Vero Beach, FL (AP) - The Duluth Bjork defeated the Vero Beach Bums 6-3 today at Ellsworth Park in Vero Beach. Bums starting pitcher Willie Adams removed himself from the game in the top of the 2nd inning with pain in his pitching arm. He was later diagnosed with a pinched ulnar nerve, the same mysterious ailment that was suffered by Bums reliever Barney Berres earlier in the season. Adams will be out for 6-8 weeks, during which time Kurt Hardie will be brought back up from AAA to replace Adams in the rotation.
"The injury bug strikes again," said an apparently numb J. Lee Gohlke, Vero Beach CEO. "Personally I'm getting sick of dealing with this, but I guess it's just part of the game."
Danny Darwin (4-6) had a good outing for the Bjork, giving up only 3 runs in six innings. Joe Cias held the lead and Carmen Brantley got his third save for Duluth.
Duluth leadoff hitter Dave Martinez went 3-5 with a double and a home run. Omar Vizquel had a good day at the plate for Vero Beach (2-3, 2 BB, 1 R), hitting one of four Bums doubles.
Notes:
Gohlke is reportedly interested in picking up an ace pitcher for the stretch run to the playoffs, and is willing to trade prospects, "cash", and/or whatever is necessary.
--written by Jason Gohlke
