Hartford Prevails Twice in 27 Innings August 10, 1997
Whalers survive greuling day, 2-0
Hartford (AP)- The Hartford Whalers played two home games today, one which went 15 innings and the other ending in 12. After 27 innings of baseball, enough for three regular games, Hartford had come away with 2 victories behind stupendous pitching efforts.
Hartford won Game 1 against Bellingham in 15 innings, 1-0. Reliever Rick Huisman (4-5) picked up the victory, pitching an inning of near-perfect ball in the top of the 15th. Hartford prevailed on Tony Gwynn's RBI double in the bottom of the 15th. Starter Ben McDonald pitched superbly, going 7 innings, allowing only 2 hits while striking out 10 batters.
Hartford won Game 2 against New Diggens in 12 innings, 3-2. Reliever Bob Ardell (2-1) picked up the win, going 3 strong innings, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 3 of the men he faced. Starter John Burke got another no-decision behind poor run support as he pitched 7 solid innings, allowing only 2 hits and also striking out 3. Burke overcame 5 walks, not allowing a single run to score. Ken Griffey provided most of the offense going 2 for 4 with a solo homer and a SB. His SB led to his second run on Mark Whiten's sac fly. Scott Brosius also had a sac hit, accounting for Hartford's 3 runs.
With the sweep Hartford moved into yet another first-place tie with the Deadwood Outlaws at 64-45 on the season. Hartford's extra inning games today moved them to a whopping 11-6 in extra inning affairs this season (the most extra inning games in the PVBL and an amazing record at that). But Manager Chrabascz was simply happy to win, "We've struggled all season long with non-division games. We're finally within a game of being .500 out of our division at 19-20. Our boys showed a lot of guts and heart today. They proved they want to win all that much more, especially our pitchers. All those guys are getting steak and lobster tonight--I guarantee it!"
Trade Winds
A few light breezes but nothing substantial. It seems Chrabascz is curious how the recent lineup changes will do as they go into effect in tomorrow's games. The changes included the release of three players and the promotion of 5 others in total-all pitchers.
Hartford IS still shopping it's abundance of catchers, if possible.
