WASHINGTON--When Manager Aaron Weiner realized that because of injuries to
two of his premier starting pitchers, Ben McDonald and Alex Fernandez, he
would be going into Phoenix with Shawn Estes, John Burkett and Tim
Belcher, he wasn't nervous at all.
"Well, you'd have to be crazy to just bet against these guys," Weiner
said. "I've had my concerns about John and Tim, but they're veteran
pitchers with lots of experience. I had faith."
Weiner's faith was well-rewarded today as the Sea Dogs capped another
series win over the Phoenix Gila Monsters with a 4-1 win.
Belcher, much-maligned for his previous two games against Phoenix,
dominated the third game. Belcher, who went seven innings and allowed
just six hits with no walks, said that he was somewhat inspired by the
seeming lack of faith by the media.
"There's no question that I was tiffed over the way my name's been thrown
around the media," Belcher said. "I'm just glad I was able to put some of
my critics to rest today."
Mike MacFarlane, who has been on a roll as of late, hit his 10th homer, a
three-run shot in the 7th inning when the result was still in doubt.
Larry Walker also homered in the game, his 32nd.
Washington also downed Moncton today, dropping them 6-1 behind the valiant
pitching of Mackenzee Leefenhaufenhauz and the running game.
"We knew the air game wasn't working very well, so we went to the ground
game and played defense," Barry Larkin, who stole two bases, joked.
The story in this game, however, was the pitching. Leefenhaufenhauz
recovered from his worst outing in a month to post seven strong innings,
allowing the run on five hits and two walks, striking out three.
"With Ben (McDonald) and Alex (Fernandez) out, we've had to pick up the
load in the rotation," Leefenhaufenhauz said. "It hasn't been easy, but
we're up to it."
Because of Phoenix's win over Battle Axe, Washington gained only a game on
the Gila Monsters, and now lead by eleven and a half games. Washington is
still winning at a .695 clip (73-32).
Notes and Quotes:
"Too many lost, but tell me - who has won?"
-Bill Mueller (or U2), when asked how Washington
gained ground while losing games
"Bring the dogs of war, and cry havoc!"
-Shakespeare
"Uh...I don't like to read that kind of stuff. It hurts my brain."
-Ben Petrick
"I hate it when I don't finish my press releases on time."
