Only a month ago, Punxatawney manager Dan Shapiro was heard making the
comment, "it's over, I can't believe we're not making the playoffs" to
league commissioner Matt Peck. At that time, Punxatawney was 6 games out
with only 25 or so left. It seemed unrealistic to expect them to make a
comeback.
But an 11 game winning streak later, the Groundhogs found themselves tied
with Houston, and after taking 2 of 3 from the Hellraisers, had a 3 game
lead with 3 left to play.
"We really showed this league that we are serious, we are one of the best
teams, and we deserve to be in the playoffs," said Scott Rolen, a young
player who is quickly becoming a team leader.
With the three game lead and time quickly running out for Houston, it was
all but a mathematical guarentee that Punxatawney would make the playoffs.
Today, even the laws of mathematics favored the Hogs, as a victory over
Springfield guarenteed them a postseason berth.
It did not come easy, as the Atoms countered two early Groundhogs runs with
3 in the 4th, and then responded to a Hogs' 4-run rally with 3 more of their
own in the 6th. The game was deadlocked at 6 heading into the final inning.
"By that time, Houston's game was over and we already knew they won, so we'd
have to win in order to clinch today. And we all wanted to clinch so we'd
get a few days to rest," said slugger Ryan Klesko.
The Hogs rallied for 1 run in the 9th inning (though for the life of me, I
can't figure out how based on the box score), then handed the ball over to
Ricky Bottalico 1 out into the final inning. He closed it out for his 11th
save of the season, and the Hogs briefly celebrated before retreating to the
clubhouse.
In the clubhouse, the man of the day was young reliever Jim Burright. Three
years ago, he was acquired in an early season trade. Burright has always
shown great ability, but has underdeveloped pitches. This season, due to a
number of injuries and underperforming relievers, Burright got his first
real chance to be a major leaguer.
Today, he relieved Bobby Thomas with the score tied at 6 in the 7th inning.
Burright was on his game, tossing 2 1/3 perfect inning while striking out 1.
For the year, he went 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA in 19 innings with 1 save and 2
holds. His career numbers are not bad either, 3-1 with a 4.30 ERA.
"Unfortuantely, there's no room for me on the playoff roster. But it's not
set in stone yet, and maybe this will make Shapiro reconsider," said the
young righty.
While the team was ecstatic to be in the playoffs, the players weren't as
excited as one might think.
"We've been to the playoffs twice. We've come to expect at least that
much," said shortstop Jose Valentin, who went 4-5 with 2 runs, 3 RBI, a
homerun, and a stolen base in today's victory.
"I don't think anyone here is satisfied with just making the playoffs
anymore," said starter Jon Lieber. "What we want is, at the very least, a
Defiant League pennant. But there's some tough teams standing in the way."
While Punxatawney does plan on resting most starters in the next few games,
the regulars will continue their practice regimen to stay in training.
Scheduled to start the final two games for the Hogs are Dustin Hermanson and
Tim Worrell, in order to allow the normal rotation to prepare for the
postseason. At the moment, Jon Lieber is slated to throw the first game of
the second season, and Rocky Coppinger is scheduled for game two.
"We have one other factor to consider," said pitching coach Mark Fidyrich.
"Juan Guzman is almost healthy, and he's gonna be ready for the postseason.
He'll give us yet another starter to consider."
One thing is for sure--the Hogs are due for an amazing series against the
Binghamton Mets. The two cities are located close together and every game
has been easily sold out. Punxatawney has tightened their already intense
security measures. Earlier this year, they installed military armaments,
tactical nuclear weapons, and anti-aircraft weapons in and around their
stadium. In addition, snipers with laser-sighted automatic weapons and a
special new "ray gun" have been installed to keep all Mets Militia activity
from entering the stadium.
"We know the Militia isn't feuding with us, but Garnar isn't a real stable
person. He's behind the whole operation and I wouldn't put terrorist
activity behind him. The security guards aren't letting anything suspicious
into the stadium," said Shapiro. "Knowing Garnar, he'll try and find away
around it. But as long as he knows that any activity against the city,
team, or players here will meet with serious repercussions, its his
decision."
When asked if that might involve the use of short-range missles or a planted
tactical nuclear device, Shapiro refused to comment.
