Montreal (AP)- The Hartford Whalers have been finding unexpected heroes of
late, especially in their rookies. Today was no exception. With veterans Jay
Bell and Brian McRae on base with singles in a scoreless ballgame in the 4th
inning, rookie second baseman Adam Riggs strolled to the plate. Riggs, who has
struggled since being drafted a month ago, was barely batting .200. Terry
Mullholland didn't seem worried. But Mullholland hung a sinker up there for
what seemed like an eternity on the first pitch and Riggs jumped all over it,
sending it over the center field wall in a hurry. The 3-run shot was all the
Whale would need as rookie starter Kevin Millwood shined. Millwood pitched 7
innings allowing only 1 earned run on 2 hits while stirking out 2 batters.
Hoffman pitched a perfect 8th innings and Rhodes, despite giving up a homer,
hung on for his second save of the year in the ninth. Millwood (6-5) was
pleased with the team's effort, "I threw everything I had out there. I don't
want this team to go down without a fight. Once Adam (Riggs) hit that homer, I
knew it would be all I needed." Manager Jeremy Chrabascz said this of the
game, "It's nice to see the kids coming together in terms of chemistry. This
gives us confidence in next season."
Hartford is currently tied with Deadwood in second-place in the McCoy behind
Edmonton by 7 games. Montreal is 8 games back. Hartford has been the best in
the division, narrowly, in the last 10 games going 6-4.
Note: Montreal starter Randy Johnson pulled himself after pitching 2 and 1 /3
with a bruised foot. He isn't expected to miss his next start.
