HARTFORD (AP)--The Montreal Royals won by the widest margin in their team history. Rueter pitched a shutout and the rest of the team provided the offense in a 17-0 victory at Travelers Park in Hartford, Connetticut.
The Montreal offense was a doubles machine, totaling 8 for the day. Rusty Greer and Mike Lansing each had 3 apiece. Hal Morris and Bonilla each had a home run.
"This victory was special, not because of the score, but because we played like a team," said Carter in an interview after the game. "We just kept on pounding at the pitchers, but none of the players tried to do it all themselves by driving it out of the park."
Every Royals batter got at least one hit and drove in at least one run in the game. "We don't have an overpowering lineup, so we need contributions from every single player to score runs and stay on top."
Meanwhile, Kirk Rueter got the win on a 3-hit 7-inning performance. He improved to 9-7 for the season. The Royals won the second game 7-2, improving their season record against the Whalers to 9-12.
There was some animosity between the two teams before the series began, but fortunately no fights erupted. Randy Johnson was warned by the umpires before the second game that any bean balls would not be tolerated, and he would get only one warning if he came close.
"There's a lot of frustration for the Hartford franchise right now," said Kirk Rueter after the game. "It wasn't exactly a swell year for the team, and things are going worse than ever. And having to lose to a team like us, well, you can see why things aren't going well between us and them, especially after the comments made by some members of our franchise."
Bonilla offered an explanation why the game didn't erupt in any anger between the two teams. "Right now, we can't focus on rivalries. We have to keep our emotions behind us and concentrate on the game, because we can't let any wins escape us at this time of year."
Royals Still Under .500
The Royals improved their record to 3 games under .500. They haven't surpassed that mark since the very beginning of the season, although they've reached it many, many times.
"We act like we should be a winning team," commented manager Gary Carter. "I just think that the team isn't getting that little boost to make it over the top of the hill. If we get that, we'll be in excellent shape. It's frustrating, not being able to attain .500 all season. But I think its just a matter of time."
Their 2 wins haven' shown in the standings because the division-leading Oil Kings also won 2 at the same time. They are still 6 1/2 games back.
