It was bound to happen eventually. After a postseason of relatively close
games for both teams, the Punxatawney Groundhogs offense exploded for 15 runs
as they romped the Washington Sea Dogs in the 5th game of the 2001 DLCS by the
score of 15-1. An offensive onslaught against game 1 winner Shawn Estes and a
phenomenal pitching performance from Rocky Coppinger combined to give
Punxatawney their 3rd win of the series, one victory from their second world
series appearance.
The offense came from everywhere today, as every Hog had a run or RBI and
everyone but Jason Giambi had at least one hit. Dave Martinez led the way with
a 4-5 day, driving in 3 runs with a double and a steal. Scott Rolen, Jose
Valentin, rookie Jeremy Giambi, and Alex Ochoa all had a homerun and Ryan
Klesko had a pair of doubles.
"That was something," said Giambi of his first postseason homer. "It was
insignificant in the course of the game, but it was a moment I'll never
forget."
On the pitching side, Rocky Coppinger poured his heart out into a dominating
8-inning stint, allowing just 2 hits and a walk. One hit was a solo homerun,
but Coppinger's victory made the game even easier. Jeff Taylor closed it out.
For the Sea Dogs, Shawn Estes allowed 7 runs in less than 3 innings and Fred
Smith gave up 8 more in the final 5 1/3.
"The wind was blowing out but Rocky just didn't give them a chance," said
manager Dan Shapiro. "He kept the ball down and we hit everything they threw
at us."
The victory moves the Hogs to within one victory of a World Series meeting with
Galena, who won their series against New Diggens 4 games to 1 with an extra
inning victory. Hamsters Owner and PVBL Commish Matt Peck and Hogs Owner and
AVBL Commish Dan Shapiro are commrades in running the PVBA, but all friendships
will be cast aside if the two are to meet in the series. It would be an
All-Rodent series pitting Hamsters vs. Groundhogs.
"We wanted this for a long time," said Scott Rolen. "Maybe it'll finally come
to be this year."
But nobody is taking the Sea Dogs for granted. With Bobby Thomas scheduled for
game 6, the Hogs would love to put it away without playing the last game. But
if the series is forced to game 7, Jon Lieber will pitch short one day of
rest. If not, the Hogs will be able to send their ace to pitch the first game
of the World Series.
"Of course we'd love to have Jonnie for 2 or 3 games in the series, but we
haven't gotten there yet," said Shapiro. "There's still a very good Sea Dogs
team who could easily beat us twice in a row. I hope we didn't blow out all
our offense today, because we're going to need more to win this series."
