Apparently, one man's junk is another man's treasure. Just ask Edmonton pitcher John Wasdin and Salt Lake slugger Tom Quinlan.
Wasdin, who leads the Pacific Coast League in giving up home runs, ran his infamous total to 24 and Quinlan left the yard three times as the Buzz blasted the Trappers 12-2 at Franklin Quest Field Friday.The victory salvaged a Salt Lake homestand (6-6) and left both teams atop the Northern Division with 19-17 marks.
"That's a way to finish a homestand," Buzz manager Phil Roof said after Salt Lake's 20-hit performance. "We had so many highlights tonight."
Quinlan's shots, coupled with a blast by Denny Hocking, gave Salt Lake its first four-homer game this season.
"I felt good and obviously it showed tonight," said Quinlan, who finished with four hits. "I had a feeling going into my first at-bat that it was going to be a good night, but not that good. You never think about hitting three home runs in a game."
Quinlan's effort was supported by solid pitching from starter Rich Robertson.
Trailing 1-0 after surrendering a leadoff single to Kerwin Moore, who later scored, Robertson went on to throw no-hit ball until leaving the game after five innings.
"That just kind of cooled their bats right there," said Roof. "And we added to it."
Van Snider evened the score with an RBI single in the first inning before Quinlan gave Salt Lake the lead with his first blast in the second. The margin grew to 3-1 with Patrick Lennon's run-scoring double in the fifth.
The contest turned into a home run derby in the sixth with Quinlan and Denny Hocking sending Wasdin offerings over the fence. Brian Raabe, who has hit safely in 14 straight games, added an RBI double to chase Wasdin out after six innings and a 6-1 deficit.
Quinlan's final homer - a tworun shot - paced a four-run outburst in the seventh and set the tone for Salt Lake's largest margin of victory this season.
BUZZ BRIEFS - Salt Lake opens a four-game set in Calgary tonight with LaTroy Hawkins (5-5, 3.57 ERA) facing John Hope (7-1, 2.79) . . . The Buzz return home for eight games beginning Aug. 3 against Albuquerque.