Testa already making big moves as a professional

Joe Testa, a Brick native residing in Jackson, wasted no time in leaving a good impression with the Minnesota Twins' Fort Myers team in the Gulf Coast Rookie League.

It earned the left-handed pitcher a promotion to the Fort Myers Miracle, a High-A team in the Florida State League.

"I jumped over two levels — Advanced Rookie and Low A," said Testa. "It's exciting, and I got my first start."

Testa, a former star at Brick Township and record-setting pitcher at Wagner College, had to readjust to being a starter after signing a pro contract in July. He made the most of it, pitching five innings in which he allowed three hits, including a solo home run, with three strikeouts and two walks. He left with the score tied at 1-1, but the Miracle rallied for two runs in the bottom of the inning and went on to beat the Lakeland Tigers as Testa got the winning decision.

In Rookie League, Testa was 2-0 with a save in 13 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 17 and issued his only walk in the final inning, while compiling a 1.32 ERA.

Testa ditched his curve and slider and threw only one changeup.

"In the first three innings, I stuck with the fastball and cutter," said Testa. "If they're not hitting it, I'm not changing anything."

Testa, who relied on his fastball throughout his career, said he was clocked as high as 92 mph on the radar gun. One of the hits he allowed was a home run.

"That was really all they had gotten off my fastball and the cutter was working well," said Testa. "At first, I was surprised to get the start. I just pitched my game, and that was the best defense playing behind me ever. All the plays they made looked routine. When they [other team] hit ground balls off me, they were harder than in the Rookie League and the guys made the plays for me."

"I had to adjust. Mentally, I was fine because I had done this before, but physically, it was different," said Testa. "In the past few weeks, I was throwing only one or two innings when I'd go out there, so this was definitely different. I just made sure I loosened up."

Testa said he never felt he was struggling and was in good control of his pitches as he was in his past three seasons at Wagner when he piled up a number of school records. At Wagner, Testa ended this past spring season holding a 1.63 ERA that moved him up to sixth in the national rankings before he finished with a 2.08 ERA. In 91 innings pitched, Testa struck out 80 and walked 27 and threw only four wild pitches all season. Opposing batters hit 223 against him. He leaves behind career marks in victories with 19, strikeouts with 307, innings pitched with 292, and starts with 43.

"The funny thing is that the three walks I've given up professionally so far are all on four pitches [each]," said Testa. "I don't go deep in the count when I walk batters, so maybe it's a little men