FREEPRESS Page 8 Colby Free Press Thursday, May 10, 2001 SSSPORTSPORTS A smooth landing Rockies pitcher gets shutout against old team

DENVER (AP) — Mike Hampton tract with Colorado in December. Todd Walker’s three-run homer off last eight starts against the Mets, with did it all: with his arm, his bat, his glove Some observers felt he was commit- Reed (4-2) in the seventh. Larry three complete-game shutouts. He and his baserunning. ting career suicide, since his numbers Walker had a solo homer in the sixth, hasn’t lost to the Mets since July 14, Hampton’s seven-hit shutout in the were sure to suffer while his 12th of the sea- 1996. Asked if Hampton has exceeded Colorado Rockies’ 6-0 win over the pitching at Coors Field. son, but first since the team’s expectations, Bell said, “We New York Mets on Wednesday night So far, that hasn’t hap- April 24. knew he was good. But when you see prompted teammate Todd Walker to pened. “He (Hampton) him up close, I think you could say that. say, “To me, he’s the best athlete I’ve Hampton is 5-0 with a adds another bat to ‘‘I don’t really think he gets rattled ever seen.” 2.34 ERA for the sea- our lineup,” Todd by anything. The things he does, all the Rockies manager Buddy Bell son. At hitter-friendly Walker said. really great pitchers do. When they get agreed. Coors Field, he is 3-0 Hampton also in a little bit of a hole, they’re able to “He may be the best all-around with a 2.30 ERA. stabbed two hard reach back and really do something pitcher I’ve ever been around, in terms “I think the biggest grounders up the special. He changes speeds so well. He of pitching, fielding, hitting, key to being successful middle, turning can really get it done, man. He’s fun to baserunning,” Bell said. here is throwing a lot of strikes early them into easy outs. watch.” Hampton tormented his former in the count,” Hampton said. “If you’re “It was an emotional game,” Hamp- Reed tore a fingernail just before team, tossing his eighth career shutout ahead in the count, you get guys tend- ton admitted. “It’s tough facing the Walker’s three-run homer, but said it while striking out five and walking ing to swing more at pitches off the team that you went to the World Series didn’t affect him. three. He was backed by four double plate.” with last year.” “It was just a curveball that didn’t plays. Hampton helped his cause with a Reed went seven innings, allowing break,” Reed said. “He hit it out. What Hampton, who went 15-10 in help- pair of hits, including an RBI infield 10 hits and six runs with no walks and can you do? ing the Mets to the World Series last single in the second when he outraced five strikeouts. ‘‘We ran into a guy who threw noth- year, raised some eyebrows when he Rick Reed to the bag. Hampton, who pitched for Houston ing but zeros. You’ve got to tip your hat signed an eight-year, $121 million con- He also hit a two-out single ahead of from 1994-99, improved to 5-0 in his to him.” The Business Directory To place your ad in the Business Directory, call ULTRA LITE STYLE Jeff or Crystal today, 462-3963 FAMILY OF LENSES JOHN’S What A WELDING & MACHINE SHOP Team! Fabrications & repairs of all sorts. Colby, Kansas For all your newspaper advertising needs call the best! NOW At your residence. COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL-FREE ESTIMATES Jeff Dreiling and Crystal Rucker AVAILABLE! •AC/DC Welding NowSchedulingSpring Advertising Representatives for •Wire Welding the Colby Free Press and Country Advocate Larry Washburn, O.D. “HAVE WELDER...WILL TRAVEL” Cleaning! Doctor of Optometry JAY KELLEY/Colby Free Press JOHN CARPENTER 505 Franklin 785-462-6995 or Member Call Brewster: 785-694-2841 American Optometric Colby, KS Colby High School’s Andrea Siemsen competed in the long jump at Association Mobile: 785-694-3553 1-800-611-6735 the Colby Invitational Track Meet on Monday. Siemsen and the rest 785-462-3348 of the squad will be in Atwood at the Northwest Kansas League Meet on Friday. Events start at 3 p.m. HIGH ENERGY BILLS? C L E A R C H O I C E SAVE MONEY WITH Another Eagle inked BLOWN ATTIC Amber Lane, a team for both season it has existed, FIBERGLASS INSULATION senior at Colby plays middle infield and outfield. High School, A versatile athlete, she has also par- signed a letter of ticipated in basketball and volleyball. 462-6642 ROOFMASTERS • CALL FOR DEDUCTIBLE DISCOUNTS • intent to play soft- She is also a member of C-Club and ESTIMATES 425 E. Hill • Colby, KS ball at Colby Service Club. 660 W. Walnut • Colby, KS 67701 • Fax: 785-462-2782 Community Col- “Amber is an outstanding athlete,” lege on Thursday said head softball coach Carl Adams. afternoon. “She has the tools to develop into a GERSTNER-CERSOVSKY Lane, a mem- very good college player.” Amber is the daughter of Tim and INSURANCE AGENCY ber of the Lady A. Lane Eagle softball Ronda Lane of Colby. “Customer Service is Our Policy”

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