[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 6 - April 24, 1972

The Flyers continue to edge ahead of the Eastern Division pack, now two games clear of the Jacksonville Ospreys. The club returns to Charlotte today to host a trio of Western teams, Houston for two (including Mini Bat Day today), Dallas for two and Memphis for three (with Retro Game Day on Saturday).


Last Week's Results

Apr 17 - vs TAM - L 5-9

Entering the game with a two-run lead in the 7th, John Jahnke (0 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 H, 1 BB) loads the bases with the help of Clark Davidson's error at second, one of four Flyers miscues on the night (two by Darrel Robinson at first). Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H) tries to salvage the situation but gives up a two-run double and a two-run single for the second bullpen loss of the season. Bill Frazier (6 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K) makes a Quality Start by the barest of margins, throwing 115 pitches in just six innings.

L - Jahnke (1-1)

Apr 18 - vs TAM - L 2-3

Tomahawks CF David Powell, last year's MVP, hits a three-run homer in the 3rd off Justin Nowlin (5 2/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 7 K), while the Flyers manage just eight singles by eight different batters, their second straight game without an extra-base hit.

L - Nowlin (2-1)

Apr 19 - vs TAM - W 4-3

Steven Robinson (1 for 4, R, 2 RBI) extends his career-best hitting streak to fourteen games, while Dale Francis (2 for 4, SB) scores twice and Valentine Stephens drives in two as the Flyers make due with eleven singles, going without an extra-base hit in the entire series against Tampa. Matt Halstead (5 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K) does not see the three-run Carolina 6th, so Justin Randolph (1 IP) earns his second win. Jahnke (2/3 IP), Thorn (1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB), Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H) and Bingham (1 IP, 1 H) secure the victory on Batting Glove Day at State Fair Park.

W - Randolph (2-0)
SV - Bingham (6)

Apr 20 - OFF

Apr 21 - at ATL - W 2-1

Francis' two-out single in the 8th scores Davidson with the game winner. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K) takes a shutout into the 6th, but Randolph (1 IP, 2 K) is again in the right place at the right time for his second win in as many games. Mike Weber's solo shot in the 6th put the first run on the board for either team.

W - Randolph (3-0)
SV - Bingham (7)
HR - Weber (4)

Apr 22 - at ATL - W 6-2

Stephens goes 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs, while Steven Robinson (1 for 4, 2B) adds two runs and two RBIs, extending his hitting streak to sixteen games. Keith Becker (3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K) leaves the game with a sore shoulder but is not expected to miss his next start. Justin Randolph (2 IP, 2 BB, 1 K) earns his third win in as many games with help from Houston (2 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 K) and Jahnke (2 IP, 1 BB).

W - Randolph (4-0)

Apr 23 - at ATL - W 2-1

Steven Robinson, 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs from the leadoff spot, hits a solo homer in the 5th that holds up as the game winner and extends his hitting streak to seventeen games. Nowlin (7 IP, 1 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K) completes the sweep of the Flames; Bingham (1 IP, 1 K) needs just nine pitches for his league-leading eighth save.

W - Nowlin (3-1)
SV - Bingham (8)
HR - S. Robinson (1)

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 14 - 5
Overall: 14 - 5, 1st, +2 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Steven Robinson
Last 7 games: 11-26 (.423), 1 HR, 7 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 6 games: 8-21 (.381), 0 HR, 7 RBI

Justin Nowlin
Last 4 games: 3-1, 1.95 ERA, 27 2/3 IP

Keith Becker
Last 3 games: 2-0, 3.32 ERA, 19 IP

Justin Randolph
Last 7 games: 4-0, 0.00 ERA, 9 IP

Who's Not

Steve Brown
Last 5 games: 1-15 (.067), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Alan Bruns
Last 7 games: 3-22 (.136), 0 HR, 3 RBI


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

So far, so good... mostly due to the pitching. Our 2.44 staff ERA and .233 batting average against are best in the league... Three starters (Nowlin, Halstead, Morgan) and four relievers (Bingham, Randolph, Thorn, Hodgkins) have sub-2.00 ERAs...

There are still some conundrums looming in the lineup, though...

Clark Davidson's .278 OBP is not exactly what I need in a leadoff hitter... He'll probably end up batting eighth, rather than being benched, as Jeff Harvey is not much better (except with the glove) and twelve years older...

Steve Brown finally had an extra base hit last week, but he's still hitting .167 with a .466 OPS... The other options here aren't thrilling either... Darrel Robinson (3 for 15)? Weber to first and Lowe to catcher (1 for 11)? Call up Everett Putman (.274 at AAA) before he's really ready? I'm inclined to just wait it out a while, since we're winning and all...

On the plus side, Steven Robinson leads the East in batting average (.403)... If we drop Davidson to #8, Steven will probably be the new leadoff man...

Anyway, we're back home all next week... see you at the ballpark!