Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 8, 1995 TAG: 9508080075
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Only one thing could dampen the spirit of Monday's opening day at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium - a loss for the Avalanche.
That was avoided as Salem scored two runs in the bottom of the 15th inning to defeat the Frederick Keys 3-2 before a crowd of 6,421. Forry Wells walked with the bases loaded to force home Yohel Pozo for the winning run.
``This was big for me,'' Wells said in an enthusiastic clubhouse. ``I came up three or four times earlier with the chance to win it but didn't come through.''
Frederick took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 15th. Wes Hawkins doubled to lead off the inning, advanced to third base on a groundout to shortstop and came home on a groundout to second base.
In the bottom of the inning, Keith Grunewald walked, advanced to second on a fielder's choice and scored on a close play at home plate off of Pozo's single up the middle. The next batter, Chris Sexton, bunted to the pitcher, but Matt Marenghi threw wide to second base and runners wound up on second and third. Vincente Garcia was walked intentionally and Marenghi (3-10) was relieved by Jeff Mansur, who walked Wells.
``It was nice [to get the win],'' said manager Bill Hayes. ``Both teams battled hard.''
The score and the 15 innings it took before the game was decided were a reflection of the pitching. Avalanche starter Doug Million pitched seven innings of two-hit ball, striking out eight.
``This was probably as good as Million has pitched all year,'' Hayes said.
Million had a no-hitter going through 41/3 innings before giving up a single to Rolando Avila, who scored on a two-out hit by Harry Berrios. However, Berrios would be the last Keys batter to reach base against Million.
The left-hander retired the last seven he faced, including striking out the last six. Million threw 110 pitches during his performance and was relieved by Scott LaRock.
``I was getting a little tired and I had reached my pitch count,'' Million said. ``They [the coaches] have a good idea when to get someone else in.''
But the great pitching didn't stop there. Including the seven Million retired, Salem pitchers set down 18 consecutive batters, not allowing another runner until Roy Hodge singled to lead off the 12th inning.
Salem scored its first run on a fielder's choice by Colin Dixon in the first inning with one out, bringing home Garcia.
Both teams had opportunities to take leads earlier, but were denied by great defensive plays.
Jeff Sobkoviak (4-3) pitched the top of the 15th inning to get the victory for the Avalanche.
NOTES: Center fielder Edgard Velasquez missed Monday's game after having an adverse reaction to aspirin he took during the day. ... Tonight, the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame will announce the winner of the 1995 Ray Bellamy Memorial Award for the best high school baseball player in the seven-county region. Frederick's Calvin Maduro, a right-hander (6-5, 3.19 ERA) will start against Salem right-hander Jamie Wright (9-5, 2.49 ERA) in the second game of the four-game series at 7 p.m.
by CNB