Samardzija has made five starts for Boise and is 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA. The Valparaiso, IN native has struck out 13, walked six and allowed 18 hits in 19 innings of work. In his last outing on Monday he picked up his first career professional win with five shutout innings at Everett.
After the July 28th start against the Dragons, the 6-foot-6, 215 pounder is expected to leave the Chiefs and head back to South Bend for Notre Dame’s football practice. Samardzija was an All-American last season for the Irish catching 71 passes for 1190 yards and 15 touchdowns. He set a new Irish single-season record for yards receiving and touchdown receptions. Football camp opens August 6th for the Irish who lost in the Fiesta Bowl last season and are widely expected to contend for the 2006 National Championship.
This season the right-handed starter was 8-2 with a 4.33 ERA in 15 starts for the Irish baseball team and qualified for the NCAA Regionals. In 97 2/3 innings he allowed 101 hits and walked 37 while striking out 61. He was first team All-Big East selection and finished his baseball career with a 21-6 record and a 3.82 ERA in 50 games.
Samardzija will make his home debut on Friday July 28th when the Chiefs face Dayton at 7:00 PM. He will not be available to the media prior to the game on Friday but could be available to speak after his outing is over. More details on his media availability will follow as the game approaches.
The 28th will feature a post-game fireworks show that is being rescheduled from an April rainout. Also the first 1500 fans will receive a Jody Davis Bobble Head courtesy of CEFCU. Tickets are available by calling 1-866-MYTICKET, 309-680-4008 or by going online at www.peoriachiefs.com.