Bobwhites nested atop JL Atlantic
April 21, 1998
WASHINGTON D.C.— The Washington Bobwhites saw their six-game win streak snapped in an 8-5 loss to the Chicago Black Sox last night, but are hopeful they can get back on track tonight.
The Bobwhites are sitting atop the division with a 17-9 record, tied for the second best mark in the game behind only the 18-9 Seattle Storm. Washington is three games up on second place Greenville.
“It’s still pretty early to get too excited, but we’re certainly pleased with the start to the season,” said Bobwhites skipper Rip Torn. “After our rough start last year, we knew we had to come out of the gate strong this season, and we’ve done just that.”
The Bobwhites are home for just the three-game set with Chicago after a six-game road trip and before they head out west for three games with the struggling California Crusaders.
Hugh Wiggins will get the start against the Black Sox tonight, going up against Gary Lammond. Lammond has joined Chicago’s rotation after opening the season in the bullpen. He’s made ten appearances, just one start. He owns a 1-1 record with an 8.27 ERA and 2.02 WHIP in 16 1/3 innings after going 3-6 with a 5.71 ERA in 29 games, 11 starts, as a rookie last season. Wiggins is off to the best star of his career, opening the 1998 season with a 3-0 record, 3.58 ERA, and 1.30 WHIP, striking out 35 in 27 2/3 innings. Wiggins went just 7-7 with a 4.32 ERA in 37 games, 24 starts, last season, setting career highs in starts, wins, losses, innings, and strikeouts. He’s on pace to significantly improve upon those fresh career highs.
Rounding out the series with Chicago is expected to be struggling southpaw Paul Kindel for Washington, and Black Sox ace Jeff Kiplinger. Kindel is 1-0 with a 7.43 ERA in seven games, including four starts. He has been victim to the long ball so far, giving up eight home runs already. Kiplinger, 27, has been lights out for Chicago so far. In six starts, he is 4-1 with a 1.93 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and .219 opponents average against. He has walked just four and struck out 46 batters in 42 innings on the mound.
“That kid has been really impressive for those guys,” said Torn. “I’m eager to see him pitch in our ballpark and see what our guys can do against him.”
