By Rafael Tejera
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El Nacional (translated)
Los Leones beat Los Bravos (5-1) and remained on top of the leader board after Los Magallanes lost yesterday.
Lance Broadway seemed not know whether to say “goodbye” or “see you later” after he pitched what was scheduled to be his last outing of the season, at Los Leones’ home stadium Universitario yesterday. What Broadway did seem to know, however, was that he would miss his team; which is understandable, given his overall performance and his ability to lead Los Leones to a (5 to 1 run) victory over los Bravos of Margarita for sole possession of first place.
As if the victory were not enough, Broadway(2-2), had one of his best outings against Carlos Monasterio (5-1) in what many considered to be a pitcher’s duel. Broadway pitched almost six run-less innings, and gave his team a slight 2-1 lead thanks to a homerun by Jose Castillo and a RBI single by Raul pardon, before both teams’ bullpens took over. Afterwards, Leones relievers Darwin Cubiullan and Edwin Moreno managed to keep the lead, while los Bravos’ relievers were punished with 3 more runs which sealed the fate of the game and lead to the joyous send off of the American right hander.
When asked if he would be back, Broadway pronounced: “Hopefully I will be back soon,” with the same coolness he exhibited on the mount, as he unleashed curve ball after curve ball, and at one point retiring 13 batters in a row during the six inning stretch. “It will all depend on, if I’m offered to stay. If so I will be back in 7 to 10 days”
The news was a welcomed surprise to manager Dave Hudgens who confessed he was not aware of the possibility.
“It would be a real plus to count on a pitcher like him.” said the known strategist “but I think I would have to move him to the bullpen because we are expecting a very good new starting rotation.”
Broadway’s great performance put an exclamation point to his already stellar numbers, making him one of the most dominant pitchers to date of the season.
“I came with the goal of improving my pitches, and I feel very satisfied because I have accomplished it” the right hander also expressed gratitude to the Caracas’ fans who took him in as one of their own and who he said he would always remember.
“Over the years I have grown accustomed to fans being quiet, but it was different here. The fans have made it a lot of fun for me. I’m going to miss this team,” said Broadway. “for many reasons.”