Morning Wood - 59.71 - Portland No-Hits Sacramento, Raider Draws Criticism
Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2024 9:33 pm
It could be a game that will talked about for many years to come amongst Portland Lumberjacks fans. And for a variety of reasons. On Tuesday, in a 2-1 win over Sacramento, Alaric Wullenweber and Frank Wilson combined to throw the first ever no-hitter in Portland Lumberjacks history. Yet, the feat was met by boos and a lot of question marks from the fanbase following the game.
"What was Raider doing" cried one fan.
"What was his reasoning behind that decision" exclaimed another one. "There's no good reason."
With Portland clinging to a 2-1 lead in the midst of a division race, boos rained down from the crowd of over 49,000 when the top of the 9th started.
"That was a first for a home game for me" stated Frank Wilson after the game. "It was a little unnerving."
The fans were upset over Raider's decision to put Wullenweber after 8 innings, with a no-hitter going. What made the decision somewhat puzzling was the fact Wullenweber had thrown just 84 pitches on the night. It was the fewest number of pitches he had thrown in a win all season. For a guy who tops 100 pitches almost every trip out and has topped out at 120 pitches once this season, it was a little puzzling that Raider would pull Alaric considering what was at stake.
"What was at stake" stated Raider after the game, "was a chance to put Sacramento in our rear view and clinch the Pacific. He had just given up a run in the 8th, we led by just 1 run. We needed the win more than a no-hitter, so we made the move."
His explanation didn't exactly settle many fans' feelings. "He leads the league in complete games this season" shouted a fan. "Give him a chance to finish the no-no. We've got the division in the bag. That no-hitter versus the Mad Popes would have been a cherry on top to this season. Instead, Mons robbed us of that."
The decision may have made more sense had Alaric struggled in the 8th. But instead, he retired the side in order on just 9 pitches and appeared in complete command of the game. Granted, Wilson came in and sealed not only the combined no-hitter but got the save by retiring the Mad Popes in order in the 9th on just 7 pitches.
"We're counting this as a no-hitter" stated assistant GM Sandy Mound after the game. "I know Alaric doesn't get credit for it and the league created no headlines or news over the game, but that's a no-hitter in our book. Sacramento didn't get a hit. Therefore, it's a no-hitter. We're adding this to our Museum of Baseball now. The ball of the final out will be on display and Alaric and Frank have both donated their caps from the game as well to be on display."
Fans did cheer the final out when Wilson recorded it, but the cheers appeared to be a little subdued than what it likely would have been had Alaric finished the deal himself.