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In a pair of fairly low-scoring games for Punxatawney, they managed a split with the North Spokane Titans, winning 4-2 and losing 7-2.Ê The loss in the nightcap ended the Hogs season-long winning streak at 11--which was NOT the longest winning streak on record, contrary to team owner Dan Shapiro's belief.Ê The Deadwood Outlaws streak was 12 games long, not 10 as Shapiro believed. Ê
"Aww, crap," was Shapiro's response when league Commish Matt Peck informed him of this fact.Ê He later added, "We thought we had it with the first win.Ê I gotta talk to the league people about how they maintain the standings page."Ê Ê
Before either game, Punxatawney received Scott Aldred from Deadwood's AAA franchise in return for a player to be named later.Ê This player may be named later in the year or may not be named until the offseason. Ê
The first game was an excellent game, one of the closer games in recent memory.Ê Bobby Thomas had a great start, but found his team trailing 2-1 after 6 innings.Ê However, helped Rondell White and his first triple for any Groundhog this year, the Hogs scored 3 in the top of the 7th.Ê But even in this close game, all but one player had a hit or run to help the offense.Ê Thomas threw the 7th inning as well, and left with a 4-2 lead.Ê Scott Ruffcorn and Curt Leskanic finished up, with Ruffcorn getting his 8th hold and Leskanic his 3rd save.Ê The win improved Thomas to 8-2.Ê The only runs off him were a 2 run blast by Frank Thomas.Ê Ê
"A triple!Ê Wow!Ê I hit a triple!Ê The money is mine!" said Rondell White after the game.Ê He was referring the special $5000 bonus Shapiro offered to the first player to get a 3-bagger as the team didn't yet have one over halfway through the year.Ê White also singled, scored once, and drove in one.Ê Ê
This was the 11th straight win for Punxatawney and the 11th straight loss for North Spokane.Ê However, both streaks were to end in the next game.Ê With a 7-2 drubbing, the Titans finished the Hogs streak.Ê Jose Valentin and Marty Cordova were each 2-4 and Valentin homered in the losing effort. Ê
Rocky Coppinger took the loss, getting battered for 6 runs on 8 hits in just 2 innings.Ê Rick Aguilera did a phenomenal job in relief, going 5 2/3 innings while giving up just one run before giving way to Bobby Munoz who recorded the final out.Ê After the game was over, Shapiro spoke about the pitching situation.Ê Ê
"Yes, we are making a change.Ê Scott Aldred will enter the rotation in the 3rd spot and Coppinger is being sent to AAA Roswell to get back in the groove.Ê Aguilera will remain as the long reliever as he is doing a phenomenal job in that role.Ê Ê
Coppinger was saddened by the news, but understanding.Ê "I don't know, I'm struggling.Ê But I had some great starts these last few weeks and thought I'd at least stay in the majors.Ê But when Shapiro traded for Aldred yesterday, I realized my fate might have already been sealed." Ê
Stats and Stuff:
Ryan Klesko, expected to play today, was scratched just before gametime because his ankle was acting up again, but is expected to play, if not next game, no later than 2 or 3 days from now. Ê
TRADE STUFF:
Punxatawney is looking to shore up a strong starter or two for the stretch run.Ê If any time is looking for prospects (yes Coppinger is available at this point) either position players or pitchers, contact me.Ê I would like to get a strong starter or really any superstar caliber player.Ê Ê
Written by Dan Shapiro