Anchorage AK (AP) - In a calm, 35-degree day at beautiful Poopmoose Park,
the Abominations celebrated their second season in Anchorage with some
fireworks and a great baseball game. Their rivals, the Ann Arbor AllKnighters,
were geared up to get started too. In what turned out to be a classic
pitching duel, the AllKnighter bullpen outlasted Anchorage's and Ann Arbor
emerged the victor after 13 gruelling innings.
Though disappointed by the loss, Anchorage manager/owner Nick Tulach was
happy at the effort put forth. "We went through, what? Six pitchers? It
was a long day. Those guys put forth a hell of an effort. The offense never
really kicked in, so that's something we need to work on." said Tulach.
Mike Bottenfield received a no-decision, despite pitching a near-flawless
6 innings. "Its nice to be back out there playing baseball. It should be
a great season. I am happy the Nick gave me the opportunity to pitch opening
day." said Bottenfield.
Abominations Squeak By AllKnighters in Second Marathon Session
Anchorage AK (AP) - The Abominations (1-1) made up for yesterday's heartbreaker
by returning the favor to the AllKnighters (1-1) last night in a 1-0 ten inning
beauty. Anchorage starter Bobby Jones pitched eight innings and struck out
eight to get another no-decision. Closer Eddie Guardado was credited with the
win.
"Tonight our bullpen came through and theirs struggled. I certainly hope
that this isn't the way we play all year. My nails are gone already and we
have 160 more games to go." said manager Nick Tulach.
Ann Arbor starter Scott Sanders pitched equally well, striking out seven in
as many innings. "I did all I could to get the win, but there was no help from
the offense." said Sanders. Quinton McCracken, the AllKnighters' leadoff
hitter, went 0-5 with two strikeouts in the loss. McCracken is a combined
1-11 in the two games.
Anchorage Takes Rubber Match, First Place
Anchorage AK (AP) - Fresh off their first victory, Anchorage seemed to be on
track, both offensively and defensive in the final game of the opening series
at home. The Abominations got 12 hits and five runs in the game, which they
broke open early by scoring two runs in the first and holding on to a 5-1
victory.
"We took extra BP today, to try and help get our offense on track. Ann Arbor
did too, but I think the weather was getting to them." said outfielder Brian
McRae. Ann Arbor managed just five hits in the game and leftfielder Quinton
McCracken and DH Cecil Fielder continued to struggle. Both went 0-4 with
three strikeouts apiece in the loss. Fielder was 0-13 and McCracken was 1-14
in the series.
Willie VanLandingham was impressive in his season debut, pitching a solid
six innings, giving up just three hits and striking out six batters. Willie
was the first 'Boms starter to earn a victory this season, which is a marked
change from last year, where he was just 7-6. "Its good to get run support and
have guys in the pen that you can trust to hold the lead. We need to build
off this win and continue to improve." said VanLandingham.
Anchorage has the day off and then will take on the Kamloops Blazers before
going on the road to face Ann Arbor.
Notes:
- Anchorage star thirdbaseman Jeff Cirillo left the opener early. Fans were
concerned by his early exit, but Cirillo insisted it was nothing to worry
about. "It was (explitive) cold, that's all. I wanted to warm my
(posterior) up, okay?" said Cirillo.
- Anchorage once again was unable to sell out its season opener, due to the
fat, smelly guy that no one wants to sit next to. "What can we say? He's
a season ticket holder." said owner Nick Tulach. Fans, on the other hand,
disagree. "If the guy would wear pants to the games, then maybe it would
be okay. But with his (genitals) hanging in people's faces, who wants to
see that?" said one upset fan.
- Anchorage is sporting both new uniforms and a new outfit for the mascot this
season. "We have taken every precaution possible to prevent another incident
like last season." said GM "the Man". "We've double stitched the feet to
the suit and placed anti-theft tabs all over the mascot's outfit." The
feet were safe after three dates. One incident involving a large spoon,
a pair of underwear, and a walker was all that the mascot was involved in
opening weekend.
