Spokane, WA.--The first week of the PVBL is over, and Spokane
has managed to end up 5-5 on the season thus far.
Not a record that indicates dominance, but we have
seen some things this week to inspire hope. We saw
great pitching efforts fail, due to a lack of offence. We
saw impressive hitting displays for naught, due to
bad outings from the rotation. But first todays recap:
The Pirates (AAAAARRRRRGHHHHH!) were back
at home welcoming the Duluth Bjork. This would be
young star Jamey Wrights second start on the season,
and it wouldn't be hard to look good after last weeks
loss. Wright pitched one hell of a game, allowing just
one run in the first, then proceeding to shut out the
Bjork for seven innings. Although he did allow eleven
hits, he managed to spread them out such that they didn't
score again. He managed to strike out six while walking
just two. Armstrong and Pulsipher split the ninth allowing
two hits, but no runs. So after nine, Duluth managed
just one run. It wasn't enough.
Spokane struck hard and often, scoring four in the
second, five in the fourth, and two for good measure in
the eighth. It was a great game offensively as every man,
one through nine, managed at least one hit. And all but
three earned RBI's.
The only mar to this great performance was in the third,
when McGwire felt he was being thrown at, and charged
the mound. A melee ensued as both benches cleared.
When the dust had settled, Duluth pitcher Valdez was forced
to leave the game due to injury. Spoknane slugger, Brady
Anderson reported a bruised wrist, but remained in the game.
When asked how serious the wrist injury was, he replied,
"I'm fine, but you should see Gonzalez face! I've been meaning
to get back at that guy ever since that night he pi#@ed on
my locker!"
Amazingly McGwire wasn't ejected from the game. We
interviewed the head umpire after the game who said, "I
wasn't about to throw him out, have you seen those arms?!?
Besides, Valdes was throwing at him!"
The final score was 11-1. The Bjork will have a chance for
revenge, two more games in Spokane on Monday. Then it is
off to division doormat Sacramento, where the Pirates will
attempt to avenge the two games stolen from them by the
Knights earlier this season.
Briefly:
MAC IS BACK! After a reported slump, the big man remembered
how to hit. He went three for five today with a homer and two
doubles. Raising his average to .308
The pirates ERA has been brought to an ALMOST respectable
4.65. But given the 7.51 of last year, thats not bad.
JOB OPENING: Wanted - infielder to hit in the second spot in the
rotation. Must have good contact in speed. Fielding ability a plus.
A finders fee will be paied to anyone who can fill this gap. Fee
MAY include draft picks. Interested parties please contact the
Spokane Pirates via return address.
Quote of the day: "I don't care what the scouts say about what
Sele CAN do, if he doesn't impress me GREATLY in his next
start he'll be on a buss to AAA Los Gatos. 12.6 ERA, who does
he think he is? Tim Wakefield!?!" -Jeremey Stephens to pitching coach
Seth McMullen
