Lira Run Out Early In Loss To Hamsters May 2, 1999
Anchorage AK (AP) - Felipe Lira struggled through four innings yesterday and
recorded his fourth loss of the season in the opening game of a three game
series versus rival Galena. Lira (1-4) gave up seven hits and two earned
runs before running out of gas early and leaving in after the fourth inning.
Anchorage rallied late with three runs in the bottom of the ninth but fell
short 6-4 to drop their record to 13-9 on the year.
Lira was visibly tired after the fourth inning and mentioned fatigue as
a factor in pulling him early. "This four-man rotation isn't going to cut it.
Its only the beginning of May and it feels like its the beginning of September."
said Lira, who has struggled since coming back from elbow surgery in the
offseason.
Galena put together 17 total hits in the game, including three players
with 3 hits a piece -- Lofton, Williams, and Stocker. "They came in on a
roll and we've been playing sub-par baseball of late. We have to pull ourselves
out of this slump or we are in big trouble." commented manager Ted Simmons.
Williams a Nightmare For 'Boms
Anchorage AK (AP) - Galena outfielder Bernie Williams hit a three-run homerun
that was the knife-in-the-back for the Abominations last night in front of
a near sell out crowd. With Galena up just 2-1 after four innings, Castillo
and Jones both singled and then Bernie Williams hit a bomb to straight away
center. That would be all the scoring for the night as Galena defeated
Anchorage for the second straight night, 5-1.
Manager Ted Simmons, whose career record has slipped to 13-10, was upset
at the lack of effort by the Anchorage players. "It seems like they are just
going through the motions out there. There isn't much fire on this ballclub."
claimed Simmons.
Galena struck out nine batters in the game and held Anchorage to nine hits,
all of which were singles. "We didn't get a base runner into scoring position
all night. It was a pitiful performance. I am ashamed of our play last night."
added Simmons.
Notes:
- Anchorage has called up screwballer Al Rockenfield from AAA and sent down
OF Rickey Henderson. Rockenfield is said to be taking the place of Billy
Wagner, who looks like he will be moved into the starting rotation. "We
would like to keep Billy in the pen, but we to start getting some quality
starts out of our guys. Billy is a veteran who can help motivate the
rest of those guys in the rotation." said pitching coach Chuck Crim.
- Anchorage is said to be shopping for a starting pitcher. They have a
number of players available as well as the #14 and #26 picks in the upcoming
amateur draft.
