Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, July 9, 1993                   TAG: 9307090198
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Staff report
DATELINE: LYNCHBURG                                LENGTH: Short

BUCS CROSS NILES TO BEAT RED SOX

And that was just fine with the Salem Buccaneers.

The Bucs took advantage of five walks and two wild pitches by Niles to beat the Red Sox 5-2 on Thursday night in a Carolina League baseball game at City Stadium.

Niles held Salem to five hits - all singles - but the Bucs capitalized on his wildness to score all five of their runs in his five-plus innings of work. Designated hitter Joe Ronca did most of the damage, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Right fielder Trace Ragland did his part, too, with one hit, one RBI and two runs scored in three at-bats.

While Niles was struggling, Salem right-hander Dan Jones was turning in a workmanlike effort. Jones gave up both Lynchburg runs - one was unearned - on seven hits and two walks in six innings. He also struck out six.

Mark Mesewicz struck out four in two innings, and Jeff McCurry finished to pick up his 21st save.