Vaughn finally ends epic slump

© St. Petersburg Times
published May 2, 2002

MINNEAPOLIS -- Greg Vaughn started May in a better way.

Vaughn doubled down the third-base line to open the fourth Wednesday, ending his hitless streak at 34 at-bats.

It was his first hit since April 19 and his first extra-base hit since April 4, second overall. He then reached on an infield single in the sixth, his first two-hit game since opening day.

"It's a start," Vaughn said. "The main objective is to win. Too bad I didn't do it with anybody on."

Vaughn had the longest hitless streak in the American League since Kansas City's Chad Kreuter went 0-for-39 during the 1999 season.

"I didn't know what I was 0-for, and I didn't care," Vaughn said. "But I know it was a lot. Too much.

"I've just got to keep battling, keep grinding. Keep a ball fair, get a big hit, get it going."

Vaughn, hobbled slightly after fouling a ball off his left foot in his first at-bat, is scheduled to be off today, but he said he'll try to lobby manager Hal McRae to put him in the lineup.

"Trust me, I'm pretty fresh," Vaughn said. "I haven't been doing a heck of a lot. It's not like I'm tired."

By finishing April with a .099 average, Vaughn became the first major-league regular since 1990 to finish the first full month of the season under .100, the third since 1980.

California's Don Baylor hit .062 in April 1981 and finished at .239. The Mets' Kevin Elster hit .097 in April 1990 and finished at .207.

TAKE THAT: The Rays feel they aren't getting calls from the umpires, and Tanyon Sturtze decided to say something, apparently too much, about it.

Having already been taken out of the game, Sturtze was in the dugout when first-base umpire Tim Welke called out Jason Tyner on what was a very close play in the seventh.

"My ejection was my own frustration," Sturtze said. "I felt like I had to vent on somebody and he happened to make a questionable call on Tyner, so I took it out on him."

Tyner had a call go against him Tuesday when he appeared to make a diving catch and in the third inning Wednesday when he was called out on strikes. So when he thought he beat third baseman Corey Koskie's throw to first leading off the seventh, he, too, was upset.

"No doubt I was safe," Tyner said. "I checked the video and it wasn't even as close as I thought."

ON THE SPOT: Jason Conti hasn't had much chance to show what he can do, starting three games. But Conti, who gets a start today in center, was impressive Tuesday in the field, making several running catches and strong throws, and at the plate, smacking two doubles.

"What you saw (Tuesday) is about the way it is, plus I can bunt a little and steal some bases," Conti said. "A good showcase day for me."

McRae said the Rays know Conti, acquired in July from Arizona, is an "outstanding defensive player. It's just a matter of how well he hits."

MINOR MATTERS: Josh Hamilton came off the disabled in a big way for Class A Bakersfield on Tuesday, going 4-for-5. ... The Rays will open extended spring training camp today at the Naimoli training complex for about 35 players, with another 10 or so due next week. ... Shortstop Jace Brewer extended his hitting streak to 12 and increased his California League-leading hit total to 42.

MISCELLANY: The six doubles allowed were one shy of the team record. ... Brent Abernathy is scheduled to be off today. Felix Escalona will play second and Ben Grieve will DH, with Conti in center and Randy Winn in right. ... Grieve brought the lineup card to home plate, an attempt by bench coach Billy Hatcher to change the team's luck. ... The Rays are having a college night Friday. All college students can get a $14 outfield seat and five Devil Rays Dollars (redeemable for food or beverage) for $10.