Adam Ulrey's Montreal Expos Diary

August 20, 2002 - Game 125
Neagle shuts down the Expos 8-6

A demotion might have been the best thing to happen to Rockies pitcher Denny Neagle. He has been basically untouchable since returning to the starting rotation. Neagle pitched his fourth straight solid outing, beating the Expos 8-6. Neagle (7-7) went five innings, allowing seven hits and three runs - two of them earned. He had been demoted over a month ago after disappointing results; the left-hander is 3-0 with a 1.08 ERA in his last four starts. He also got some help from the bats of Jay Payton who hit his 11th homer of the season and Todd Helton who hit his 21st.

Expos starter Javier Vazquez was a no show. He lasted only three innings, giving up six runs on nine hits. The Expos were counting on him to be their number one starter, and over the last month he has pitched like someone looking for a one-way ticket to the minors. The loss dropped him to 8-10 on the season and his ERA is fast approaching the 4.00 mark.

Payton had three hits to raise his average to .304 on the year. He has been crushing the ball ever since his arrival in Colorado. Another newcomer who is adjusting to his new digs is the former Ranger Gabe Kapler, who also had two hits and two RBIs. The Expos managed 10 hits with Vladimir Guerrero, Wil Cordero and Brad Wilkerson all getting two hits each. But again the team left nine men on base and that just won't get the job done. The loss dropped them under .500 at 62-63 on the year.