Hartford splits double-header with Deadwood
Big Unit finally gets a win July 22, 1997
Hartford (AP)- Randy Johnson finally got his first win against the Hartford Whalers in Game 2 of a double header in Connecticut today. Johnson pitched superbly and won a 3-0 decision, moving to 10-6 on the season. Rookie John Burke (6-4) lost and struggled with his control, allowing 3 earned runs in 5 innings of work. Burke walked 5 batters while the Outlaws got all they needed on only one hit--a 2-run blast by Al Martin off of Burke in the 2nd inning. Hartford had only 5 hits on the day, only 1 for extra bases--a two-out double Griffey in the 7th inning. With the win and the split, Deadwood remained 1.5 games out of first behind Hartford while Montreal pulled within 11 after sweeping Edmonton.
In Game 1, the Whalers pounded and embarassed the Outlaws, 11-1. Although Deadwood got its redemption in Game 2, Hartford had already slammed Mark Portugal and Ben McDonald had already gotten his 5th win in Game 1. McDonald pitched 7 shutout innings (1 unearned run), allowing only 5 hits and striking out 5. Jeff McCurry and Bob Ardell combined for 2 near-perfect innings of relief (2IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 1BB, 1SO). Tony Phillips continued to excel in the leadoff spot for Hartford since coming over from Larimer. Phillips went 3 for 4 with a double, a walk, a stolen base, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Ken Griffey Jr. (2 RBI, SB), Tony Gwynn (3 RBI) and Daryl Strawberry (4 RBI, 2BB) each homered in the debacle. Hartford apparently ran out of gas and filled its quota for run production on the day in Game 1, being shutout on only 5 hits in Game 2.
Rookie Tony Saunders (3-0) goes tomorrow for Hartford in the 3rd game of a 4-game home series with Deadwood. Greg Maddux (13-2) pitches the final game of the series in the second game of tommorrow's double-header. Saunders is replacing Aaron Sele who has been placed on the DL, indefinitely.
TRADE RUMORS
Hartford is still searching for whoever picked up 1B Don Coker off the waiver wire moments before they could. Other than that, few moves are planned unless the Whalers are bit by the injury bug down the stretch.
ESPN BUYOUT UPDATE
Hartford Whalers Owner/GM, Jeremy Chrabascz, is reportedly meeting with both ESPN and Disney officials Tuesday to finalize a deal that would give Chrabascz sole possession of the network and its subsidiaries, ESPN2 and ESPNEWS. Linda Cohen has reportedly already tendered her resignation in anticipation of the move while Chris Berman has begun licking his chops. Chrabascz's lawyers and agent have already begun working on a major network television deal for the Whalers to begin perhaps, with postseason coverage (if they make it) this season.
