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06/14/2009 9:11 PM ET
Pucetas puts defeat behind him
Giants prospect gives up two hits over seven shutout innings
By Mason Kelley / Special to MLB.com
Kevin Pucetas is 6-1 with a 2.97 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 11 starts since April 15. (Dave Nelson/MiLB.com)

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When Kevin Pucetas walked from the mound to the dugout after his start on June 8, he thought, "Just flush it."

Against Salt Lake's experienced lineup, the Giants prospect had his shortest outing of the season, setting or matching season highs after allowing five earned runs on nine hits in four innings.

It was a bad day.

"I didn't do such a good job of adjusting," the 24-year-old right-hander said. "I just told myself afterwards, 'You know, it's over with.' I wanted to really come out in this start against Portland here and really bounce back strong."

Pucetas showed just how quickly he can recover, giving up two hits and striking out three over seven scoreless innings Sunday as the Fresno Grizzlies held off the Portland Beavers, 2-1.

"I did a good job of locating today," Pucetas said. "I just wanted to be aggressive, and it was a heck of a game for the first six innings or so. (Wade) LeBlanc did a heck of a job for Portland."

Pucetas and LeBlanc traded zeros through six innings, a pitching duel that helped Pucetas maintain his focus and created an exciting atmosphere at PGE Park.

"You just want to keep your team in it at all costs," said Pucetas, who is putting together his fourth straight solid professional season as he moves through the San Francisco system.

LeBlanc buckled first, giving up a two-run homer to Brian Horwitz in the seventh.

Because of the left-handed hitters in the Beavers' lineup, Pucetas tried to work "backwards." He threw his changeup for strikes early in the count, which set up his fastball. At this point in the season, scouting reports are starting to circulate and the 2006 17th-round pick is trying to stay one step ahead of the competition.

To recover quickly after a tough outing is an important moment in Pucetas' career. He understands that failure is part of the game, which can be a tough lesson for a young player.

"It's really important to get back on that horse as soon as you can," said Pucetas, who is 6-2 with a 3.40 ERA in 13 starts for the Grizzlies.

It all starts with adjustments. In the loss to the Bees, his first since April 15, the hitters adapted. Against the Beavers, Pucetas made adjustments, took control and outdueled LeBlanc.

Mason Kelley is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.