Samardzija enjoying life back in the Midwest

by Carolyn Manno (cmanno@wsbt.com)

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jul 4, 2008 at 1:52 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2008 at 5:01 PM EST

DES MOINES — In his first start in Des Moines as an Iowa Cub, pitcher Jeff Samardzija was greeted by over 10,000 fans, many of whom were sporting their Notre Dame gear.

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"If that's the welcoming than I'll take it!" said the former Notre Dame standout. "It's all in fun, it’s a great atmosphere and it was nice to pitch in.”

The Shark lasted six innings on the mound, improving to 1-1 after allowing just one run on four hits and striking out four. Samardzija also admits that Triple-A ball is a tougher challenge than his previous two clubs.

"Everyone's going to be better up here, and everyone's going to be better at the plate, more patient," he says. "When you make mistakes, they're going to jump on it so you've just got to go out there every day […] and you’ve got to make better pitches.”

Samardzija helped his own cause in picking up his first win by driving in a run with a bases loaded RBI single.

"It actually felt pretty good to help out a little bit, but the guys are, they’re such a good hitting team that it helps you relax early in the game,” he said. “You don't want to give up any runs -- but if you do, you're pretty comfortable knowing that your guys are going to go out there and swing some bats."

All in all, not a bad way to start in his new town.

"It's my first time in Des Moines, or in Iowa other than driving through, so we'll see what we can do to have a little fun,” he said.

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