What can we really say about this one? Two streaks came to an end, our 9 game winning streak, and Pudge’s 20 game hitting streak. Both because of the same thing. Randy Johnson.
Boy, did the Big Unit look on top of his game. It was scary how good he lookd early. He was throwing a perfect game into the fifth, when he walked a batter. Juan Gonzalez broke up the no hitter next inning with a sharply hit ball (that was the first well hit ball of the whole night, actually) past the second baseman for a single. The only real offense we had was a home run by Royce Clayton (into the swimming pool in right) scoring Roberto Kelly who was on second after a single and a Johnson wild pitch, and a Juan Gonzalez solo homer off of a reliever in the 9th. That was it.
Mark Clark gave up four home runs for a total of 8 runs in the first couple of innings. John Burkett may have found his niche now in long relief. Since going there, he looks good. He pitches 3, 4 innings, and then starts to break down. This might be a good spot for him. I know everyone wants to crucify him, but I think he doesn’t look all that bad in the pen.
Danny Kolb made his major league debut (wearing #52), and seemed really nervous. He pitched 2/3 of an inning on a walk, a bobble by Zeile, and a single. That loaded the bases, and then there was an infield grounder to score a run, and then he reloaded the bases with a walk. That was about it for Kolb. Kolb sounds like a good kid from Jamey Newburg’s reports, I’m sure he’ll do better before – this seemed like stage fright.
Johnny Oates threw an all righty lineup against him, made for some strange positionings. Jon Shave played first, and Mark McLemore played Left field, with Roberto Kelly in center. Tom Goodwin did come in as a pinch hitter for John Burkett, but hardly a lefty all night. No Raffy, No Rusty, and no Lee Stevens. Was an interesting lineup for sure (see the game log below for the full starting lineups).
Commentary by Jim Meeks:
Not available.