Anchorage, Alaska (AP)- The Hartford Whalers responded favorably,
apparently, to former Manager Kevin Kennedy's resignation and welcomed the
"Dewey" Evans managerial era by celebrating with two lop-sided road
victories over the Anchorage Abomination who were, dare I say, abominable.
Rookie Hideki Irabu (5-5, 3.59) took the mound in Game 1 and pitched 7
strong innings, allowing only 2 earned runs in Hartford's 13-6 win.
Although Hartford's pen was shaky, especially Brian Boehringer, on this
day, they got all the run support they would need as Andres Galarraga, Jay
Buhner and Socks Byrne exploded to go a combined 11-16 with 8 RBI, 4
doubles and 2 homers. Byrne, batting in the controversial 9th spot in the
order, went 5 for 5. Evans explained the move simply, "I wanted,
essentially, two leadoff men and pressure to pitch to Jason (Kendall)."
Byrne responded. So did Galarraga, who had been slumping. Andres went 4
for 6 with 3 RBI, 2 doubles and his 15th homer. Of the win, Andres
commented, "I think we, as a team, really needed this today (the win) and
that (Kennedy's resignation) yesterday."
Game 2 was similar to Game 1. Tom "Flash" Gordon (5-5, 4.08) got the start
and was back to his old self as he pitched his first complete game of the
season, allowing 4 earned runs through 9 innings of work. Once again,
offensively, it was the Andres Galarraga show in Anchorage in Game 2.
Gallaraga went 3 for 5 in Game 2, blasting 2 homeruns to take the league
lead (17) and yet another double. Adam Riggs and Fred McGriff also homered
en route to Hartford's 8-4 triumph.
The line on Andres Galarraga for the day:
7-11 (.636), 4 runs, 3 doubles, 3 homeruns (15, 16, 17-Tops in the EL), and
5 RBI (31,32, 33, 34, 35)
-Andres raised his BA to .285 and his SLG% to .562
With the win, Hartford kept pace with the red-hot Deadwood Outlaws and
remain 9 1/2 games out of first in third place in the McCoy Division.
