Wednesday, July 17, 1996

Prairie Dogs winning again

By MARK WILSON
Staff Writer

Finally, the Prairie Dogs have their heads above water.

In its second year of existence, the Abilene franchise in the Texas-Louisiana
League is now over .500 for the fist time. Tuesday night's 4-1 victory over Alexandria, in the first of a three-game set at Crutcher Scott Field before 1,156 fans, gives the Prairie Dogs an all-time record of 78 wins and 77 losses.

Starter Sam Arminio pitched 8 1/3 innings and earned the win to improve to 6-3. He didn't allow an earned run, walked only one and struck out three.

Ken Winkle got the final two outs in the ninth for his 13th save after two hard-hit balls off Arminio, including a double by Jay Andrews.

"I'd liked to have seen him go the distance, but they hit two balls right onthe nose," Abilene manager Phil Stephenson said. "He may have felt good, but that's been Winkle's job all year. He retired two in a row, and there was no damage.

"Sam was brilliant today. Unfortunately, they scored an unearned run on him."

The Prairie Dogs had 11 hits, giving them 23 in the last two games. Abilene, which easily won the first half, is now 3-2 since the all-star break - tied withAlexandria for second behind Rio Grande Valley.

"We've played well two games in a row," Stephenson said. "This is the typeof game we've been playing, getting pitching and some timely hits.

"I think that's what they guys expect from themselves. When they don't, it'sjust as frustrating for them as it is me."

Alexandria starter Tony Mack (6-4) took the loss, giving up nine hits and allfour runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Abilene trailed 1-0 going into the bottom of the second after Alexandria's Malvin Matos singled. Matos later stole third, and scored as the throw from catcher Jack Johnson got past Manny Gagliano, who was charged with an error.

Abilene grabbed a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second. Barry Jones led off with a double and scored on Paul Coleman's double. Paul Gonzalez brought home Coleman with a single.

In the third, the Prairie Dogs upped the gap to 3-1 after loading the bases. Darryl Monroe singled and Eric Gonzalez reached on an error by pitcher Tony Mack, and Manny Gagliano singled to load the bases. Monroe scored when Rod Brewer grounded into a double play.

Monroe doubled to lead off the fifth and Eric Gonzalez singled to bring him in for the 4-1 advantage.