Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506060075
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: E1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK BULLOCK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Avalanche ended a seven-game skid Saturday night at Municipal Field by splitting a Carolina League doubleheader with Prince William, winning the second game 6-4 after dropping the opener 7-4.
Considering Salem's up-and-down streaky season thus far, the seven consecutive losses likely will be followed by a similar number of victories.
``If we can become more consistent we can put those losing streaks to an end,'' said Chris Sexton, Salem's regular shortstop. ``Sometimes our pitching has been good and our offense hasn't come through. Other times our offense has been solid and we haven't gotten the pitching. We have to strive for a happy medium.''
Sexton had four hits in the doubleheader and drove in two runs in Salem's victory. Edgard Velasquez, Mark Wells and Mike Higgins each had two hits in the nightcap, with Wells belting his team-leading 10th home run to lead off the third inning.
Salem scored all its runs in the second game in the first three innings off Prince William starter Chris Clemons (1-6).
``At least we got the monkey off our back,'' said Salem manager Bill Hayes. The Avalanche had lost seven in a row at the end of May after winning six in a row May 21-26. The winning streak followed a week in which the Avalanche lost five of six.
Hayes blames some of the roller-coaster ride on his team's inconsistency when it comes to fundamentals. Runners getting thrown out to end innings, outfielders throwing to the wrong base and shoddy fielding all have contributed to Salem losses recently.
``Any good team has to play fundamentally sound,'' Hayes said. ``You have to execute as a team, and that's why we're where we're at. Too many times we try to make something out of nothing. Playing .500 is better than being 10 games under, and playing above .500 is something we've got to shoot for now.''
In the first game, Prince William catcher Robert Machado cracked a two-run homer and first baseman Juan Thomas had a two-run single to spark the Cannons.
\ see microfilm for box score
Keywords:
BASEBALL
by CNB