Long County’s Dustin McGowan finally made it back to the pitcher’s mound.
Getting his first start since 2008, Mcgowan started July 2 for the Class A Dunedin Blue Jays against the Daytona Cubs in Dunedin, Fla..
McGowan, 29, reportedly was scheduled to throw 35 pitches in his latest comeback attempt, according to minorleaguebaseball.com.
He didn’t quite go the distance, but managed to throw 33 pitches in 2/3 of an inning. He gave up three hits, three runs and a walk while striking out one batter, the website reported.
The Cubs won 7-3 to saddle McGowan with the loss.
But the Blue Jays coaching staff reportedly was more concerned with how the former major league starter would hold up over a regimented pitch count. 
In that regard, McGowan was apparently able to show glimpses of his old self, and his fast-ball had solid velocity.
McGowan is attempting to come back after sustaining a torn rotator cuff in his throwing arm in 2008.
In 2007 McGowan was selected Most Improved Player on the Blue Jays. Over his major league career he has 20 wins against 22 losses, with a 4.71 ERA.