THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 1996 TAG: 9608270438
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIMBALL CROSSLEY, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: PAWTUCKET LENGTH: 49 lines
The Norfolk Tides did not miss a beat under new manager Bruce Benedict Monday night, as they defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox 8-2 behind two homers by Jay Payton.
Payton echoed the mood of the team afterward, when asked if the late-season managerial move will affect the squad.
``The managers don't go out and play,'' replied Payton. ``We're going to approach it like we did tonight. Bruce knows what we're capable of.''
It was the ninth win in 12 games for the Tides against the PawSox this season, as their pitching staff continues to shut down Pawtucket's offense.
This time it was Shannon Withem, 2-3, who held the PawSox down, as he scattered 11 hits in allowing just two runs over seven innings. He did not walk a batter and he struck out four.
Withem, who has pitched at three levels for the Mets this season, said he had no problem adjusting to a new coaching staff.
``It wasn't an adjustment I had to make,'' said Withem, who actually began the season working with new Norfolk pitching coach Rick Waits in extended spring training. ``I've moved around a lot the whole season.''
Withem was in trouble often in the early innings, allowing two runs on three hits in the second inning and stranding six runners through the first five. He said the key for him was the faith Benedict showed in leaving him in the game.
``The extra few runs we got gave him the faith,'' quipped Withem, referring to the 7-2 lead he received through five innings thanks to Payton's first homer, a two-run shot in the fourth, and Jason Hardtke's two-run homer in the fifth.
This was the Tides' first game under Benedict, who took over for Bobby Valentine, named to replace Dallas Green as the manager of the New York Mets Monday afternoon. Long-time Tides pitching coach Bob Apodaca was also promoted and was replaced by Waits, who had been coaching the Gulf Coast League Mets. Roving instructor Rick Miller will also join the Norfolk staff full-time.
While the players say they will miss Valentine, most agree the big difference will not be having Apodaca around. He had been the Tides' pitching coach the last six seasons.
``It's just like if a player gets promoted,'' said pitcher Mike Gardiner. ``We're going to have to approach it that way and keep playing the way we've been playing. I'm glad there are just a couple of games left in the season and it won't affect us much.''
Pedro Martinez (4-3, 3.16) will get the start for the Tides tonight at 7 p.m. against John DeSilva (2-3, 5.37). Gardiner, who was slated to start but has experienced some elbow soreness, will skip a turn for precautionary reasons so he'll be at full strength for the playoffs. by CNB