Adam Ulrey's Montreal Expos Diary

August 24, 2002 - Game 129
Colon leads the Expos to another win against the Giants 7-2

Bartolo Colon looked at the lineup card of the Giants and took a deep breath knowing there would be no Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent or Rich Aurilla. Colon, seeing that, went out and dominated to run his scoreless streak to 18 innings. Colon (7-2) since joining the Expos gave up just five hits in six innings. He is 14-3 since May 4, including his time with the Cleveland Indians. Colon left after six innings when he started to feel his back stiffening up.

"He just felt he couldn't go any longer and that's all you can ask," said Expos manager Frank Robinson. "He knows what he has to do and he has to do and he was pretty good."

Vladimir Guerrero had three hits, scored twice, drove in a run and stoled a base for the Expos. Guerrero's stolen base in the fourth was his 100th of his career. Colon's longest scoreless streak was 20 innings from Sept. 13-28, 2000. Scott Stewart entered the ninth with the bases loaded and having to face Kenny Loften, induced him to hit into a double play to earn his 17th save in 19 chances. With his 17th save Stewart tied a team record for saves by a left-hander, set by Woodie Fryman in 1980.

The Expos pounded out 11 hits, lead by Guerrero's three and both Troy O'Leary and Andres Galarraga each added two hits and an RBI to help support Colon's pitching performance. The win put the Expos over the .500 mark at 65-64.