Montgomery posts first four-hit contest

The Scrapper hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning.
By BILL SULLIVAN
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NILES -- Tim Montgomery is one of those ballplayers who plays best with a dirty uniform.
Despite losing 10-6 to the Batavia Muckdogs on Sunday, Montgomery turned in a banner day at Eastwood Field.
He collected the first four-hit game of his professional career, highlighted by a three-run homer.
"Feast or famine for me," said the centerfielder who resides in Samamish, Washington. "I either get a few knocks or I go 0-for-4. It was one of those good days."
While speaking in the clubhouse, his right knee was caked with outfield dirt and there was a grass stain on the right chest of his jersey.
Diving catch
The Muckdogs led 3-1 after two innings and the first hitter of the third sent a batted ball to shallow center. Mistake.
Montgomery came hard and dove for the out.
While still on his belly, he held his glove in the air with a grin as the umpire signaled the out.
"I'm just trying to make whatever plays I can," Montgomery said.
Despite his downplaying the defense, more than once this season Montgomery has spoiled the at-bat of an opponent by recording an improbable diving catch.
When Montgomery came up to bat in the ninth, he already had three singles and a run scored but the Scrappers trailed 10-3.
With two men on base Montgomery homered to the bullpen in right field -- his sixth circuit shot of the season.
Second in homers
He's hitting .250 and tied for second in the New York-Penn League with six homers.
"It's good to see Montgomery come through with that home run in the ninth," Scrappers manager Mike Sarbaugh said.
"At least we're not going up there kinda of just giving at-bats away. So that's a positive."
Now, about that stained uniform.
"If it's dirty I guess it's a good sign," Montgomery said. "It means you're either on the bases or you're playing out -- doing something.
"The dirtier the better."
The better for everyone except the guy who has to do the laundry.
Sullivan@vindy.com