Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 28, 1995 TAG: 9505060015
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK BULLOCK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Hayes, the manager of the Salem Avalanche, is running short of explanations for his team's play in the first month of the Carolina League baseball season.
The Avalanche opens a seven-game home stand tonight against the Frederick Keys in a matchup of last-place teams.
Following three games with the Keys, the Durham Bulls visit Municipal Field for a four-game series.
Salem has been up and down in the first month of the season, winning five in a row at one point, then losing 11 of 13. The team finished 1-6 on its first home stand, losing the final six games.
``We just haven't been consistent enough,'' Hayes said Thursday. ``We have a couple of guys play well one night and some different guys the next night. It's got to be a team effort, and we're not quite there yet.''
After beginning the season with strong offensive production, the Avalanche has fallen into a mild slump at the plate.
Center fielder Edgard Velasquez hit three home runs during the road trip, and shortstop Chris Sexton is swinging the bat well, but the middle of the batting order has been struggling.
Left fielder Mark Wells leads the club in home runs and runs batted in, but his average is barely above .200. First baseman Nate Holdren hasn't driven in a run in more than a week, and right fielder John Giudice was 1-for-21 in a recent stretch.
``We need to hit better and start putting some pressure on the defense,'' Hayes said. ``We've made some easy outs instead of trying to hit line drives and put the ball in play.''
Hayes has been relatively pleased with Salem's starting pitching. Relief has been a sore spot, though, and he would like to see improvement in that area.
``Right now we're making it tough on ourselves,'' the manager said. ``Every little mistake is magnified.''
During the team's recent skid, Hayes has tried several motivational methods, ranging from saying nothing to administering a tongue-lashing after a game laced with shoddy defense.
``We're not this bad,'' Hayes said he told the team. ``We just need to do what we need to do. It's time to stop talking. We need to start doing something.''
EXTRA BASES: The Avalanche received three players from Class AA New Haven (Conn.) to shore up the roster. Pitchers John Salamon and Matt Aminoff will assume relief roles. The other addition is Randy Snyder, a catcher who had three hits Thursday night in his debut with Salem. ... Starting pitcher Doug Walls is scheduled to return to the rotation tonight after being suspended for throwing at a Kinston hitter. ... Third baseman Pedro Carranza has four home runs, all with nobody on base.
by CNB