Bums Fail to Pull Away from Picard Rivals September 23, 1997
Vero Beach, FL (AP) - Despite a recent sweep of the Sacramento Knights,
the Vero Beach Bums continue to hang onto a narrow 2-game lead over their
chief adversaries, the Binghamton Mets, in the Picard Division pennant
race. This is due in part to yesterday's heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the
Duluth Bjork, a team that seems eager to play the role of spoiler. "No
excuses," said starting pitcher Willie Adams (7-8, 4.52), who had no
decision but gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. "I didn't pitch my best, and we
lost. I hate to blame it on Mike [Munoz, Bums reserve reliever] when most
of the blame was clearly mine." Munoz, who has seen only limited action
since being called up on September 1, suffered his first loss in four PVBL
appearances, on one run in two innings.
Bums manager Phil Garner was quick to take his share of the blame as well.
"Well, I put Mike in, despite his untestedness," said Garner after the
loss. "Second-guessing doesn't help anything, though, and I stand by my
decision." Rex Hudler went 4 for 4 in the losing effort, with 2 doubles,
2 RBIs, and one stolen base. Omar Vizquel scored twice after a double and
a walk. Dave Hollins also contributed 2 hits, including a double.
Three Duluth players homered to lead the Bjork (or is it just Bjork?) to
victory. Albert Belle hit a three-run shot in the third to tie the game
at 3 a piece. The Bjork won the game in the seventh on Alex Rodriguez's
blast to the left-field bleachers.
The Bums recently completed a 3-game sweep of Sacramento, winning the 3rd
game by a score of 3-1. Vero Beach cobbled together a win based on walks,
errors, and singles. Doug Drabek took the loss for the Knights in relief
of rookie Amby Jones, who complained of a sore pitching arm. Ismael
Valdes (10-9, 3.80) and Trevor Hoffman (6-2, 2.31) pitched well for the
Bums. Hoffman picked up his DL-leading 25th save with another flawless
inning. Valdes gave up just one run and 5 hits in his eight innings to
get his 10th win of the year.
Vero Beach has two games remaining in Duluth, 3 more against Sacramento,
and eight more games against the Spokane Paladins, early favorites to
win the Picard Division who have gradually faded throughout the season.
Binghamton, who lost to Duluth on Sunday but defeated Spokane on Monday,
has games against Spokane and Duluth and two critical series against
Chicago remaining, to fill out their last 11 games.
