How Duffy Did It

DUFFY EXPLAINED

After DANNY DUFFY's breakthrough performance Wednesday night we have comments from Dad and from the press. First a note from Dad:

This was an exciting night in the Duffy household. His attitude over the last two weeks has been very upbeat. Even through the two losses and the no decision he has been very positive. He felt like he threw well despite the results. He insisted that he was going to learn what it takes to be successful at this level and get better every game. The biggest difference is that at this level good hitters foul off good pitches and stay alive.

He has always scuffled early at the different levels, Little League to Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth to high school, JV to varsity, you get the picture. He is a resilient young man and finds strength through his Christian beliefs.The feedback from his coaches have been positive and he is a warrior as shown by his performances at Cabrillo last year especially the Lompoc game which he still says is the highlight of his life.

It was a great night with Jon Cope former Cabrillo lefty from late 90's in attendance, a person that he considers a mentor and a friend. Thanks for your thoughts and interest
Dan Duffy

And from the press…………

Hawkeye newspaper writer Susan Denk got some great quotes that help explain Duffy's night, especially his attitude and his breaking pitches.

It was Neftali Feliz who owned the 5-1 record and 2.05 ERA and is one of nine Clinton LumberKings on the Midwest League All-Star roster.

But it was Danny Duffy -- 0-2 with an 8.49 ERA -- who led his team to victory Wednesday night.

Duffy, a 19-year old left-hander, allowed one hit through 5 2/3 innings and notched his first victory of the season as the Burlington Bees defeated Western Division-leading Clinton 5-1 at Community Field.

The only hit against Duffy was a one-out single in the second inning by Tim Smith. That inning, Duffy worked out of a bases-loaded jam without giving up a run.

"He had a little bit different attitude today, it looked like. Especially late in the game," said Burlington manager Brian Rupp. "He got a little more aggressive and wasn't quite as tentative and threw some quality pitches there in the last few innings."

The 2007 third-round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals can throw 94 miles per hour. It was that ability which helped him get into trouble his previous three outings since joining the Bees from extended spring training.

"The last couple outings, he gets frustrated with himself and throws harder and harder and harder," said Bees pitching coach Doug Henry. "Today, (catcher Ryan) Eigsti and I backed him off and made him use his off-speed pitches. It did wonders for him. It made his fast ball a lot livelier.

"He was still inconsistent with it, but they were swinging at it because they had to look for the other stuff. He did a very good job out there today. It was fun to watch."

Duffy realized something had changed, but he struggled to put his finger on just what that was."I couldn't tell you. Me and Eigs were really clicking," said Duffy. "I don't know. I was pitching to contact more. I didn't strike out as many people. I've kind of got to do that. I'm starting to learn hitters' tendencies and what I need to do here."

By SUSAN DENKmailto:DENKsdenk@thehawkeye.com