Phoenix Defeats Washington, Faces Punxatawney October 9, 1999
Phoenix (AP) - The celebrations were frenetic yesterday in Phoenix, as
the Phoenix Gila Monsters defeated their division rivals and league
powerhouse, the Washington Sea Dogs. The victory came in the fifth
game of game 5 of what has been a stunningly close a five game
division series. Only one of the four games, game 4, was decided by
more than 1 run. Games 1 and 3 were both won by Phoenix by one run in
extra innings, game 2 was a one-run Washington victory, and game 5 was
yet another pitching duel, with pitcher Shane Reynolds out-dueling
Shawn Estes for the second time in the series. "If there's anything
that decided the series, besides our pitching of course, it was how
well our pitchers and catcher held Washington on base. They didn't
steal much at all against us.", said Phoenix GM patrick Bridges.
Phoenix players and managers had nothing but good things to say about
the sea dogs. "Damn, what an excellent Washington team. It was great
management, trading, and a bit of luck that let us beat him.", said
Phoenix LF David Justice. Indeed, many people underestimated the Gila
Monster's chances against the Sea Dogs, primarily due to the poor
early and midseason performance of the Monsters. "We had bad injuries
to Derek and Raul this season, and it took a long time to get everyone
rested. In addition, aquiring Andres, Pudge, and Robb in the second
half of the season helped, too.", said Phoenix GM Bridges.
Phoenix now prepares to move on to face the dangerous Punxatawney
Groundhogs, another perpetual DL powerhouse. "It should be a good
series. The 'Hogs have a very good team, top-to-bottom, along with a
good pitching staff. It's a tight match up at every position from
hitters, to starting pitchers, to the bullpen," said Bridges. "If our
starters can continue to pitch like they have, I think we'll be hard
to beat. Both teams are probably tired from the tight division
series, and Punxatawney has a few nagging injuries. Still, Punxatawney
has a great team. We're looking forward to testing our metal against
them. We of course wish them good luck, just not quite as good of
luck as we hope for. "
