCL lead with seven stolen bases. He has been caught only one time. Center fielder Hayden Jennings is a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen bases. GCL Nationals pitchers have 119 strikeouts in 14 games, tied for third in the league. Right-hander Wander Sauro (0-1) has a 1.93 ERA in his first four games with one start. He has allowed just three earned runs in 14 innings, with 13 strikeouts and just three walks.