The fans have come out in force. After hearing recent rumors of their beloved
Punxatawney Groundhogs deserting their home for almost 3 season in favor of
Allentown, the Hogs sold out both ends of a doubleheader against the resurgent
Sacramento Knights.
"This team belongs here," said one Joe Wyzer, a diehard Groundhogs fan. "I
guess people didn't realize until now that there was even a possibility they
would leave. Nobody wants that."
However, citing revenue issues and a poor "x" key on his normal keyboard, team
owner Dan Shapiro has not yet ruled out a move.
"Well, I'm back at home now, celebrating the holidays with family. And since
the x key on our keyboard here works, I don't have to worry so much," Shapiro
noted. "I can't say the same for when I leave home next week."
But the Groundhog players apparently aren't ready to leave either. Coming
into today's action, the team was 6 games behind Riker leading Houston and 7
behind Phoenix, the wildcard leader.
"It's a little early in the year to say 'must win,' but I don't know what else
to call this. If we don't make up some ground now, we'll never have the
chance," said slugger Ryan Klesko.
The players responded to the fan support today in their crucial twin bill.
The first game was pitched by Bobby Thomas, earlier in the week named pitcher
of the month for July. This was a major achievment for Bobby. In the
offseason, he battled a cocaine addiction which nearly killed him. A
miraculous recovery had him ready to pitch by the start of the season, but he
was ineffective and erratic, spending much time in the bullpen. But after a
few trades and a major injury to Juan Guzman, Thomas was thrust back into the
rotation. He responded with one of the best months in PVBL history, winning
all his decisions and thoroughly dominating the competition. He is the second
Hog to win this year--Sean Bergman also took the award for April.
Thomas had another amazing game today, scattering 8 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned,
across 8 innings. He got his 8th win as the Hogs won 5-2. Ricky Bottalico
notched his 6th save of the year. Dave Martinez was 3-3 to lead the offense
while Tony Batista drove in 2 runs.
After Houston lost their first game, Punxatawney realized they were within 5
games. A win in the next could move them to within 4. Easier said than done.
Rocky Coppinger took the mound against Kerry Wood in a battle of future aces.
Both were phenomenal. Wood threw 6 1/3 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 earned
run while walking 5 and striking out 4. Coppinger threw 7 scoreless, allowing
just 2 hits and 1 walk. However, neither figured in the decision. Sacramento
pushed a run across against Bobby Munoz and Dave Mlicki held Punxatawney
scoreless through 9. After Munoz threw a scoreless 10th, Terry Mathews came
on to try and throw the bottom of the frame.
He did not get very far. After working Alex Ochoa to a 2-2 count, Mathews
grooved a fastball right down the middle and Ochoa belted it down the line for
a game-winning homerun. As the game ended and the team celebrated, Duluth's
6-3 win over Houston was announced.
This leaves Punxatawney 4 games out with 36 to play. Houston has 38 left.
Punxatawney trails the wildcard by 5.5 to Phoenix.
"We need to salvage the season," said Shapiro. "It's been our worst yet. If
we can get to the playoffs, then I'll probably keep the team in Punxatawney
for another year. If not, we may have to leave."
STATS 'N STUFF
Punxatawney's offense is one of the most balanced in the league. The team
boasts 7 players hitting over .275 and 8 with 15 or more homeruns. The
leaders have been the middle infielders. 2B Tony Batista has a team-best .303
average with 42 doubles, 4 triples, and 17 homeruns. He has also stolen 20
bases, and leads the team with 91 runs created. Jose Valentin is having
another great year, hitting .281 with 23 homers and 85 RBI. He has also
stolen 13 bases.
Dave Martinez is having one of the best seasons of his career. Martinez is
hitting .293 with 37 doubles, 5 triples, 23 homers, and 27 steals--all in only
103 games, 23 less than Batista or Valentin. He has the best slugging
percentage on the team. In addition, Scott Rolen is batting .283 with 21
homers and 76 runs created. Ryan Klesko, in only 95 games, has 21 homers and
56 RBI.
The rotation is now in the capable of hands of Rocky Coppinger, Jon Lieber,
Sean Bergman, Bobby Thomas, and Dustin Hermanson...only Hermanson is rumored
to be on his way out, and Curly Karkovice or Tim Worrell may take his place.
Punxatawney's next series is against Spokane after their finish with
Sacramento.
