Resurgent Hogs Sweep Hellraisers September 17, 1999
Punxatawney, PA (AP)
For the first time in three seasons, the Punxatawney Groundhogs found
themselves in a sink-or-swim regular season series. They were to play four
games against the first place Houston Hellraisers, and needed a sweep to
ensure themselves a realistic chance at a playoff berth.
"I didn't have to say anything," said manager Dan Shapiro. "The guys knew
the score. Everyone in the clubhouse knew exactly what needed to be done."
Heading into the series trailing Houston by 6.5 games with only 19 to play,
a few players on the Hogs were already making postseason golf tee times and
scheduling vacations.
"That pisses me off," said 2B Tony Batista prior to the series. "We're
payed to play 162 games. No less. We still have a chance until we're
mathematically eliminated."
This series would set the tone of the final stretch for both teams.
Houston, with even just 1 win, could take a secure 4.5 game advantage into
their last few series. A series split or a Houston victory would all but
eliminate the Groundhogs. With that in mind, Punxatawney took to the field
for their biggest series of the 1999 season.
The opener was pitched by recent acquisition Masato Yoshii. Yoshii had
struggled greatly in his first few starts for Punxatawney, but was not to be
denied in this game. While the official records of this game seem to have
vanished mysteriously, this writer does seem to recall the Punxatawney ran
up the score, winning something like 18-2.
"It was important that Masato threw a great game. We didn't even care about
scoring so many runs, we just wanted to make sure Masato was adjusting to
his new team," said pitching coach Mark "The Bird" Fidyrich.
After a blowout in the first game of the series, Punxatawney expected
Houston to come back strong in the second game. Unfortunately for the
Hellraisers, their pitching was unable to get the job done. Struggling Tom
Glavine lasted only 2 1/3 innings, allowing 4 runs, before turning the ball
over to John Ericks. Ericks got slaughtered, allowing an astronomical 12
runs in 4 2/3 innings.
The Hogs' starter, Bobby Thomas got battered around in the first, allowing 3
runs, but settled down and allowed just 1 more run over the next 5 innings.
He recorded his 12th win, an impressive feat considering his early season
struggles, notching 11 strikeouts in the process. Houston was able to tack
on 3 more runs against reliever Tim Worrell, but fell far short of a
comeback. The final score was an embarrasing 16-7 win for the Hogs.
Catcher Dan Wilson paced the offense, getting 4 hits in 4 at bats, scoring 4
times with 2 homeruns and 3 RBI. Scott Rolen and Geronimo Berroa also had
homers. Every player had a run or RBI, and all but Rolen and Klesko had at
least 2 hits.
At this point, Punxatawney didn't know what to expect from the Hellraisers.
For the third game of the series, Punxatawney sent ace Rocky Coppinger
against Houston's Scott Erickson. And once again, the Hogs offense rocketed
to life. With 4 runs in the second and 5 more in the 5th and 6th, the Hogs
built a 9-0 lead. Once again it was a team effort, with Tony Batista having
a 3-5, 2 RBI game. Klesko and Dave Martinez also had 3 hits each.
Coppinger took his shutout into the 9th inning, but was unable to hold it.
The long-quiet Houston offense rallied for 3 runs before Coppinger could
even record an out. He was relieved by Henry Neale before Ed Sprague
stepped up with men on base. Sprague drove in a run, leaving first and
third for Greg Colbrunn. Houston's 1B hit a moonshot to dead center, making
the score 9-6. But that was all Houston would get. Neale settled in,
retiring Moises Alou, Edgar Renteria, and Wil Cordero to end the game.
"We were never worried," said Coppinger. "Ricky was ready in the pen if
Henry got in trouble. The final score was much closer than the actual
game."
This left only 1 game remaining, and Punxatawney had their ace in the hole,
Jon Lieber, who would face Pat Hentgen. A win in this game, and a series
sweep, would leave the Hogs only 2.5 behind.
Lieber was absoluetly dominant in this game, perhaps his most dominant start
ever. However, he was too dominant for his own good. Lieber struck out an
unbelievable 14 men in only 5 2/3 innings. All but 3 outs he recorded were
strikeouts. Unfortunately, he threw so many pitches in this effort that he
only lasted 5 2/3. His team did not let him down. They once again took an
assertive lead, going ahead 5-1 through 5 innings and 8-2 through 7.
"It was incredible," said Lieber. "The guys just would not let up."
The relentless offensive attack was led by slugger Geronimo Berroa in this
game, as he went 4-4 with a homerun and a double. Jose Valentin and Ryan
Klesko also each hit homers.
Quality relief work by Tim Worrell got the game to the 9th inning with the
score 8-2. And while Jim Burright did allow a 2-out solo homer to Wil
Cordero, he got got Bernard Gilkey to fly to center for the final out.
When Martinez closed his glove around the ball in center, the team ran to
the mound and celebrated like they won the world series. No--they have not
won the series. But this amazing series may have given them a chance.
The schedule is a bit more friendly in the next week. The Hogs are
currently on a plane, heading down to Tampa Bay for a three-game series
against the Mets. Houston must play against Springfield, who has won three
straight.
"The wildcard looks like its out of reach," said Shapiro. "We don't have
much time left, but we need to keep playing well and find a way to get ahead
of Houston."
Here are the remaining schedules for the two teams:
Punxatawney--3 at TAM, 1 day off, 3 at HOU, 3 vs. TAM, 3 vs. HOU, 1 day off,
3 at SPR
Houston--4 at SPR, 3 vs. PUN, 3 vs. SPR, 3 at PUN, 1 day off, 3 at TAM
By this breakdown, Punxatawney may have the advantage. They have 6
remaining against Tampa Bay while Houston only plays Tampa 3 times more.
What will really turn the tide will be the two crucial upcoming series where
the two teams face eachother. Stay tuned!
STATS 'N STUFF
After the recent offensive explosion by the Hogs offense, a few players have
achieved important statistical goals. Jose Valentin boosted his average
over .300, now at .302, and has 111 RBI. Dan Wilson is up to an impressive
.319 with 25 homers and a team best .566 slugging percentage. In fact, the
worst hitting starter is now Jason Giambi, batting .270 with a .418 slugging
percentage. Ryan Klesko, at .299, may reach the .300 plateau this year.
