Juneau (AP) - After winning the first game of the series versus Ann Arbor,
Anchorage failed to meet its goal of winning the series overall by dropping
the next two games against the AllKnighters. Despite a good pitching effort
by Mike Bottenfield in game 3, the Anchorage offense struggled to score just
one run, while the AllKnighters sealed the victory by getting three runs by
number one starter Bottenfield.
"It was a hell of an effort by Bot [Bottenfield] today. Too bad our offense
didn't show up today." said manager Nick Tulach. "We really, really needed
to win this series to hope to finish .500 this year. We still have a shot,
but its a long shot now." Anchorage is currently eight games below .500 and
without their best hitter, Jeff Cirillo, and best pitcher Billy Wagner.
Good news for Anchorage is they have called Miguel Cairo and Mark
Grudzielanek up from AAA, whre they were both rehabbing injuries. "They're
ready to go. The doctors have cleared them. We really need them right now
too, so it couldn't have come at a better time." said Tulach.
The debut of rookie Fernando Tatis was earlier then expected and results
were mixed at best. In two starts at third base, Fernando made a couple of
spectacular plays in the field, but was 0 for 6 at the plate. "I was
definately nervous. I hope I can get another opportunity to play this year.
Jeff [Cirillo] is out for a couple weeks, so who knows?" said Tatis. The
Abominations had hoped to keep Tatis in the minors for the rest of the season
and then possibly debut him next year, but the injury to Cirillo forced them
to change their plans.
Anchorage opens up a four game series at Tucson today. Scott Aldred is
scheduled to start for the Abominations and Mike Morgan for the Border Patrol.
Notes:
- The City of Anchorage has cleared the way for their beloved Abominations
to return to their home town and resume playing games at Exxon Field.
All three games against division leading Galenaare sold out already,
the first time any Abominations games have been sold out prior to game
day in the history of the franchise.
- Rumors of the team relocating to the San Francisco area have been quelled
somewhat. The rumor had been that in order to get metal guitarist James
Hetfield to manage the team, they would need to relocate. But due to
James' new role as "father", he has declined the offer from the team.
"I've got too much on my hands. Plus I don't know how it would work with
the band touring all the time. We have a tour scheduled soon. How the
hell would that work?" said Hetfield on a candid interview with MTV.
Anchorage is still said to be interested in promoting hitting coach Carney
Lansford to manager.
