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In what was their worst day of the season, the Punxatawney Groundhogs got demolished twice in a row by the Los Angeles team, soon to be moving as soon as their prospective owner decides where. In game one, they lost 15-5 and game two wasn't much better with a 11-6 loss.
The culprit was definetly the bullpen in both games. Roger Clemens started the first game and though he had his worst outing of the year, going just 4 innings and allowing 2 runs, he left the game down 2-0. Terry Adams then came in and proceeded to allow 13 more runs over the next 5 innings.
"Terry and I talked after the game. I left him out there because I didn't want the bullpen tired for the second game when it was obvious we were out of the first one. But we both agreed that he needs to work on his pitches and strengthen his arm a bit. He's already on a transport--erm, I mean plane--to Roswell," commented OGGM Dan Shapiro. Shapiro also noted that Jamie Bluma will be called up to replace him on the Hogs.
The Los Angeles bats were on fire all games, especially catcher Eddie Taubensee. He drove in 6 runs on 3 hits--all homers. Nixon, Milligan, and Hill--the outfielders, each had 4 hits. 2 of Hill's were homers.
The Punxatawney bats were quiet and held scoreless until the 9th inning. Shigetoshi Hasegawa, trying to maintain his league lead in ERA, batting average, and slugging percentage against, came in. He lost hold of all of those leads as he gave up 5 runs but not nearly enough to make it even a close game. Rondell White, though only 1-5 in this game, hit a homer in that 9th, his first as a Groundhog. Robbie Alomar and Scott Rolen each had 3 hits as well.
Jeff Fassero, Los Angeles starter, was the first lefty to beat Punxatawney this year. His 7 scoreless innings were the best outing of any pitcher against the Hogs thus far.
Game 2 wasn't much better for Punxatawney. Pete Schourek struggled quite a bit, allowing 4 runs over 6 innings. He came out with the Groundhogs trailing 4-1, and Pat Mahomes did a horrid job in relief as he allowed 7 more runs over the last 3. Punxatawney rallied for 5 more runs, but not enough to win. Eddie Taubensee homered again in this game, but Matt Williams anchored the Los Angeles offense with a 3-5, 4 RBI with a HR performance. Cecil Fielder also homered in this contest.
Punxatawney's offense was headed by a familiar hero, Ryan Klesko. He was 3-4 and drove in 2 runs with a home run. Jason Giambi also homered.
Ken Hill was the Los Angeles starter, and he went 7 innings giving up just 2 runs on 5 hits. Barry Manuel, Oscar Meier, and Shigetoshi Hasegawa allowed another 4 runs in relief but they were able to hold Punxatawney to a point where they could still win. "Well, this was a bad day. And we're not looking forward to the long flight down to Tampa, but we're gonna take the time to meditate upon today's activities," said Shapiro.
Coppinger and Lieber are scheduled to go tommorow and both had comments on the bullpen. Rocky was a bit aggravated, saying, "If I get us to the 7th inning with a lead, they better hold it." Lieber was of the same sentiment, berating the bullpen's performance. "This isn't acceptable for a team in the majors."
In related news, Curt Leskanic finished his AAA rehab work at Punxatawney. He's returning to the majors and will be taking his closer spot back from Jim Burright. Burright will become a setup man along with Ruffcorn. New callup Jamie Bluma and Pat Mahomes will be the middle relievers. Butch Henry will be the long reliever. Shapiro hopes these moves help his bullpen or he may look to trade.
Written by Dan Shapiro