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The Duluth Bjork and the Binghamton Mets each did their part today to help the Vero Beach Bums improve to only 2 games behind Picard Division-leading Spokane.
Duluth chipped in by losing 4-3 to Vero Beach. Vero Beach starter Albie Lopez had another quality outing, giving up just one earned run in seven innings. Lopez is tied for 4th in the Defiant League in strikeouts with 28, just one K away from the top three pitchers. Closer Trevor Hoffman moved into a tie for the league lead with his fourth save. "Maybe things are starting to settle down for the Bums," said Hoffman. "With starts like Albie had today, I can do my job and wrap 'em up for us."
On the offensive side, Vero Beach got just enough to win. SS Omar Vizquel contributed with a home run--his second dinger of the year--and stole two bases but was left on base both times. 3B Dave Hollins also had 1 HR and 2 RBIs. Ron Gant scored once on 2 hits, which brought his average up to a sparkling .417. When asked what his secret was, Gant replied, "I can't explain it. Maybe it's because I'm playing every day again." Early in the season, Gant platooned with Pete Incaviglia, now the regular DH.
Owner/GM/Manager/plant stand J. Lee Gohlke had this to say about the offense, "It's great except I'd like to see my guys hit another triple. Early on we jumped out to the league lead with 3 triples, but I'd like to see Rex [Hudler], Omar, or Jeff [King] hit just one more to break the seven-way tie. My priorities aren't really that out of whack, I'm just satisfied with everything else."
Binghamton contributed to the Bums' effort by defeating division-leading Spokane 3-1 on a seven-inning start by Mark Langston. "I can see this race is going to be close all summer," predicted Gohlke. "I guess head-to-head matchups are going to decide it. And thanks, Binghamton, for bringing us a little closer to the top today." Gohlke also tipped his hat to Duluth. "If you guys had some good pitching, your record would be a lot better," he stated obviously. "But I'm sure glad you're in my division," he added.
Written by Jason Gohlke