THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, June 5, 1995 TAG: 9506050122
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARK NAEGELE, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: COLUMBUS, OHIO LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Norfolk pitcher Jimmy Williams, scheduled to start in the second game of a doubleheader today against Scranton, had his Sunday planned out: sit in the bullpen, enjoy some refreshments and watch the Tides take on host Columbus in the finale of a four-game series.
But when Norfolk starter Jason Jacome left the game with pain in his pitching arm with one out in the first inning, Tides manager Toby Harrah ruined Williams' day of R&R.
``I was down in the bullpen with my turf shoes on, sucking on a popsicle,'' Williams said. ``The next thing I know, they're telling me I'm in the game.''
Williams came in with Columbus ahead, 1-0, and gave up an RBI single to Don Sparks, then held the Clippers to one run over the next 6 2/3 innings as the Tides posted a 7-3 victory.
Williams, who had not pitched since Tuesday, was the only Norfolk reliever not used in the series, which featured games of 10, 12 and 15 innings.
``I think I was the only guy on the team with a fresh arm,'' the 6-foot-8 lefthander said. ``I knew there was a problem. All I could do was go out there and give us some innings.''
``He's given us great pitching performances no matter how we've used him, as a starter or reliever,'' Harrah said of Williams, 3-0 with two saves. ``Our bullpen was shot. He really gave us boost.''
Jacome walked Jorge Posada, one of five free passes for the Columbus catcher, and gave up singles to Russ Davis and Jalal Leach. Williams came in and allowed Sparks' RBI single before getting Tony Perezchica to hit into a double play.
``That was the turning point of the game,'' Harrah said. ``He came in with runners on first and third and gave up just the one run.''
Harrah couldn't shed any light on Jacome's injury, saying only that the lefthander ``felt pain in his arm, and we didn't want to take any chances.''
NOTES: The Mets recalled infielder Bill Spiers from the Tides on Sunday and sent catcher Alberto Castillo back to Norfolk. In addition, reliever Pete Walker was called up to replace Josias Manzanillo, who will be sent to the Tides if he clears waivers and accepts the assignment. ... Greg Graham replaced third baseman Aaron Ledesma, who aggravated a muscle pull in his thigh in the second inning. Graham, who had been out two weeks with an injury, reached base four times and scored twice. ILLUSTRATION: BOX SCORE
STANDINGS
[For a copy of the charts, see microfilm for this date.]
by CNB