|
|
The Binghamton Mets took sole possession of first place yesterday with a 4-0 spanking of Washington.Ê Andy Ashby threw a two hitter and Darryl Hamilton contributed to the offense with three hits.Ê The Mets are now at 48-32, and one game above Vero Beach.
Coming up this weekend, the Mets will take a trip down south to play their arch-rival, Vero Beach.Ê Frank Rodriguez(8-4, 2.95) will take the mound in the first game, and Mark Thompson, a highly heralded rookie from triple A, will make his second major league start of his career against the Bums in the second game.Ê "There's no way they can beat Rodriguez in the first game", said manager Jason Garnar.Ê The decision of throwing Mark Thompson in the second game was in question though. Replied Garnar, "Listen, Vero Beach is sinking fast.Ê Thompson needs some experience and I'm not about to waste my good pitchers on a team like Vero Beach".
Thompson is known for his tempermental manner on the mound.Ê In Triple A last year, he hit 36 batters and was ejected 6 times.Ê This "Take no prisoners" attitude fits in quite nicely with the rumors floating around that management wants the players to get nasty with Vero Beach.Ê Said Thompson, "Vero Beach doesn't scare me.Ê Half of their players are injured, and the rest of the team has no guts.Ê I'm approaching them like I'd approach any high school team...It's like taking candy away from a kid".
Written by Jason Garnar