By Hamish Campbell
Claymores Beat Writer
The Edinburgh News
It was another losing week for the Scottish – but a blissfully short one, as the Claymores went 2-3.
The Scottish split a two-game series against Amsterdam at home, then welcomed Kentucky for a three game set. The Thoroughbreds proved rude guests, though, as they took the series 2 games to 1.
One of the highlights of the Amsterdam series was an excellent start from Oniji Yokoyama, the free agent starter who signed with Scotland just as the season was getting underway. He faced the Lions on April 16, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 run in 8 IP. Yokoyama also struck out 7, netting a PQS rating of 4 for the game. SS Naomi Honma delivered the game’s key blow, a bases-loaded double in the 8th that brought home three runs and the victory for Scotland.
It was harder to find solace in the Kentucky series, as the Thoroughbreds teed off on Todd Gustafson in game 1 for 7 hits and 7 runs in just 3 innings, then tossed a shutout in the next game to quickly win the series. SP Hung Bao went 8.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, 0 runs and 1 walk to pick up the win.
The Claymores salvaged some dignity in the final game, winning 3-2 behind starter Carlos Pérez and nice work from the bullpen.
Although some of the starting pitching was terrible, the biggest problem was a complete offensive blackout: 3B Eric Jacobs had the best batting average among the regulars, and he hit just .214. CF Tomás Flores and OF Peter Casey each hit .200 – and they were the only Claymores who even reached the Mendoza line.
If the bats don’t come alive, it will be a very long season at The Castle.
The Week’s Scores:
At Scotland
04/16: Scottish 4, Amsterdam 1
04/17: Amsterdam 4, Scottish 2
At Scotland
04/19: Kentucky 11, Scottish 1
04/20: Kentucky 5, Scottish 0
04/21: Scottish 3, Kentucky 2
Who’s Hot …
Oniji Yokoyama, SP: 1.12, 1-0, 8.0 IP, 7 Ks, 1 BB
Ken Fisher, CL: 0.00, 2 Saves, 2.0 IP, 1 K, 1 BB
Bob O’Higgins, RP: 0.00, 0 Saves, 3.3 IP, 4 Ks, 2 BB
… Who’s Not
Yasunari Fujihara, C: .062/.062/.250, .312 OPS, 1 HR, 1 RBI
Vincent Powell, OF: .083/.083/.333, .417 OPS, 1 HR, 1 RBI