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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Johnson’s Bark Proves To Be Worse Than Bite

From Wire Reports

Through the years, various pitchers have been accused of scuffing balls, throwing at hitters’ heads and doing just about anything imaginable to give them an edge over their opponent.

But Seattle left-hander Randy “Big Unit” Johnson may be the first pitcher in big-league history to be accused of barking at a hitter.

The alleged incident took place during a nationally televised game last Sunday against California when Johnson got out of a bases-loaded, no-out situation. After striking out Rex Hudler to escape the jam in an eventual 3-2 victory, Johnson made some sort of hacking noise that Hudler later interpreted as barking.

Johnson denied the allegation.

“I didn’t bark,” Johnson said. “I hit myself in the chest with my glove so hard I coughed a couple times. I’m animated, but it wasn’t directed at Rex, it was directed at me.”

There was no cross-examination from Hudler to try to disprove Johnson’s story. When he next faces Johnson, Hudler may discover it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Griffey hits low

A day after Jay and Leah Buhner teamed up to deliver a son, Gunnar, pitcher Jeff Nelson and his wife Colette learned they’ll be having a daughter in October.

As for Buhner’s new son, neighbor

Ken Griffey Jr. hasn’t yet met the boy but, as usual, had something to say.

“I’m coming over to see him, unless he looks like you,” Junior told Buhner.

Notes

Manager Lou Piniella still hasn’t decided on the starting pitcher for today. It will be either right-hander Jim Converse or left-hander Dave Fleming. … Over their first 14 games, the Mariners were 6-1 in errorless games - 2-5 when committing an error. … Reserve Luis Sojo has five hits in his last 12 atbats and is batting .318 for the season.