Edmonton (AP)- The Hartford Whalers entered Thursday's double-header seeking to
extend their division lead over second-place Deadwood. When the smoke cleared
and the fans had stomached two close affairs, Hartford stood 4.5 games on top
of Deadwood at day's end.
In Game 1, resurgent started Cal Eldred opposed rookie phenom Jason Dickson.
Eldred threw one of his best games of the season, going 7 innings allowing 2
earned runs on 7 hits while striking out 4. Eldred (6-3) picked up his first
win in over two months after emerging from the shadows of the bullpen and Aaron
Sele. "I feel great and I certainly love to start more than coming out of the
pen...it gives me more time to find a rythm. But, of course, I'll accept
whatever role I am asked to fulfill here in Hartford," said Cal following the
game. Chrabascz was just as pleased about the performance, "He pitched great
and has over the last month or so. We pulled him out of the pen because he has
more experience than Aaron, especially headed into the playoffs. It's that
plain and simple. It's certainly nothing personal with Aaron. In fact, he was
pretty excited about his first career save the other night." The Whalers
trailed the Oil Kings 2-0 early. However, Hartford stormed back and a 7th
inning homer by Tony Gwynn gave the Whalers the 1 run they needed to record the
win.
Game 2 was the Greg Maddux Show and the fans turned out for the first sellout
ever in Edmonton. Maddux (21-4) pitched yet another gem. He went 7 innings in
Hartford's 1-0 victory, allowing only 4 hits and a walk. He struck out 11 and
moved up to 186 K's on the season, 14 short of the 200 plateau. With the 7
shutout innings Maddux lowered his PVBL leading (for a starter) ERA to 1.45.
Maddux has been the epitome of pitching all season long and has exhibited
earth-shattering control. In fact, Maddux leads everyone with a 1.17 walks per
9 innings pitched mark. Phenomenol...plain and simple. Maddux notched his
EL-best 21st win with little run support. In fact, Hartford's only run came on
a bases loaded walk in the 7th inning. SS Kurt Abbott doubled, Tony Gwynn
singled but failed to bring Abbott in, Harold Reynolds grounded out, Tony
Phillips got an infield hit, Joe Girardi walked and Ken Griffey Junior walked,
knocking in what turned out to be the winning run. As usual, however, Maddux
elluded reporters and sped quietly home to relax. Manager Jeremy Chrabascz
simply said, "He's the best. What else can I say, you all know it?"
Hartford finished up the 3-game set against Edmonton tomorrow when Kevin Brown
(11-12) takes the mound. The Whalers then return home to host division rival,
Deadwood for a pivotal series. A few key lineup changes are expected for that
matchup. We'll keep you posted.
