8/19/2081 to 8/21/2081
The Denver Broncos (69-55)
AT
The Grand Rapids Tigers (55-69)
Pitching Matchups:
RH Larry Waltz (3-6, 3.38 ERA) VS. LH Norman Dale (5-13, 8.79 ERA)
RH Ray Lockridge (6-7, 4.79 ERA) VS. RH Dennis Kenzo (15-8, 3.54 ERA)
RH Kenny Pillsbury (13-9, 4.22 ERA) VS. RH Thomas Plemons (1-10, 7.98 ERA)
The opening game of Denver's series with Grand Rapids began as a pitcher's duel, as neither team could score through the first five innings. The Tigers drew first blood with a run in the sixth inning, but the Broncos tied it up in the 7th inning. Grand Rapids retook the lead with two runs in the bottom of the 7th. In the 8th, the Broncos struck for 4 runs to take a 5-3 lead. Each team picked up one more run, and
the Broncos prevailed, 6-4.
Larry Waltz pitched a complete game for the victory.
Joseph Swayze had 2 hits, a walk, and an RBI.
Ellis Bolling had 1 hit, 1 walk, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.
Russell Thomas had a hit, 2 walks, and a run scored.
******
Denver opened the scoring in the second game of the series with a run in the first 4th inning. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning,
Ray Lockridge left with an injury.
James Virgen came on in relief, and pitched 3 2/3 innings with no runs allowed and seven strikeouts. The Broncos, meanwhile, added to their lead with a run in the 7th and a run in the 8th. The Tigers managed a run in the ninth inning, but
the Broncos hung on for a 3-1 victory.
Joseph Swayze,
Alexis Vazquez, and
Christopher Hosler drove in the Broncos' runs.
******
Lockridge Out For Two Months
8/21/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer
Through four and a half months, the Broncos have avoided any major injuries, and, in fact, have had almost no injuries, period. That stretch of good fortune ended yesterday. With two outs in the 4th inning in the game against Grand Rapids yesterday, Ray Lockridge left with an injury. Today, the team got word regarding the extent of the injury. Bone chips have been discovered in the shoulder of his throwing arm and he is expected to be out for about two months.
Lockridge tried to put a positive spin on things. "Hey, I should be back in time for the playoffs." Of course, Denver's chances of reaching the playoffs just got more difficult. General Manager John Mounts has announced that the team has called up 29 year old George Buentello to replace Lockridge in the rotation. Buentello, once a top prospect who was the 4th overall selection in the 2072 draft, has spent the season toiling away for Denver's AA and AAA squads. At AA he has a 5.19 ERA in 19 starts, and at AAA he has a 4.22 ERA in 4 starts. Buentello has made 14 starts at the major league level in his career, posting a 5.45 ERA. Despite throwing hard and being able to throw strikes, Buentello's hittability has kept him from making much of an impact in the big leagues.
******
Kenny Pillsbury continued his strong pitching with a six hit shutout over the Tigers. He racked up 12 strikeouts in the dominating performance, and
the Broncos blasted Grand Rapids, 7-0.
Denver struck for two runs in the 1st inning and then added two more in the seventh inning. They completed the scoring with a 3 run eighth inning.
Joseph Swayze delivered 3 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.
Asbel Fuentez collected 2 hits, 2 walks, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI.