Punxatawney, PA (AP)--"I'm shellshocked, to be honest," said Punxatawney GM Dan Shapiro after his
team's 16-11 loss to Tampa Bay. "We don't care about the game. Springfield
lost, we still have our 4 game lead. But we're really hurting again."
Going into the game, ace starter Rocky Coppinger was sporting a blistered
finger, and sluggers Ryan Klesko and Jose Valentin were each suffering from
substantial injuries that were keeping them out of the lineup. This game
was started by Mike Hampton.
"Well, I felt a little pain warming up before the game," said the lefty
starter. "I think it was from practice this week, I slipped doing a
fielding drill, and came down real hard on my left elbow. I thought I'd be
ok."
Hampton threw a scoreless first inning, but after allowing a double to Walt
Weiss, he signaled to the dugout that he was feeling pain. Shapiro came to
the mound and Hampton decided he couldn't go on. He was replaced by Dustin
Hermanson, who has split time between the rotation and bullpen this year.
Dustin's relief appearance was barely enough to be noticed. He delivered
one pitch which Rico Brogna hit for a double and collapsed to the ground in
pain. As soon as the play was complete, the entire team rushed to see what
was wrong. Hermanson strained his bicep rather badly and was barely able to
flex his arm. Suffice it to say, his appearance was over. Tim Worrell
relieved him and had one of his worst appearances ever, allowing 9 runs in 3
2/3 innings.
Worrell didn't seem to care. "My mind wasn't in the game at all. How could
it be?"
Punxatawney continued to fight back, however, but not even a 6 run 7th
inning could make the score any closer than 16-11 where it ended up. The
slugfest was likely brought on by the 25 mph winds blowing to dead center.
When the game was over, Dave Martinez was a bit slow getting off the field.
After arriving in the dugout, the trainer looked him over and noted Martinez
was having back problems. Shapiro's response to hearing this information is
not suitable to be printed in this document.
"Well, I'd like to say I'm sure we'll keep winning. But we've had a really
tough time with Tampa all year long and now we have 6 guys hurting. I'm not
sure how much more we can take," Shapiro said glumly.
After the game, Hermanson, Hampton, and Coppinger were all sent to AAA
Roswell for rehab while Curly Karkovice, Henry Neale, and Tim Scott were all
activated for major league action.
"At least we can rehab together!" said Hampton jokingly.
The three pitchers who are being called up have all logged previous major
league action. Henry Neale has tossed 55 1/3 innings, all in relief. His
career record is 4-1 with 1 save and 6 holds to go with his .390 ERA. Curly
Karkovice has pitched in 7 games, 4 starts, and has a 2-0 record but an ERA
of 9.00. Tim Scott threw in the majors only briefly at the start of last
season and is 1-1 in 7 innings of major league experience and a 9.00 ERA.
However, none of the 3 will replace Coppinger or Hampton in the rotation.
Taking spots in the rotation will be Scott Aldred who has started 29 games
over the last 2 seasons and a shocking choice for 2nd starter--Scott
Ruffcorn. Ruffcorn has had a horrid year, but over these last two seasons,
none of his 73 appearances have been in a starting role.
"He's been begging for a start ever since Bergman got his chance this year.
We both know he hasn't done much in relief yet, so I figure this is as good
a chance as any to give him a crack at a start or two," said pitching coach
Mark Fidyrich.
"I've shown in practice that I have the endurance of a few of our starters.
I know I'm probably not the best choice for this role, but I think I can do
well as a starter," said Ruffcorn.
The Hogs next game will be against Tampa Bay again, pitting Doc Gooden
against Punxatawney ace Jon Lieber. Scott Ruffcorn will start in the game
after that.
"We're hoping to have a few of our pitchers back after the all-star break.
Coppinger might even be back before it," said Shapiro.
