Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505230029
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: WILMINGTON, DEL. LENGTH: Medium
The Salem Avalanche stumbled again Saturday afternoon on its inaugural road through the Carolina League.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks handed the Avalanche its fourth consecutive loss overall and fifth in six games on Salem's current trip, winning 6-0 at Frawley Stadium.
Glendon Rusch (3-4) and Wilmington reliever Nevin Brewer combined on the shutout, the fourth against the Avalanche this season - all away from Salem Municipal Field. In the process, the Blue Rocks lowered their league-leading ERA to 3.46.
The Blue Rocks scored all the runs they would need in the second inning against Salem starter Doug Walls. Oscar Jimenez led off with a single to center field, and Mendy Lopez singled to right off the glove of first baseman Forry Wells. After Donovan Delaney's come-backer to Walls sent the runners to second and third, Brian Teeters followed with a two-run double to right field.
Wilmington took a 3-0 lead in the third on an RBI fielder's choice by Lopez. Michael Evans led off with a double and went to third on a fly ball to right by Jimenez after a walk to Mike Sweeney. That was it for Walls (3-2), who gave up five hits and five walks in 22/3 innings.
The Blue Rocks added two runs in the sixth off Salem reliever Mike Zolecki. Mendez singled to left with one out, and Evans doubled to right to put runners at second and third. With two out, an infield single by Jimenez off the glove of Zolecki scored Mendez and sent Evans to third base. Lopez's single to left scored Evans and made it 5-0.
In the seventh, Teeters walked on four pitches from Avalanche reliever Jeff Sobkoviak and went to second on a wild pitch. Sergio Nunez singled to send Teeters to third, and Anthony Medrano followed with an RBI single to left field.
Most of the Salem offense consisted of two-out doubles by Chris Sexton in the third, Keith Grunewald in the fifth and Brian Culp in the sixth. Culp went to third on wild pitch, but was stranded.
The Avalanche will try to avert a three-game sweep when it sends Jamey Wright (5-3) to the mound today for a 2:05 p.m. game. Kevin Hodges (2-3) is the scheduled starter for the Blue Rocks.
NOTE: Barry Goldman, a Colorado Rockies replacement player who pitched at Coors Field before joining the Avalanche, has resurfaced. Goldman, who was released on April 28, signed a contract Saturday with the independent Northern League's Sioux City Explorers.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB