On deck: Hens vs. Columbus

9/1/2002

When: Today, 6 p.m.; tomorrow, 2 p.m.

Radio: 1470 AM

Affiliation: Columbus, New York Yankees

Pitching probables (Hens listed last): today, RHP Bo Donaldson (5-3, 3.01 ERA) vs. RHP Jason Beverlin (12-8, 3.70); tomorrow, LHP Brandon Knight (2-6, 3.96) vs. RHP Shane Loux (11-10, 4.72).

Clippers buzz: Columbus had won four straight games entering last night's contest with the Hens. ... The Clippers are 12th in the 14-team league in batting with a .257 average. “Somebody has been getting them out - but not us,” said Hens manager Bruce Fields. ... Former Michigan QB Drew Henson has an eight-game hitting streak during which he has belted four home runs. ... 1B Nick Johnson joined the Clippers yesterday from the parent New York Yankees to rehab his left wrist.

Hen happenings: Toledo began last night's game with a 7-6 record against the Clippers, but the Hens needed to sweep two games at Fifth Third Field last weekend to move to 3-3 at home against Columbus. ... Craig Monroe has moved into seventh in the IL batting race thanks to a seven-game hit streak during which he has had 16 hits in 25 at-bats for a .640 batting average. Monroe is hitting .315 this season. ... Toledo's 78 victories this season is the franchise's second-highest total since joining the IL in 1965. The 1968 club won 83 times in winning the league's regular-season title.

Special events: Today several Hens will sign autographs before the game. Fireworks will follow the game thanks to the unsual Sunday start time, and kids will run the bases after the fireworks. Tomorrow the Hens will give away 1,000 bobblehead dolls featuring the likeness of long-time broadcaster Frank Gilhooley.

- JOHN WAGNER