Laurel, Maryland - The Lynx current winning streak reached four with two wins over Motor City
at home. The mini-streak pushed the Lynx to a game over .500 after the team
had sunk to several games below the even mark after the trade of 1B Jeff
Bagwell for prospects. The team's modest resurgence has been fueled by a
mix of contributions from the remaining veterans and timely hitting from
otherwise struggling youngsters. The performance has been unexpected given
the draft day trade of P Scott Erickson, and the departure of SP Bartolo
Colon after completing just one inning for the Lynx. Colon's injury
occurred when he was struck in the face with a batted ball in his Laurel
debut. He was diagnosed with a jaw injury and he is listed as day to day.
In the action from the previous two games, the Lynx took a 7-4 decision from
Deadwood despite a relatively poor pitching performance by starter Steve
Karsay. Karsay was tagged for two HRs and 4 ERs in just 6 innings of work.
He said "I didn't have my best stuff today, and got the team in an early 4-0
hole. Fortunately the offense was able to pick up the slack and we rallied
for the win." Don Getzien got the win in relief and improved to 4-2 on the
season. Closer Marc Pisciotta pitched the final inning and a third to get
his 9th save of the season.
Laurel manager Floyd Hoerst said in a post game interview "It is amazing
considering the struggles the team had last season, but the bullpen overall
has been a real asset to the club. We are obviously pleased with Marc's
performance in the closer's role" Pisciotta, a second round pick in the
1998 free agent draft moved into the closer's job after the first few weeks
of the season saw Julio Santana struggle in that role.
The offense pounded out 13 hits, 7 for extra bases and was lead by RF Jacob
Brumfield who went 3 for 5 with a double and a triple. Six different
players had RBI for the Lynx who scoredtwo in the 7th off reliever Bobby
Wells to break a 4-4 tie and go on to the victory.
Today's game also had late scoring by Laurel to break open a close game.
Rookie Amury Telemanco got his first major league victory after suffering
five straight defeats. He went 6 innings, scattering 6 hits and allowing 2
ERs. Don Getzien and Tris Johnson combined to close out in relief, with
Getzien going 2 innings and Johnson pitching a scoreless 9th to seal the
win.
OFs Tony Birdsall and Jacob Brumield sparked the offense. The duo combined
to go 7 for 10 with five runs scored. DH Jermaine Dye chipped in with 2 RBI
and SS Chris Snopek went 2-4 with a double and a RBI.
