Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 29, 1995 TAG: 9508010012
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Million, however, had a chance to redeem himself on Friday and put his team ahead of the Indians for first place in the Southern Division of the Carolina League.
This time, he delivered.
The lefty (4-4) allowed three runs and six hits in 7-plus innings as the Avalanche came from behind to defeat the Indians, 4-3, Friday night at Municipal Field. Salem (18-15) scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning to give Million his first decision of the year against Kinston.
"He kept us in the game," said manager Bill Hayes. "He threw better as the game went along."
Million's biggest mistakes were two leadoff walks to Kinston clean-up batter Richie Sexson. Sexson walked to lead off the second and fourth innings and scored both times on hits by James Betzsold.
"The walks have been killing me this year," said Million.
Sexson scored on a two-run homer by Betzsold in the second inning - Betzsold's sixth of the season - and again on a double in the fourth inning. However, Million settled down and got plenty of defensive support.
On the double that scored Sexson and gave Kinston a 3-1 lead, Betzsold was thrown out at third base trying to stretch his hit into a triple. Salem also converted on a double play in the third and cut down a potential base stealer in the fifth inning to stop threats.
"It's a team game," said Million. "You can't strike everyone out."
After allowing a leadoff single to Betzsold in the seventh inning, Million was relieved by Scott LaRock. LaRock retired the next two batters and had catcher Will Scalzitti throw out another potential base stealer to end the inning. LaRock pitched the rest of the way, allowing just one hit, to earn his third save of the season.
Salem cut the deficit to 3-2 in the fourth on a run-scoring single by John Giudice.
In the sixth, Cesar Ramos (1-1), the eventual loser, took the mound to relieve Tony Runion.
With one out, Brian Culp and Colin Dixon hit back-to-back doubles to tie the score at 3. And with two outs, Dixon scored on a bloop single to left field by Keith Grunewald.
The teams' respective aces take the mound as the series continues tonight at 7 at Municipal Field. Kinston right-hander Bartolo Colon (13-3, 1.81) goes against Salem right-hander Jamey Wright (9-5, 2.59).
NOTES: Nate Holdren was named Co-Batter of the Week in the Carolina League on Friday. Holdren, who went 0-for-3 with a walk on Friday, batted .529 (9-for-17) with four home runs and eight RBI from July 21-27 ... 1971 American League MVP and Cy Young winner, Vida Blue, will be among former big league players participating in today's Old Timer's Game at 5:30 p.m.
by CNB