Groundhogs Situation Looking Good September 20, 1998
Punxatawney, PA (AP) - The Hogs front office has been quiet lately, as team owner Dan Shapiro has
been busy with other commitments as a camp counselor and youth league
umpire. However, Shapiro has kept a watchful eye on his PVBL franchise.
He's watched them build a decent 4.5 game lead over the Springfield Atoms as
they have won 8 of their last 10.
In today's action, staff ace Rocky Coppinger returned from his 2nd stint on
the DL with a solid outing, going 7 innings while receiving a no-decision.
This was because the Groundhogs rallied to tie the game against Luis Thomas
in the 9th inning and went on to score twice against Todd Ritchie in the
12th inning on a Ryan Klesko 2-run homer. Ricky Bottalico threw 2 scoreless
innings for the win and Scott Ruffcorn got his 4th save by throwing the
bottom of the 12th.
"The arm felt great," said Coppinger. "Scott Karl tossed a nice game
against me, but Ryan came up big for us again. I don't mind not getting the
win as long as someone else on the team does."
However, Houston turned the tables in the second game and beat Punxatawney
4-2 to hand the Groundhogs a split. Tom Glavine outdueled Bobby Thomas in
another low scoring affair.
Meanwhile, Springfield lost a pair to the lowly Tampa Bay Mets to increase
the Groundhog division lead to 4.5 games with just 14 left to play.
Springfield has won just 4 of their last 10 as their inexperience seems to
be costing them down the stretch.
"We haven't really been in this kind of pennant race before, but our
experience in the playoffs last year taught us how to play under pressure.
The Atoms haven't had that chance yet," said Shapiro.
While nobody on the team has been totally able to shake the nagging feeling
that their lead should be far larger than it is now, it seems to be less
important. The team seems confident they can hold their lead for the last
few weeks.
"We're ready to get into the playoffs. We just have to be sure we don't
forget to keep winning before we get there," said starter Sean Bergman.
However, the recent hot streak has taken a few victims. Ironman Marty
Cordova had his consecutive games played streak snapped at 303 when he
fractured a bone in his leg sliding into home. Veteran Roberto Kelly also
has a serious injury, as he has bone-spurs in his foot. Both will most
likely be out mid-October and could possibly miss the entire postseason. In
addition, Dave Martinez has been playing with a strained posterior cruciate
ligament and Scott Rolen has been playing with a bruised hand.
"Shapiro has told me that he doesn't want me in there, but he needs my bat
with Marty and Kelly out," said leadoff man Martinez. "I can play through
this, but its not easy."
Punxatawney now plays two more against Houston before Tampa Bay comes to
town. Springfield has two against Tampa Bay and then faces Houston.
Stats 'n Stuff
Punxatawney has been more successful in close games recently. Their 1-run
game record is now an even 19-19 while they are 10-7 in extra innings.
However, they have struggled away from The Phil.
Ever since time mysteriously reset itself, Ryan Klesko has heated up like a
bonfire while Jose Valentin has cooled off like that same bonfire in
Antarctica. Klesko is now hitting a team best .284 with 34 homers and 94
RBI. At the same time, Valentin has plummeted from well over .300 to .279
with just 18 homers.
Along with Klesko and Valentin, starters Tony Batista, Scott Rolen, Marty
Cordova, Jason Giambi, Dan Wilson, and Dave Martinez all have double-digit
homers. Only Giambi and Martinez are below the 15 homer mark.
With the recent injuries to Cordova and Kelly, Shapiro has looked to the
bench for help from a few players. Robin Jennings and John Cangelosi have
become everyday starters. Both are responding well to the new role.
Jennings is hitting .250 with 4 homers in his rookie year. Cangelosi, a
season veteran, is batting .252 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 homers, and 14
steals. In addition, Jack Jackson and Billy Ashley have both been called
upon to contribute as pinch hitters. Jackson is hitting .275 in his first
full major league season. Ashley is hitting .381 in just 21 at bats so far.
The rotation has found a new key member. Ken Hill, acquired in a trade just
before the deadline, now has 14 wins on the season with a 3.21 ERA. Rocky
Coppinger and Sean Bergman have 13 and 14 wins, respectively, with each
having just over 20 starts.
Bobby Thomas has not been the same pitcher the second time around. He had
11 wins and a ERA near 3.00 after the first August, but now he has just 7
wins and a 4.30 ERA.
"He hasn't been the same. That time travel took a lot out of him. We're
just hoping he gets it back together before the playoffs," said Shapiro.
