Beebe on target as ValleyCats beat Ottawa

He lasted seven shutout innings in a 6-2 victory over the Titans in Frontier League action before 2,083 fans at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

The Tri-City bullpen was taxed last week, including Saturday’s 7-6 loss to Ottawa in sudden death.

“When we needed some innings, I mean, he gave it to us,” ValleyCats manager Pete Incaviglia said. “It’s been one of those weird weeks where our bullpen, we had to use them quite a bit in Quebec and so he came up big today, man. Gave some guys (a) day off. It’ll be nice Tuesday we’ve got a full bullpen and everybody rested, so yeah, it was huge.”

The ValleyCats (22-17) open a three-game home series on Tuesday against the Schaumburg Boomers.

Beebe allowed two hits and struck out eight while throwing 98 pitches, 62 for strikes. He gave way to reliever Elliot Carney to start the eighth inning.

It was Beebe’s fourth pro start after signing with the ValleyCats out of Division II Palm Beach Atlantic.

“Knew I wasn’t going to have my (velocity), so I knew the focus had to be there, and the execution,” Beebe said. “Coming off four days rest, which I’m not used to, so I’ve got to keep working at it, keep recovering better.”

Beebe, who normally tops out between 90 and 92 miles per hour, was in the high 80s the last couple of innings.

He was working with catcher Cale Jones for the first time.

“He called an excellent game,” Beebe said. “That was unbelievable. He’s my roommate, so that definitely helps. Kind of had that connection going into the game and just went in there and wanted to attack.”

Incaviglia said he had only two relievers available – Carney, who allowed a two-run double in the ninth, and Greg Veliz. He also had…