Groundhogs End Out-of-Division Play With a Win August 31, 1998
Punxatawney, PA (AP) - Forget that weird feeling of deja vu--Punxatawney is in a tight pennant
race. Every game is crucial now, and Punxatawney showed their heart and
desire today as they beat Binghamton 7-1 and watched as Springfield fell to
Spokane. They have regained their tiny 1 game lead and will now play their
final 34 games against their division foes Springfield, Houston, and Tampa
Bay.
"Well, our in-division record is 3 games better than Springfield's. And
Houston and Tampa Bay could really play spoiler for either of us," said Hogs
GM Dan Shapiro.
In today's action, Punxatawney took what seemed to be a close game and
turned it into a blowout. Through 6 innings, their game against the
Binghamton Mets was a 1-1 tie. Punxatawney's run came in the first inning
when Tony Batista doubled and came in on a Ryan Klesko double. Binghamton
scored on a Frank Sipin solo shot in the 5th inning.
After the 6th inning, both starters were out of the game. Frank Rodriguez
allowed 5 hits and 1 run over 5 1/3 innings for the Mets while Mike Hampton
allowed 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run in 6 innings of work for the Groundhogs.
"Its too bad Mike didn't get the win, 'cause he sure pitched great," said
Hogs pitching coach Mark 'The Bird' Fidyrich. "I was working with him to
improve his bullpen work, and with our recent injuries we needed him back in
the rotation. He did a great job today."
So in came Bobby Munoz for Punxatawney and Charlie Wakefield for Binghamton.
Munoz threw a perfect 7th to keep the score locked at 1. Charlie Wakefield
was not quite as fortunate. Punxatawney mounted a 4-run rally against him,
led by Roberto Kelly and Tony Batista. Kelly went 2-3 in the game with a
triple and homer. Tony Batista had 2 doubles in a 3-4 day at the plate.
Even Jack Jackson, filling it at SS for the injured Jose Valentin,
contributed to the offense. He homered in the victory, scoring twice. He
also made an error at short.
"I do what I can when I'm needed. That's been my role this year. But to be
honest with you, if this keeps up next year, I might be asking for a trade,"
said the young middle infielder.
With the 4-run 7th, the score was 5-1. Punxatawney tacked on 2 more in the
8th to make the score 7-1. Bobby Munoz exited after throwing 2 innings in
which he didn't allow a runner on base. Scott Aldred allowed just a single
to Jim Thome in the 9th inning to finish the game. Munoz got the win,
improving his record to 4-1 while Charlie Wakefield got the loss and fell to
3-4 on the year.
Houston will come to town tomorrow and begin a 4-game set against the
Groundhogs. For the Groundhogs, its just another crucial series. Tom
Glavine and Mariano Rivera will go for the Hellraisers against Bobby Thomas
and Ken Hill in tomorrow's doubleheader.
Stats 'n Stuff
Punxatawney has no trade plans as they approach the deadline. Shapiro has
announced the following players will be called up to play the final month
with the big club:
