Groundhogs Edge Closer to Playoffs September 24, 1998
Punxatawney, PA (AP)--A four game lead with ten to play. That's what the Groundhogs have to hold
in the two weeks of the season. Last year, they had already clinched the
division title and were chasing down 100 wins.
"Honestly, this is a lot more fun," said slugger Ryan Klesko. "Last year we
didn't even know the meaning of pressure. This year, we've had Springfield
on our backs the whole season."
In today's action, Springfield caught up 1 game as they took two from
Houston while Punxatawney only managed a split with Tampa Bay. The first
game was a disappointing 6-3 loss as the bullpen squandered a 3-1 lead in
the 8th inning. After taking the lead behind a Klesko homer and Dan
Wilson's 2 RBI, as well as a phenomenal start by Jon Lieber. But the two
most reliable pitchers in the bullpen, Bobby Munoz and Ricky Bottalico, were
anything but today. After Munoz threw a scoreless 7th inning, the 8th
inning became a horror show. After Munoz allowed two hits and only got 1
out, Bottalico came in. He fared no better, walking 1 and giving up 2 hits
and recorded 1 out. Scott Ruffcorn got the final out, but not before
allowing a double to Sherman Obando.
Lieber was annoyed at how the bullpen squandered his great pitching
performance. He allowed just 3 hits and 1 unearned run while striking out 4
in 6 innings.
"I threw real well today, kept the ball down. We can't afford to be giving
up games like this if we want to keep the lead, and especially not in the
playoffs," remarked Lieber.
However, Punxatawney turned the tables on Tampa in the second game. Tampa
took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 9th, but lost 4-2. The official
scorer apparently made a bizarre mistake, as Punxatawney won 4-2 rather than
3-2 without a game winning homer. It was a barrage of twelve singles and a
double by Giambi in the final inning that gave Punxatawney the victory.
Doc Gooden had a great start for Tampa Bay, giving up 6 hits and 1 unearned
run in 7 innings. Punxatawney almost scored in the 8th, loading the bases
with singles before Pleasac finished the innings. But Troy Percival
couldn't hold the lead, giving up 4 hits and 3 runs.
Rocky Coppinger didn't get a win either as his solid pitching was for
naught. Rocky gave up 4 hits and 3 walks, giving up 2 runs and striking out
3. Scott Aldred got his 7th victory with 2 scoreless innings of relief.
"This was a game of baserunning," said Shapiro. "We were running the whole
game, so was Tampa. We just outran 'em in the end."
In total, Punxatawney stole 5 bases. Amazingly, 2 of those were by Klesko.
John Cangelosi also stole 2 bases, and Jack Jackson stole 1. For Tampa,
Brian Hunter stole two bases and Michael Coleman stole 1. However, Jeff
Blauser and Hunter also each got caught once.
Rick Wilkins and Dan Wilson talked after the game, as the two catchers have
both played part of their season with Punxatawney.
"I owe him 600 bucks now. We made a bet before doubleheader that for each
stolen base we gave up, we'd owe the other 100. For a caught stealing, the
other would 100 bucks. Well, Danny gave up 3 steals and caught 2. They
stole 5 against me. That's a quick team, a lot quicker than I remember,"
said Wilkins.
Tomorrow, Punxatawney will finish their series with Tampa and then take on
Houston. They play a 3 game set against the Hellraisers while Springfield
plays 3 against the Mets. After that is 3 more with Tampa Bay. The season
will close in dramatic fashion, with a 3 game set played in Springfield
between the Hogs and Atoms.
"Honestly, we'd rather go in there with the division title in hand. That's
not an easy place to play and if those games could decide the division, we'd
probably have to work hard to even win 1," Shapiro said.
Stats 'n Stuff
Ryan Klesko is once again on the verge of 100 RBI, and may even reach 40
homers again. The offensive leader of the team is batting an impressive
.290 with 35 homers and 99 RBI, and also leads the team with 103 runs
created.
"I think the best part about the season has been the 12 steals," joked
Klesko. "But honestly, I've really enjoyed this pennant race, and I think
its helped me produce."
The rest of the offense has been very balanced. Tony Batista is having a
great season, hitting .281 with 48 doubles, 19 homers, 91 runs created, and
21 steals. Scott Rolen hasn't been quite as good as his rookie year, but
his .254 average and 19 homers have been important to the offense.
Some big credit must be given to the bench. Veteran John Cangelosi is
hitting .268 with 17 steals in 63 games. Jack Jackson, in his second
season, is hitting .275 with 7 steals. And even Billy Ashley, a strikeout
king, is hitting .409 so far.
Great Scott! The Scotts of the Hogs bullpen, Aldred and Ruffcorn, have both
improved greatly upon poor starts. Aldred has his ERA down to 4.45 and now
holds a 7-4 record. Ruffcorn's record is a bit weaker at 4-9, but his ERA
is down 4.95, far better than the 7.00 mark which is hovered around for much
of the year.
One other note--with today's action, Ryan Klesko has reached the 250 RBI
mark for his career. Very impressive. At a quick glance, that appears to
the be the most of any PVBLer.
