Groundhogs Shut Down Atoms, Sweeping Series April 10, 1998
Punxatawney, PA (AP)--The Punxatawney Groundhogs completed their first
series of the year today by shutting out the Springfield Atoms 7-0 and are
now, with a record of 2-0, once again off to a fine start in the PVBL.
Much like the first game, Punxatawney scored quickly. They led 2-0 after 2
innings and built it to 5-0 after the 5th, scoring twice more to win 7-0.
And once again, much of the offense came from the first 4 batters. Tony
Batista was 1-4, Marty Cordova 1-3, Jose Valentin 2-4, and Ryan Klesko 2-4
also. In addition, 5th hitter Jason Giambi went 2-4 with a pair of homers,
driving in 3 runs. These first 5 hitters combined for 8-19, 5 runs, 6 RBI,
and 3 homers (the other by Klesko)--almost all of the team's offense.
Luis Gonzalez, somewhat calmed down from the hit-by-pitch yesterday, managed
to go 1-4 and steal a base. However, Rick Wilkins, Scott, Rolen, and
Roberto Kelly were all unable to get a hit while both Rolen and Kelly did
score a run.
"Ugh, I hope this isn't a sophomore slump," said Scott Rolen, obviously
thinking about the great success he had last season. "We've only played two
games, and I haven't been totally with it. Right now I'm trying too hard,
pressing to make things happen."
The always potent Hogs offense, which scored 5 of its runs off Springfield
Atoms starter Ken Hill and 2 more off reliever Barry Manuel, was
complemented in this game by fantastic pitching from Rocky Coppinger.
"Rocky worked his butt off all winter as soon as he was healthy again,"
noted team owner Dan Shapiro, referring to the late season injury which
forced Coppinger to miss all of the playoffs. "He's throwing way harder and
his pitches are fantastic. Not to mention how much he improved his control.
You should have heard how many teams wanted to snatch him away this
off-season!"
Coppinger did not dissapoint in his first outing of the season. He tossed 7
1/3 innings, scattering 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. Sean
Bergman mopped up, tossing the last 1 2/3 innings with 1 strikeout on only 8
pitches--all strikes.
"Well, coach said I'd get a few starts," Bergman said after the game. "I'd
rather be starting, but right now I'm needed in the bullpen so thats where
I'll be."
As you may remember, Bergman was the controversial choice to throw game 5 of
the DLCS last year. Though the Groundhogs lost that game and the series,
Bergman tossed 7 innings of 1 run baseball and has been considered for a
spot in the rotation ever since. However, because of strong offseasons by
many of the Hogs pitchers, Bergman again finds himself in the bullpen.
"Sean will get his chances. So will Dustin [Hermanson]. And probably [AAA
prospect] Curly Karkovice as we get later into the season. Right now, I
want to go with what I think is my best combination for the first few weeks
and try to open up a little room on the Hellraisers," manager Shapiro said.
