News-Record.com

For small-time, hopeless franchises like the Pittsburgh Pirates, thank goodness for the occasional feel-good rookie story like that of Zach Duke. And for those hapless teams trying to keep pace with the suddenly unbeatable Atlanta Braves, their occasional run-ins with tough lefty pitchers like Duke keep hope alive ... barely.

Duke carried a 24-inning shutout streak into today's game in Atlanta -- dating back to his major-league debut. He gave up a run, but he also dominated into the 9th inning of a 4-1 victory, as the Pirates avoided a 4-game sweep. Seeing that Duke was a 20th-round draft pick, one wonders if this 22-year-old is for real. He dominated in the minors, and his 4-0 start and sub-1.00 ERA demonstrates he might never go back.

Is he for real? If he is, how long before he's a Yankee?

"I don't think it's a fluke and I don't think it's something that's short term," Triple-A manager Trent Jewett insisted. "He has long-term abilities. His mechanics are good. You're not concerned with injury with him."

Here's the full story. Oh, and go here to read about today's performance.