Sunday, June 24, 2001
Offensive leaders: Center fielder John Van Every and right fielder Miguel Quintana led the Scrappers offensively going into Saturday's game. Van Every was batting .357, while Quintana had a .313 average. Saturday, Van E very went 1-for-3 with two walks, while Quintana went 0-for-4. "I love his approach. He doesn't try to do too much," Scrappers manager Dave Turgeon said of Van Every. "He just puts a good, easy, free swing on the ball. He doesn't try to jerk everything out of the park."
Speaking of offense: Catcher Angel Bastardo went into Saturday's game batting .167, but he was 3-for-3 and was hit by a pitch against Williamsport. "With the catchers in our system, our priorities are catch-and-throw, block and game calling," Turgeon said. "I don't care if my catcher hits .150 as long as he catches the ball, controls the running game and calls a good game."
Give it time: The Scrappers had three runs on nine hits Saturday, leading to some questions about their offense. They've been held to three runs or fewer in three of their five games. Turgeon remains positive. "Our hitters have an aggressive approach. I don't know how many quality at-bats and hard-hit balls were outs in Utica," he said. "If these guys keep playing and swinging, balls are going to fall for us. I'm not worried; there's no question we have some ability with the bat. We can explode on somebody very quickly." The Scrappers loaded the bases twice with two outs Saturday but came away without any runs.
Free wings: Nick Moran's strikeout of Williamsport first baseman Walter Young in the first inning awarded Cafaro Field fans six free wings each from BW-3s. The promotion has been a fan favorite at the ballpark. The strikeout was Moran's fourth of the first inning, after leadoff batter Troy Velber struck out and reached on a wild pitch.
Today's starting Scrapper: Right-hander Luke Field takes the mound today against Williamsport. Field is 0-1 with a 3.60 earned-run average. Today's game will conclude the short home series. The Scrappers head back on the road for a three-game series against the Brooklyn Cyclones, who will open their new stadium, KeySpan Park.
-- Brian Richesson