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

DATE: THURSDAY, July 13, 1995                   TAG: 9507130070
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DIONNE REYNOLDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SLOW START CAN'T STOP AVALANCHE

After two innings, Doug Million thought he was in for a short night's work.

After giving up four runs in the first two innings, Million settled down and tossed five innings of scoreless ball and his Salem Avalanche teammates gave him necessary run support in an 8-4 Carolina League victory over the Lynchburg Hillcats Wednesday night.

Despite the fast start of the Lynchburg Hillcats, the Salem Avalanche topped the Hillcats 8-4 in the first of a three-game series Tuesday at Municipal Field.

Avalanche pitcher Doug Million started off shaky as heMillion gave up a leadoff home run to Lynchburg centerfielder Adrian Brown in the first inning, then surrendered three more runs in the second.

``I didn't think I was going to be out there long,'' he said. ``I knew it was going to be a long night.''

By mixing his fastball and with his changeup, Million got his game rolling

For the next couple of innings, the Avalanche left field defense helped Million stifle the Hillcats offense by givingup singles to Lou Collier in the fourth and former Salem Buccaneer Reed Secrist in the sixth, but striking out the followers. Million walked three runners, but struck out the following runners consistently in the sixth and seventh.

``I got my confidence back up,'' said Million.

Salem scored three times in the bottom of the first off Lynchburg starter Jimmy Anderson. Edgard Velasquez brought home Chris Sexton with a sacrifice fly and first baseman Forry Wells launched a two-run homer.

. Salem answered in the first with shortstop Chris Sexton scoring off of a sacrifice by Eddie Velasquez.

Avalanche first baseman Forry Wells stepped in for a two-run homer to get the momentum going for Salem, making the score 3-1.

In the second, Lynchburg's Lou Collier doubled home Jay Knoblauh, stole third and scored on a single by Ken Bonifay.

Salem's Keith Grunewald singled in the third run, bringing in Vincente Garcia to tie the score 4-4.

Salem's Million warmed up for the next five innings by stifling the Wildcat offense by giving up no runs until he was replaced by Scott LaRock in the top of the eighth.

The Avalanche caught fire for the rest of the game.Keith to put two runners on baseShortstop Chris was then to bring in Grunewald for a score and Velasquez followed with a two-run double to make it 7-4.

In the seventh, Holdren singled home John Giudice with the final run.

Scott LaRock, who relieved Million in the eighth, gave up two hits but no runs to finish out the night.

The Lynchburg series will be the last games played in Municipal Field. The Avalanche will go on the road after the series and return to a new stadium July 25, when it faces Prince William.

NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.

Keywords:
BASEBALL

by CNB