Stephen Strasburg and Mike Leake were amateur teammates in Southen California.
"We were on the same team for a couple months," Leake said after his seventh victory.
Strasburg was the first player taken in the draft last June. Leake was chosen by the Reds seven picks later.
But it was Leake that made the major leagues first. He won the fifth starter job out of spring training to become the 21st player since the draft started in 1965 to go straight to the big leagues.
Strasberg struck out 14 Pittsburgh batters in his debut on June 8 after 11 minor league starts.
The pair missed facing each other by one day. Leake won his seventh game in eight decisions, sporting a 3.45 earned run average.
Strasburg, who draws red hot Bronson Arroyo as his mound opponent, is 4-2 with a 2.03 earned run average.
"It would have been fun to face him," Leake said. "It would be more funs for the fans and the media than the two of us."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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