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The new-look Hartford Whalers trampled Macon today, snapping their 3-game home losing streak. Rafael Palmiero hit his first homerun (21) as a member of the Whalers and recorded 3 RBI as Hartford scored 10 runs, its first double-digit offensive performance in two weeks. Due to a league office error, newly acquired Randy Velarde did not appear in the game. However, he should be at 2B tomorrow in Game 2 against Macon.
Ken Griffey Jr is expected back within the next 5 games to resume CF duties and will re-enter a revamped lineup that features two of the EL's top power hitters in Sorrento in Palmiero and a decent supporting cast of power in Daryl Strawberry and Scott Brosius.
Note: Today's homerun was Palmiero first in the EL (20-DL, 1-EL) but still trails DL's Mark McGwire by 4 or 5.
Commenting on today's win, Palmiero said, "It felt good...REALLY good. And there wasn't any little guy staring over my shoulder or telling me what to do. I think I'll get along just fine in Hartford."
Manager Chrabascz simply said, "Let's see what tomorrow brings and hope Junior is back soon...VERY soon."
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz