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World Series Notebook Lofton making up for a poor World Series startPosted: Friday October 25, 2002 3:53 AMUpdated: Friday October 25, 2002 5:48 AM
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Kenny Lofton got off to a miserable start in the World Series. San Francisco's leadoff hitter went 1-for-12 in the first three games, but he's been a sparkplug in the Giants' last two wins, going 6-for-10 in Games 4 and 5. He also has scored four runs in the last two games, including three in his team's 16-4 victory over the Anaheim Angels on Thursday night in Game 5. The victory put the Giants one win away from their first title since 1954. "I'm just trying to do what I could do to try and help the team," Lofton said. "I feel like I've got my stroke. Everybody's doing their part, and that's what it takes to be a winner." Lofton also had the game-winning hit in the NLCS clincher against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Catch of the dayIt felt as if Scott Spiezio was a little kid again. Standing about 30 feet apart before Game 5 of the World Series, the Anaheim first baseman was playing catch with his dad. Ed Spiezio was a member of three St. Louis Cardinals teams that went to the World Series. He still wears his first ring from 1964, his rookie year, when they beat the New York Yankees. "He's loving the fact that I'm in it now, and that he and my mom are getting a chance to see me playing every day -- and in the World Series. It's awesome for them," said Scott, who was born the day after Ed played his final major league game. Ed taught his son how to switch-hit. All that work eventually paid off, because Scott has followed his father's footsteps into a World Series. "That's always how we finished practice every day -- 'Game 7 of the World Series, 3-2, bases loaded, you're up, baby. Let's go,'" Ed recalled. "I made him hit a lot, but he'd lose his concentration. So we brought him back to that level to finish on a high note, and that focus would come right back." Angels bench coach Joe Maddon was thrilled when Scott came to the Angels because of his memories of Ed as a backup third baseman to Ken Boyer. "He wasn't a really big man, but he had some juice and he was a really good extra player on that Cardinals team. When Spiez became a member of our team, the first question I asked him was about his dad. Then I became friends with Eddie. It's great to see him here."
Winning ZerbePitcher Chad Zerbe cradled the scorecards in his hands and took a long look, almost mystified by how far he has come. San Francisco manager Dusty Baker made sure Zerbe got the scorecards from his first World Series win. A year ago, the San Francisco left-hander bounced back and forth between the Giants and Triple-A Fresno. On Thursday night, he got the victory by pitching one inning. The 30-year-old pitcher wasn't even on the NL Division Series roster, but Baker added him for the NLCS. "They (the scorecards) will go on a plaque with the game ball," Zerbe said. "A win in the World Series is pretty awesome." While Anaheim's relievers have gotten all the attention, the Giants' bullpen has played a big role in giving San Francisco a 3-2 lead in the Series. Zerbe relieved starter Jason Schmidt and allowed one run on two hits in his inning of work. "It's a good thing for the starters that if something happens and they're shaky, there are six or seven guys in the bullpen to help them out," Zerbe said.
Modern-day Charlie HustleFollowing the Game 4 pregame ceremony when he was honored for breaking Ty Cobb's career hits record, Pete Rose walked into the Anaheim dugout. "The first thing he did was ask, `Where's Eckstein?'" bench coach Joe Maddon said Thursday before Game 5. Angels shortstop and leadoff hitter David Eckstein certainly qualifies as a modern-day Charlie Hustle -- the nickname Rose earned in his playing days. Like Rose, Eckstein runs full speed to first base after drawing a walk. Actually, the 5-foot-7, 165-pound Eckstein runs hard just about everywhere. "I got to say hello to him. It was a great honor," Eckstein said. "He told me leadoff batters are the most important part of the game, so go get it done. "I was so honored that he came up and talked to me."
The 27-year-old Eckstein was released by the Boston Red Sox two years ago and was picked up by the Angels shortly thereafter. He became their everyday shortstop early in the 2001 season.
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