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The Hartford Whalers dropped the first of a three-game set in Seattle today as Aaron Sele lost his second-straight start (his second start as a Whaler), 5-2. Sele allowed 5 runs in 3 innings of work before surrendering to a solid bullpen but the Whale was unable to mount a rally. The win moved Seattle to within four games of Division-leading Hartford (McCoy).
There was one bright spot in today's contest for Hartford, however. With Kurt Abbott struggling and striking out more than hitting these days, Hartford brought up 2B Howie Paulette from AAA Glastonbury (CT) to try out for the spot. Paulette made his first major league at-bat a memorable one as he lead off the top of the 1st with his first major league hit, a line-drive homerun. Paulette had this to say, "Well, it was the only hit I got today but I'm glad I made it count. I just hope I continue to be able to contribute to the club. Shortstop really isn't my thing but I'll do anything to stay up here." Paulette wa s a little miffed that the ten-year-old boy who caught his homer was unwilling to give up the ball without Paulette first autographing a bat and a jersey for him. Paulette has earned a mid-40's rating as a shortstop so far.
Transactions-
Terry Pendleton was recently acquired from Galena in a trade for pitcher Mike Morgan and will immediately fill the DH role in the lineup.
Starter Aaron Sele has been temporarily moved to the pen as a long reliever. Meanwhile, Hartford is toying with the idea of either going with a four-man rotation or bringing up Mitchell or Johnson from AAA.
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz