"In baseball, you don't get a second chance." Famous words. Uh-huh. "So you'd better capitalize on the first one." Yah right.
The Montreal Royals got a second chance. The tables were turned back a month, back to June 30th to be precise, to replay a disappointing month. While the Royals stayed in contention all throughout August (thanks to Edmonton's lengthy losing streaks), they succumbed to numerous injuries that almost took the wind out of their sails. Key players Mark Portugal, Randy Johnson and Darrin Fletcher would be out at the least 2 weeks, and at most until the end of the regular season.
"This time around, the doctors have made sure to prevent any chance of an injury before it occurs," said fastball pitcher Randy Johnson. "We're not taking any chances." Johnson was taken out after 2 innings in his last start after he was worried about tightness in his elbow. He should be fine for his next start.
And Darrin Fletcher, well, he will continue to play just as hard, even after the premonition of an on-plate collision. "That was just bad luck," he says.
Mike Grace also capitalized on his second chance. He is 9-7 with a 2.75 ERA, the first time he has a winning record all season. Rusty Greer continues to hit on a tear since coming back from his injury. He has boosted his batting average to .310.
Time seemed to fly for the Montreal Royals in their past two weeks. Most players were unusually tired and thankful for the rest on Thursday. "It felt like we played a whole week in one day. Crazy," said Tim Raines.
Here's a summary of the exciting wins and dissapointing losses last week:
* August 8 - Thunder Bay left 12 men on base as they lost a frustrating game at MacKenzie Field. Pokey Reese was the only Royals to go hitless for the day. The Royals put the game away in the ninth, scoring 3 runs to make the final 8-3.
* August 9 - Storm pitcher Denny Neagle pitched an 8 inning gem, giving up 1 earned run over 5 hits, but relievers Dodge and Oliver botched up the chance for victory in the rubbermatch game, giving up 6 runs in the ninth. Pokey Reese and Bobby Bonilla led the comeback, each driving in two runs on consecutive doubles. Bob Peterman got his second win of the season, pitching six innings of 2-hit relief.
* August 10 - The Royals scored 3 runs in the top of the tenth, but they would need all those three for the win as the pitching hung on to win after giving up 2 runs to New Diggens in the bottom of the tenth. Luis Andujar left the game with a no-decision, although he gave up only 2 runs and 4 hits over 7 innings.
* August 11 - The Frogs pounded Kirk Rueter, Joe Hetrick and Mark Portugal for a total of 10 runs. The Royals came up with 3 runs in the ninth, but it was far short as they lost 10-3.
* August 12 - Pinch hitter Dan Hansen drove in the winning run run in the 10th, in the second extra innings game of the series, as New Diggens won 5-4. Terry Mulholland was tagged for the loss.
* August 14 - Montreal won 7-4 against the Medina Mustangs, thanks to another quality start my Mike Grace.
