OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Expansion Revision: 1998 Devil Rays and beyond

Moriarty9 · 12-12-2008, 03:17 PM

Big Unit, M's shut down Tampa Bay
Clark ejected, may face league discipline
May 30, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Randy Johnson and the Seattle Mariners were on top of their game today as they beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 8-3 at Tropicana Field.

Johnson improved to 8-2 on the season by giving up two runs on seven hits and one walk over eight innings, striking out 16 Tampa Bay batters, before handing the ball off to Bruce Ruffin for the ninth inning.

"There's no secret that he's one of the most dominant lefties in baseball history," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "The guy is good. What else can I say?"

Will Clark, Johnson's first strikeout victim of the game, was ejected in the first inning after arguing a called third strike. A heated argument ensued and Clark bumped his chest into that of the home plate umpire before being separated by O'Neal and other Tampa Bay coaches.

Because he had physical contact with the umpire during the argument, Clark may be subject to a fine and/or a suspension from the league. Clark was not in the clubhouse following tonight's loss.

In addition to the impressive pitching by Johnson, Seattle sluggers Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey, Jr. each hit home runs off Devil Rays starter Aaron Sele. Rodriguez hit his 21st of the season in the third inning, a solo shot, while Griffey his No. 23, a two-run blast, in the seventh inning.

Randy Johnson struck out 16 Tampa Bay batters.

12-12-2008, 03:17 PM	#25 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,855 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Big Unit, M's shut down Tampa Bay Clark ejected, may face league discipline May 30, 1998 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Randy Johnson and the Seattle Mariners were on top of their game today as they beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 8-3 at Tropicana Field. Johnson improved to 8-2 on the season by giving up two runs on seven hits and one walk over eight innings, striking out 16 Tampa Bay batters, before handing the ball off to Bruce Ruffin for the ninth inning. "There's no secret that he's one of the most dominant lefties in baseball history," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "The guy is good. What else can I say?" Will Clark, Johnson's first strikeout victim of the game, was ejected in the first inning after arguing a called third strike. A heated argument ensued and Clark bumped his chest into that of the home plate umpire before being separated by O'Neal and other Tampa Bay coaches. Because he had physical contact with the umpire during the argument, Clark may be subject to a fine and/or a suspension from the league. Clark was not in the clubhouse following tonight's loss. In addition to the impressive pitching by Johnson, Seattle sluggers Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey, Jr. each hit home runs off Devil Rays starter Aaron Sele. Rodriguez hit his 21st of the season in the third inning, a solo shot, while Griffey his No. 23, a two-run blast, in the seventh inning. Randy Johnson struck out 16 Tampa Bay batters.