Truro (AP) - After a number of controversial off-season moves and less than
stellar performance in the pre-season, the Anchorage Abominations turn it on
for the regular season opener against the Truro Bears. Back-to-back homeruns
to lead off the game by secondbaseman Miguel Cairo and DH Garrett Anderson
highlighted a 4-run first inning for the 'Boms, who never looked back and
emerged with a seemingly easy 13-4 victory.
The Abominations homered a club record 7 times in the game, including two
homeruns each by Eric Karros and F.P. Santangelo. The 'Boms also slugged
six doubles and 20 hits total in the opener. "Our offense was definately on
today. I think we made up for the whole pre-season slump in one game." said
manager Ted Simmons, who's lifetime record is 1-0. "Tomko pitched a solid
seven innings for us. I'm still concerned about our bullpen, though."
Thought
to have one of the stronger bullpens in the league, Anchorage reliever Billy
Wagner struggled through 2/3 of an inning, giving up two hits and two runs.
"I just didn't have the movement on my breaking stuff today. The arm is fine,
I just didn't bring it today." said Wagner in a post-game interview.
All nine 'Boms reached safely in the opener, including 7 of the 9 starters
with multiple hit games. F.P. Santangelo lead the way with four hits and
three RBIs. "F.P. has been unbelievable since coming over to Anchorage." said
hitting coach Fred Lynn.
Anchorage Continues to Roll
Truro (AP) - The Truro locker room was dead silent after their 3-1 loss to
the Anchorage Abominations today. Despite a solid offensive performance, in
which the Bears had ten hits, they were only able to drive in one run.
The Anchorage locker room was the complete opposite. "Mike (Bottenfield)
pitched an unbelievable game. He really held his composure under pressure."
said manager Ted Simmons. Bottenfield pitched a complete game, walking five,
striking out three and scattering ten hits while giving up just the one run.
Just a day after a twenty hit, 13 run performance, the 'Boms could only
muster five hits against a tough Truro pitching staff. Those hits came in
timely situations, which is what manager Ted Simmons is hoping that the team
can continue to do all season. "We took advantage of our run scoring
opportunities today. We did the little things that it takes to win ballgames."
commented Simmons, whose career record as manager is now 2-0.
The bottom of the Anchorage lineup did the damage again today, racking up 4
of the team's five hits and all three runs.
Anchorage finishes off the series with Truro tomorrow. Felipe Lira takes
the mound for Anchorage, in his first regular season start since his elbow
injury in August last season.
