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Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, the Washington Sea Dogs, who started the year 4-11, have climbed right back into the division hunt in the Defiant League by knocking off the Atlanta Knights in both halves of a doubleheader, 3-0, behind the sublime pitching of Willie Adams in the first, and 15-8 in the second, to sweep the four-game series.
Adams, who pitched seven innings of three-hit ball and struck out nine yesterday, was especially relieved at his performance today.
"I've been really struggling with opposing batters this year," Adams said. "While the Knights aren't exactly Houston with the bats, they can do some damage."
Adams had an ERA well above five before the game, but with his solid performance, he was able to lower it to 4.11. The Sea Dogs are counting on more strong performances by Adams to compliment a pitching staff that already includes Chad Ogea and Chuck Finley.
Manager Aaron Weiner was extremely excited about Adams's performance. "It's really great to see Willie looking that good tonight," Weiner said. "There's no question that he's got a lot of talent, and when he's getting that sinker where he wants it, he's deadly."
Marquis Grissom lead the hit parade with two hits for the Sea Dogs, including his third homer of the season. He also scored on single in the seventh by Chuck Knoblauch, who was playing his first healthy game in several days after getting over a nagging leg injury.
"I feel a lot better than yesterday," said Knoblauch, whose injury was bad enough that the DL was a possibility. "I ran well for the first time in weeks."
Bobby Ayala, recently promoted back to closer due to his stellar performances in a setup role, collected his third save for the Sea Dogs, pitching a perfect ninth. However, middle man Gus Brocail ran into some trouble on the way, giving up three baserunners in the 8th and forcing Weiner to go to Fred Smith, causing the manager great concern.
"Gus (Brocail) hasn't pitched to his full potential this year," Weiner said. "We had high hopes for him in the pre-season, but he hasn't lived up to expectations so far."
Brocail is one of the worst pitchers in the league right now, having given up a 17.25 ERA and 29 hits in 12 innings, and may be demoted to a long relief role if this performance continues.
While the Sea Dogs, with only eight runs in this series, have been fortunate enough to have had strong pitching from Brian Bevil, Finley and now Adams in this series, they are also fortunate enough to miss Paul Quantrill, one of the best starters in baseball this season.
"We feel very lucky that we don't have to face Quantrill," said first baseman Tino Martinez, who went 0-3 in yesterday's game. "He's really a fine pitcher. So's Woody Williams, too, but we got a real lift today from Willie."
The second game was more eventful with the bats, but the real hero of the game for the Sea Dogs was Heinie Phillips, who quieted the Atlanta bats for four strong innings which included eight strikeouts and only one hit.
Leading the offensive barrage for the Sea Dogs was Knoblauch, who drove in four runs, but every Sea Dog had a hit in today's game.
The two games carry the Sea Dogs into second place, half a game behind the Gila Monsters, who also won today, 2-1 over Springfield. However, the Sea Dogs are zero games back in the loss column.
Washington's next opponent are the same Springfield Panthers. The first game will be one of the best pitching matchups of this young season, with hard-luck Hideo Nomo, with a 2.27 ERA but only a 2-2 record, facing Chad Ogea, with a 2.48 ERA. The Sea Dogs, however, are fortunate enough to face a struggling Jamie Moyer, who been racked up this season for a 11.30 ERA, in the second game.
Despite this, Weiner says not to count Moyer out. "Jamie can spot four pitches almost exactly where he wants them," says Weiner, "and what we have to do is hit his mistakes. A pitcher like that, he doesn't make that many."
Notes and Quotes: The Sea Dogs are reportedly still looking for a number 3 starter, and are also interested in picking up a decent lefty outfield bat. Tops on Weiner's hit list are Darryl Hamilton of the Binghamton Mets and Paul O'Neill of the Manhattan Shredders. Weiner has also reportedly brought up Carlos Delgado's name to members of the front office, but doesn't think that he can lure him away from the Budweiser Frogs.
Written by Aaron Weiner