Raptors rap out victory in home opener

OGDEN — Four games into the 2004 Pioneer League baseball season, Ogden manager Travis Barbary finds himself between a rock and a hard place.

The Raptors' offense is pounding the ball to the tune of 49 hits in its last three games, but Ogden has only one win to show for it.

Monday in the Ogden's home opener the Raptors pounded out 18 base hits en route to a 12-1 victory over Idaho Falls.

Prior to Monday's win, the pitching staff had allowed double-digit runs in its last two games, but four Raptor hurlers, led by veteran major leaguer Paul Shuey, held the Chukars to just five hits in the lopsided win.

Shuey, on rehab assignment from the Los Angeles Dodgers, started and threw just 10 pitches in retiring the side in order in the first. It was the only inning he threw, but it seemed to fuel the final three Raptors pitchers.

"I didn't think he had to shower (after the game), I don't think he broke a sweat," Barbary said. "He set the tone for us."

In relief of Shuey, Blake Johnson, Brian Akin and Mark Alexander allowed five Chukar hits. Johnson, who earned the win, allowed four hits in four innings, while Akin surrendered just one in three innings. Alexander fired a perfect ninth.

The foursome combined for 11 strikeouts, led by Johnson's five. Akin had four.

Monday's outing was good for the pitching staff and Barbary is willing to wait for the staff to gel.

"It's going to take us (the coaching staff) a while to figure out where guys fit in," Barbary said.

Barbary said Shuey, who is rehabilitating an injured thumb and hip, will start again and pitch two innings Wednesday. Shuey could possibly start Saturday as well.

With the win, the Raptors improve to 2-2, while the Chukars fall to 2-2. The Raptors went 1-2 in their opening three-game road trip of the year at Idaho Falls.

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E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com