However, in five starts since injuries forced Dunn into Salt Lake's (54-83) starting rotation Aug. 10, the right-hander from San Antonio, Texas, has been outstanding.
Counting Monday night's 12-2 PCL win over Tucson (70-66), Dunn is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA. He's struck out 27 and walked 12. In his latest outing, the 26-year-old hurler allowed one run and struck out nine in six innings.
Dunn, who allowed the Sidewinders one run - a homer in the sixth inning by designated hitter Josh Kroeger - can't put his finger on why he has had more success as a starter.
I wish I knew why, he said. I try to do the same thing when I come out of the pen. I just like to get innings.
While Dunn doesn't care if he starts or relieves, Salt Lake manager Mike Brumley said Dunn channels his aggression better as a starter.
He has a tendency to overthrow [in relief], said Brumley. Certain guys pitch with a certain amount of adrenaline. When they come in with the game at its height, they can't tone it down and channel it.
He's been a big pick up for us. Overall, he's had a great year.
The Stingers provided Dunn with plenty of run support, keyed by a seven-run sixth that featured a pair of mammoth home runs. Gary Johnson smashed a grand slam to deep right, while Andres Galarraga drove a three-
run shot into the night to left field.
LOOKING AHEAD
Today: Tucson (Casey Daigle 2-9) at Salt Lake (Steve Green 5-17), 7 p.m.
Wednesday: Tucson (Jose Siva 1-2) at Salt Lake (Jason Middlebrook 7-8), 7 p.m.
Thursday: Tucson (Jon Cannon 9-7) at Salt Lake (Jake Woods 5-4), 7 p.m. Friday: Salt Lake (Chris Bootcheck 10-9) at Las Vegas (TBA), 8:10 p.m.
All Stingers games are broadcast on KJQS-AM (1230).
---
NEWSWORTHY
Salt Lake right-handed pitcher Chris Bootcheck was named the PCL Pitcher of the Week for Aug. 23-29. He went 2-0 with a shutout and a 0.64 ERA. . . . Outfielder Adam Riggs was named the 2004 All-PCL Team. Riggs was recalled by the Anaheim Angels and added to the 40-man roster. . . . Right-handed pitcher Matt Hensley was optioned to Salt Lake.
