Page 10 - The Behrend College Collegian Thursday, March 27, 1997
Lions drop six
Hitting remains solid, but pitching shaky
by Matt Plizga
Sports Editor
It's hard to win without pitching.
That's the problem the Behrend
baseball team has run into so far
this year.
The struggling pitching staff of
the Lions wasn't able to right itself
over the weekend in the Capital
University Tournament.
Playing six games in a three day
span didn't help matters for the
young group.
"We gained a great deal of game
experience, but realized that we
don't have the pitching depth to
play six games in three days" said
coach Paul Benim.
Despite losing six straight in
Columbus things aren't as bad as
they may seem.
Friday the Lions dropped two
games to host Capital University.
Swing and a miss! Something the Lions did little of in the Capital University Tournament
The team average five and a half runs per game while hitting three home runs.
1997 BASEBALL by RICK WILSON - ALONG
Port St. Lucie, Fla. One of the
most questionable teams is the 1997
New York Mets. Manager Bobby
Valentine has a wait-and-see attitude.
'They keep saying, 'Be patient, be
patient', " star relief pitcher John
Franco states. "But sometimes,
patience wear off."
States Valentine, who replaced
Dallas Green last season, "The major
ity of the improvements this team had
to make had to come from within,
regardless of spending money. I'm
looking forward to seeing how much
we can improve. If we do, we'll see if
can play with the big boys."
General Manager Joe Mcllvaine
wants a 91-71 record this year, and
newly-acquired relief pitcher Greg
McMichael from the Atlanta Braves
wants the World Series. Bobby,
though, isn't making any major
promises, but the Mets will be com
petitive as any team Bobby has man
aged.
"I will know what to expect of our
team after I see it. I'm not smart
enough to figure that stuff out until
then. I don't think there was an
emphasis on just playing the game of
baseball last season. The emphasis
was on pitching it, and hitting it.
There wasn't an emphasis on just
playing it."
How confident is Bobby V. about
his status with the Mets because his
contract only runs for this season? "In
this situation, at this time, that's what
I wanted. They don't know what
they've got with me. As for security, I
have that within myself."
N.L. PREDICTIONS
EAST
1. FLORIDA MARLINS There
are a lot of questions here. However,
if this team stays healthy LOOK
OUT! Without a doubt, Jimmy
Leyland is one of the best managers in
baseball. Yet, he needs help from Gary
Sheffield and Bobby Bonilla to stay
healthy all season. (92-70).
2. ATLANTA BRAVES The
supposed giants of baseball have won
five consecutive divisional titles since
1991, but have never become the
dynasty like the New York Yankees or
Oakland A's in their heyday. They
showed their vulnerability, obviously,
last year in the World Series. (90-72).
3. NEW YORK METS Give it
a .500-plus season now and playoff
time comes next year! You never
know, though, a surprise could be in
the offing for this year! (88-74).
4. MONTREAL EXPOS Yes,
here is cost-cutting. Felipe Alou is
firm, yet again, very easy-going, and
gets the best out of his guys who have
the utmost respect for him. I could be
wrong with this pick. (74-88).
5. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
In the first game Behrend jumped
out to a 2-0 lead after three innings.
A solo home run by first baseman
Jeff Hortsman got the offense
going in the second inning, but it
wasn't enough.
After three solid innings pitching
starter Sean McKlveen ran into
control problems. Behrend
eventually lost 13-3.
The second game was more
competitive as Behrend lost 12-9.
A Lion rally that featured a grand
slam by freshman Cory Walters fell
just short.
Capital improved to seven and
two with the wins over the Lions
"Capital is a solid Division 111
baseball team," said Benim.
Saturday's action put the Lions
up against a powerful Ohio
Weslyan team. Weslyan is ranked
15th in the country in Division 111
baseball.
They showed their power and
exposed Behrend's struggling
pitching staff in 19-5 aad 20-7
As Elizabeth Taylor would say, "A
great BIG flop," (58-104).
CENTRAL
1. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Who could ever bet against a genius
like manager Tony Laßussa?
Whatever cards he is dealt, the guy
wins! (89-73).
2. CHICAGO CUBS This year,
they may come close to a wild-card
spot. I think they will go all the way to
the end against the Cards this year.
(86-76).
3. HOUSTON ASTROS The
talent is there, but something is
spooky when you talented profession
als haven't made it to the BIG
DANCE! (85-77).
4. CINCINNATI REDS SAD,
SAD, SAD. Ray Knight is a great
manager; the management and pow
ers-that-be is another long, long story.
(80-82).
5. PITTSBURGH PIRATES
As they say in Robin Williams' hit
movie, "Birdcage," starring Gene
Hackman, "I don't understand, I don't
understand, I think I'm going insane!"
(67-95).
WEST
1. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Cannot deny it, the hitting and espe
cially the pitching, is there day in and
day out. (9 1 -7 1 ).
2. COLORADO ROCKIES If
they had the pitching, well, this would
be the World Series winners hands
down. (902).
3. SAN DIEGO PADRES— Great
run last season, but I believe not
enough was done in the off-season to
make you a first-place team again.
(82-80).
4. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
What has happened here? (62-
100).
WILD CARD TEAM: Atlanta
Braves.
N. L. CHAMPIONS: Florida
Marlins.
A.L. PREDICTIONS
• EAST
1. NEW YORK YANKEES
George Steinbrenner has told all of us
in the media that he IS NOT promis
ing another trophy to City Hall.
However, with all the controversy sur
rounding our PINSTRIPERS, don't
definitely bet against it. (92-70).
2. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Davey Johnson is underrated, but the
Birds don't have the savvy the Yanks
do. (91-71).
3. TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Even with Roger Clemens, who is still
questionable, in my opinion. I don't
think they will contend. (79-83).
4. BOSTON RED SOX
Questionable pitching and, can you
believe this, hitting as well. (76-86).
S. DETROIT TIGERS Blood
"Ohio Weslyan is the best team
we will see this year" said Benim.
On Sunday the Lions traveled to
Denison to wrap up their road trip
to central Ohio.
The first game versus Denison
was Behrend's best chance to earn a
After rallying from a three
run deficit the Lions were robbed
of a run.
Some freshman
really stepped up
for us...
Coach Benim
A controversial call at home
plate nullified what would have
been the game-tying run. The
ensuing argument saw heated talks
between the teams and assistant
Colleen Gritzen/Photo Editor
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BOBBY VALENTINE
pressure pills for manager Buddy
Bell. (63-99).
CENTRAL
1. CLEVELAND INDIANS
Well, here we go again. Perhaps the
best team in baseball, even after los
ing Albert Belle. However, the Tribe
will once again not win a World
Series. (93-69).
2. CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Owner Jerry Reisendorf is no George
Steinbrenner. Jerry thinks he can buy
a pennant, but Boss George can. (85-
77).
3. KANSAS CITY ROYALS I
personally think the waterfalls will die
at this beautiful stadium as the season
wears on. (81-81).
4. MINNESOTA TWINS It
breaks my heart, as they came from
champs to chumps. 'NUFF SAID!
(70-92).
S. MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Thank God for the Green Bay
Packers. It's going be a long summer
with the Brews. (70-92).
EMI
1. SEATTLE MARINERS
Here they come! The Kingdome and
their power hitting and pitching could
be a lot of trouble for their rivals in the
Bronx. And let's face it, Lou Piniella
is a master manager. These kids, if
they all stay healthy, are going to be
major trouble. (108-54).
2. TEXAS RANGERS Always
a bridesmaid! (83-79).
3. OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Pitching is weak and so are injury
plagued veterans. (74-88).
4. ANAHEIM ANGELS New
name, same old results. (74-88).
WILD CARD: Baltimore Orioles
A.L. CHAMPIONS: Seattle
Mariners.
WORLD SERIES: Florida
Marlins over Seattle Mariners.
M.V.P.: Gary Sheffield, Florida
Marlins, (N.L.); Ken Griffey, Jr.,
Seattle Mariners, (A.L.).
Cy Young: Kevin Brown, Florida
Marlins, (N.L.); Randy Johnson,
Seattle Mariners, (A.L.).
C 1997 King Features Synd., Inc
coach Bill Graham ejected from the
game.
The emotional let down of that
call carried over to the second
game as the Lions lost 20-2.
Despite losing six straight not
everything is sour for the Lions.
Once the pitching staff comes
around Behrend will win some
games.
As a team the Lions batted .352
and averaged five and a half runs
per game.
Over the weekend Behrend had
seven batters hit over .300, five of
which hit over .400.
Freshman Jeremy Brubaker had a
tremendous trip going 9 of 15 at the
plate, for a .600 batting average.
Brubaker led the team in hits,
batting average, and doubles.
Another freshman, Michael
Thompson, hit .600 for the Lions.
He•also scored five runs, hit a home
run and had six consecutive hits.
"Some freshman really stepped
up for us. Thompson, Brubaker
and Walters hit the ball well," said
Benim.
Offensively
we hit the
ball well, we
just gave up
to many big
• •
innings.
Coach Benim
Walters hit .467 for the Lions
while driving in five runs.
Senior Quinn McGuire did his
job in the lead-off position hitting
.467 and drawing two walks. He
also stole four bases and scored
five runs.
Gregory
by Brian Gregory
Sports Editor
(Erie)--While baseball gears up for one of the
most exciting seasons in tecent years, the
Cleveland Indians keep building to make their
team the best in the league. Tuesday,
Cleveland traded Alan Embree and all-star
centerfielder Kenny Lofton to the Atlanta
Braves for David Justice and Marquis Grissom.
Cleveland will have Grissom leading off and
what comes next could terrorize opposition
pitching.
Jim Thome bats third, Matt Williams bats
fourth. David Justice will be fifth. Manny
Ramirez sixth and Kevin Mitchell will bat
seventh. Any Questions?
I have one. Can they beat the Yankees. The
yankees only really lose Jimmy Key. Jim
Leyritz, and John Wetteland. The team keeps
Cecil Fielder and picked up starter David Wells.
They are still the team to beat in the American
League. Stienbrenner may have built a dynasty.
In the National League, the Florida Marlins
may be on the way to championship form, but
the Braves are still solid and they stand in their
way.
You can bet that the Cardinals will be back.
Tony Laßussa showed that he can coach a great
team as the Cardinals played exceptional ball in
the second half last year.
N.L. Predictions
EAST
1. Atlanta Braves--The Braves
will run away with this
conference once again. They
have solid pitching, great bats,
and excellent defense to help
them.
2. Florida Marlins-- Great off
season moves by the staff,
especially in getting Jimmy
Leyland to coach will help turn
this team around. Leyland is. tired
of losing, the last three years with
the Pirates is enough.
3. New York Mets--The youth of
the Mets and the many great
pitching prospects will keep them
above .500 this year, but no
playoffs just yet.
4. Montreal Expos--The Expos
have lost too many players since
the championship team in the
strike-shortened season. Alou will
fight, but he can only do so much.
5. Philadelphia Phillies--This
team will crash this year. Watch
for them to trade away most of
remaining talent for draft picks
late in year.
CENTRAL
1. St. Louis Cardinals-- Tony
Laßussa will lead this team far
this year. Look for the cinderella
season to end in the World Series.
2. Houston Astros--Finally a
year the Astros can be proud of.
The team has a chance to make
the playoffs, but will have to play
Colleen t ritzeWPhoto Editor
Keep your eye on the ball! That is exactly what the Behrend
Lions did over the weekend. The team has a .352 batting
average over the last six outings.
Fellow senior Bill Vitron hit .316
while driving in a team high six
runs. Sophomore Jeff Hortsman hit
.400 and scored five runs on the
trip.
Freshman Dylan Stewart also hit
over .400 while playing errorless
ball behind the plate.
"Stewart did a good job behind
the dish." said Benim.
"Offensively we hit the ball well,
we just gave up to many big
innings defensively," said Benim.
On four separate occasions the
Lions gave up se nor 7 wore runs
picks the
good ball against the N.L. East.
One thing's for sure, still no fans!!
3. Chicago Cubs--Many people
think this will he a year for Harry
Carey to celebrate, I think it'll
just be another season for him to
get drunk and sing "Take Me Out
to the Ballgame!"
4. Cincinnati Reds--I almost
hate to put them in fourth. I think
I will he wrong. When no one
expects much out of the Reds,
they have outstanding years.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates--As a
friend of mine in the sports
business said, "Why do they even
have to play this year. They
should just take a year off."
Indeed, this is true. Owner Kevin
McClatchey is trying to drive this
team into the ground.
WEST
1. Colorado Rockies--The
Rockies will find late season
pitching and make a pennant
drive. Look for them to have a
banner year as they try to equal
the Marlins.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers--As
Lasorda goes, so do the Dodgers.
They still have all the talent, but
the coaching style is gone.
3. San Diego Padres--Always
just one step away from an
excellent year. They will be
happy to finish above .500.
4. San Francisco Ants--I didn't
forget the Gi for nothing.
WILD CARD TEAM-- Florida
Marlins
N.L. Champions--
Cardinals
A.L. PREDICTIONS
EAST
1. New York Yankees--Once
again the team to beat in the A.L.
The Yankees are well stocked for
another World Series run. Look
for them to start slow and come
on in June.
2. Baltimore Orioles--Baltimore
is always solid and Davey
Johnson is a good manager. They
will probably remain a strong
second falling just short of the
wild-card.
3. Boston Red Sox--Once again
local Bostonians will be calling
for someone's head as a talented
team underachieves.
4. Toronto Blue Jays--Even with
Roger Clemens as the ace, this
team has too many gaps.
in an inning
"Everybody hits in college, we'd
walk a couple, give up a hit, then
make an error. Before you knew it,
they had scored four runs," said
Benim.
Behrend returns to action on
Thursday at home. The Lions will
face Oberlin College. The first
pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
"The good part is that we are
playing two games instead of six in
three days" said Benim.
.r.• 6.1 LIP-,
winners
5. Detroit Tigers--The Pittsbnrgh
Pirates of the A.L. Buddy Bell
will have this team in contention
by the end of NEXT year.
CENTRAL
1. Cleveland Indians--The most
qualified team to catch the
Yankees. Good hitting will
support a weakened pitching staff
most of the year. You can't beat
their 3-4-5 hitters.
2. Chicago White Sox--There is
new talent in the New Comiskey
Park. Albert Belle will be one
half of the "Big Boys" with
perennial all-star Frank Thomas.
However, only Frank can control
his temper.
3. Milwaukee Brewers-• This
team will surprise a lot of people.
With a couple more trades next
year, they could challenge the
Indians.
4. Kansas City Royals--Still, way
short of a contender. They may
start strong, but very few veterans
are left to anchor them.
5. Minnesota Twins--A lot of
talent will be kept on hold as they
complete another rebuilding year.
WEST
1. Seattle Mariners--This team
will once again have a lot of
power and will win over 70,70 of
home games. Many A.L. teams
fear Johnson, Buhner, Martinez,
and Griffey Jr.
2. Texas Rangers--Witty the
addition of closer John
Wetteland, the Rangers will
snatch up the final wild-car spot.
Injured Juan Gonzalez will ineed
to return fast.
St. Louis
3. Oakland Athletics--This is a
team on the rebound. If the
reunited "Bash Brothers" get fired
up, Seattle and Texas will have
to look out.
4. Anaheim Angels--New look,
same bad taste.
A.L. WILDCARD--
Rangers
A.L. CHAMPION--New York
Yankges
Worl4 Series Champs-- New
York Yankees-- I have to go with
my heart on this one, but it could
just as easily be Cleveland or
Seattle. , , ; •
Texas