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In a quick 2-game series against division rival Binghamton, the Vero Beach Bums have to be content with a split. They lost a heart-breaker in 12 innings -- their first extra-inning game all year -- 1-0. Kent Bottenfield took the loss after going 4 1/3 innings, giving up the game-winning homer to Craig Biggio. Starter Kevin Ritz got no decision after pitching 7 scoreless innings. 2B Rex Hudler was disgusted with the outcome. "Usually we have no problem getting runs, but just one run in nine innings is not too much to ask. Our offense completely broke down. I'm not blaming this on the new look of the lineup, but we just couldn't get it together." Only Omar Vizquel, Chuck Carr (playing right field for the first time this year), and Jeff King (a mid-game replacement) managed hits in the game.
Binghamton starting pitcher Jose Barnowski pitched 10 nearly spotless innings, giving up just one hit and 4 walks with 4 Ks.
In the second game, life returned to normal for the Bums, who won easily, 8-4. Omar Vizquel had an excellent game, with 4 hits including another home run, 3 RBI, and an amazing 4 stolen bases. Darrel Butka, a recent free-agent acquisition playing for the injured Brian Jordan, contributed with 2 hits and 2 RBI. The Bums got off to a great start in the first inning with four runs against Binghamton starter Mark Langston. "I wish there was more left-handed pitching in the league," said Vizquel, "since we always beat up on the lefties." Vero Beach is a perfect 8-0 vs. lefthanders.
Vero Beach starter Shawn Estes had an average outing, giving up 2 runs in just over 4 innings. He was pulled in favor of Dave Weathers, who appeared in his debut after being promoted from the Bums' AAA club, the Milwaukee Brewmeisters. Weathers was credited with the win after throwing 3 shutout innings. Chris Hammond got two batters out but gave up a walk in the eighth. In the ninth, John Cummings ran into trouble, giving up 2 meaningless runs. Randy Veres, in his first appearance, finished off the last batter with 2 pitches.
Coupled with Spokane's loss, Vero Beach's win allows them to continue to hover one-and-a-half games behind the Paladins.
Written by Jason Gohlke