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Solid Oaks
Jeff Francis and Corey Slavik leading the way for Visalia in the California League.

Ketan Dhawan

All in all, the class A California League Visalia Oaks can't complain.

Alongside a recent 10-0 streak, the Oaks have two more high points worth boasting about: Jeff Francis and Corey Slavik.

Jeff Francis just did something not accomplished in the California league for almost 6 years.

He faced only 30 batters on July 20, to become the first California League pitcher to throw a complete game no-hitter since Ted Lilly of San Bernardino completed the feat in 1997.

He becomes the sixth pitcher in Visalia team history to throw a complete-game no-hitter.

Modesto had five base runners in the entire game.

The first four Modesto hitters were retired in order before former Oak Gary Schneidmiller reached base on an error by third baseman Justin Lincoln with one out in the second inning.

Francis set down the next six in a row, but hit Mark Kiger with a pitch. Casey Myers walked in the sixth and in the eighth. Jeff Christy walked to lead off the ninth.

The final out came on a ground ball hit by Kiger to shortstop Hector Tena.

Thirteen months ago, Francis was chosen as the ninth overall pick by the Colorado Rockies in baseball's amateur draft.

 

For Corey Slavik, the honors came as the Visalia designated hitter and utility infielder hit .413 and earned the California League Player of the Month Award.

In addition to his elevated average, Slavik hit 13 doubles, 7 past the fence and had 29 RBIs last month. In addition to the designated hitter role, Slavik has also played first and third base this season for Visalia.

He is currently fourth in the California League with a .335 average. He has 19 doubles, 11 home runs and 54 RBI total.

During Slavik's hot month, Visalia had a stretch of 16 wins over 19 games and rebounded from a record seven games below .500 to finish the first half at 35-35.

The Oaks then got off to a 7-1 start in the second half during the same stretch.

The Chicago Cubs drafted Slavik, in 2001, following his senior season at Wake Forest University, He played for three different Cubs affiliates over his two seasons in the organization, never hitting above .290.

Near the end of spring training 2003, Slavik was released by the Cubs and later signed with the Newark Bears in the independent Atlantic League. He was subsequently signed by the Rockies and joined the Oaks on April 24.