Heading into the game 161 of the 1997 season, Randy Johnson sat at 19-4 for the first place Seattle Mariners, and he was not scheduled to start again before the playoffs. What a shame, it seemed, that Johnson could end the season down one victory from the magic number of 20.
Omar Olivares started that day, and after four innings the Mariners were up 8-2.
The pitcher who finishes the fifth inning ends up as the pitcher of record. So, manager Lou Piñella sent in Randy Johnson for the fifth and sixth innings. Johnson gave up two hits, and allowed no runs.
Winning pitcher that day? Randy Johnson.
The Phillies are in a curious position. Joe Blanton is the starting pitcher. However, he has not pitched more than two innings in any game since returning from the injury. Tonight's game should be no different. Blanton will pitch two innings, followed by a parade of relievers.
So, should the opportunity present itself, Charlie Manuel should strategically place Roy Halladay in a game to have the opportunity to win his 20th.
Clayton Kershaw may have wrapped up the Cy Young with his 21st victory of the year, but it would look nice on Halladay's resume as he builds up with is potentially a Hall of Fame career.
This Team Was GOOD?
Speaking of the 1997 Mariners, the team featured the following former Phillies:
- Jamie Moyer
- Norm Charlton
- Omar Olivares
- Heathcliff Slocumb
- Norm Charlton
- Paul Spoljaric
- Mike Timlin
- Rob Ducey
- Raul Ibañez
- Lee Tinsley
- John Marzano (Johnny Marz only played for AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre in Phillies organization)
