Vero Beach, FL (AP) - Going into play today, the Vero Beach Bums have a
magic number of just 6; any combination of Spokane Pirates losses and Vero
Beach wins that adds up to 6 ensures that the Bums will win their second
consecutive Picard Division crown.
In their return to divisional play, the Bums lost 2 of 3 to the Binghamton
Mets. Yesterday, the Bums defeated the Richmond Panthers 4-1 in the first
game of a 3-game series. Albie Lopez lasted into the eighth to notch his
league-leading 21st win, and Trevor Hoffman pitched a perfect ninth to
garner his league-best 22nd save. Barney Berres returned to form and held
his ninth game.
Phil Nevin finally got his first hit as a Bum, with a 2 for 4 day
against the Panthers, including an RBI double and 2 runs scored. Rex
Hudler had another excellent day at the plate, with a single and 2 doubles
in 4 at-bats, 2 stolen bases, and 1 run scored.
The Bums took care of Richmond starter Bud Black, handing the lefty 4 runs
on ten hits in 6 innings. No Panther got more than one hit against the
Bums in the game.
