Tuesday, June 17, 1997

Players dig hole they can't climb out of

HARLINGEN - The Abilene Prairie Dogs dug themselves a huge hole Monday night, giving up eight runs in the first three innings of their Texas-Louisiana League game with the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings.

In the end the climb from that hole proved too steep, as the Dogs fell to the WhiteWings, 14-6.

Abilene starting pitcher John Baack (2-3) lasted just three innings, giving up eight runs (all of which were earned), on eight hits. Baack also issued three bases on balls.

WhiteWing starter Scott Marquardt (1-2) also struggled early, allowing the Dogs three runs in the first two innings. After his offense put five runs on the board for him in the bottom of the third, however, he settled down to pick up his first victory of the season.

Offensively, Rio Grande Valley was led by Brian Warner, who went 3 for 4 from the plate with two doubles and a run scored. Warner also collected four RBI.

Rio's Jay Davis and Chuck Cox also added to the onslaught. Davis blasted a two-run homer in the first inning, while Cox launched a three-run shot in the third.

Abilene's Scott Bethea was held hitless by the Wings, stopping his team-record hitting streak at 17 games.

For the Dogs, Manny Gagliano was the offensive star, as he went 2 for 4 at the plate with a 2-run homer. Jason Keith and Jeff Kiraly also lofted solo homers for Abilene, while Shawn Hughes scampered for his first career triple.

The Dogs return to action tonight at 7 p.m. with the opener of their three-game series in Tyler with the Wildcatters.