Hartford (AP)- The Hartford Whalers extended their winning streak to 6 with a
home sweep of non-divisional opponent, New Diggens, today. With the win,
Hartford maintained a first-place tie in the McCoy Division with Deadwood.
Both teams are 66-45 (.595). At 41-14 (.745) Hartford now owns the best home
record in the baseball, beating out even Ponxatawney. As mentioned before,
Hartford has also played 17 extra inning affairs and has come up on the winning
end in 11 of them. 15% of Hartford's games have gone into extra innings and
they've won 65% of them. The Whalers also finally moved above .500 in
non-divisional play at 21-20 on the year.
In Game 1 today, Aaron Sele took the mound and pitched 6 strong innings in his
first start since coming off the DL. Sele went 6 1/3, allowing 2 earned runs
and struck out 3. But Sele had to give way to reliever Rick Huisman (5-5) who
pitched an inning and 2/3, allowing only one hit, and picked up the win.
Closer Hipolito Pichardo knotched his 16th save pitching a near-perfect top of
the 9th. Tony Gwynn had a productive day, going 1 for 2 with a double, a
stolen base and walking twice. But it was Tony Phillips and Hector Villanueva
who knocked in the runs. Hartford capitalized on 8 walks surrendered by
Diggens pitching.
In Game 2, All-Star ace Greg Maddux dominated once again. Maddux (15-4)
pitched 7 strong innings, allowing only a single earned run while striking out
6. Maddux lowered his EL-leading ERA to 1.69 and pulled within a couple of
games of Shane Reynolds of the DL for the PVBL lead in wins (he's currently
second). Huisman and Pichardo provided relief once again, along with Cal
Eldred as Hartford cruised to victory. Phillips, Griffey, Whiten, Brosius and
Palmiero all had multi-hit games. Mark Whiten was most productive, however,
going 2-5 with a 3-run homer. Junior also had another stupendous game, going 3 for 3 with 2 runs, 2 RBI and a sac fly.
News
Advised by his doctor to reduce is stress, Owner/GM/Manager Jeremy Chrabascz
has calmed talk of buying other networks. Chrabascz currently appears content
to have ESPN, NESN and Sportschannell for now. He is also planning a relaxing
vacaton someplace warm for he and his family.
The FBI continues its investigation in Bill Clinton's acceptance of a donation
from PVBL owner, Dan Shapiro. However, Shapiro, Chrabascz, the FCC and Janet
Reno have all been left alone for the time being.
Trades
Looking down the home stretch, Hartford could use a solid reliever. Hartford
is making available: C Joe Girardi, P Cal Eldred and just about anyone in AAA
or LOW right now. It is rumored that Tony Gwynn is available for the right
price as is Harold Reynolds.
