ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, May 24, 1996 TAG: 9605240054
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WOODBRIDGE
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
It took two home runs by Nate Holdren and some outstanding relief pitching, but the Salem Avalanche finally seems to have the Prince William Cannons' number.
Four members of the Avalanche's relief corps held Prince William to two runs in eight innings as Salem prevailed 6-5 on Thursday night.
The Avalanche (28-20) has the league's best record, but it was only the second victory this season against a Cannons team that has beaten Salem six times.
Avalanche starter Matt Pool gave up a run on three hits in the first inning. After back-to-back singles by Prince William (21-25) to start the second, Avalanche manager Bill McGuire had seen enough. McGuire summoned Todd Genke from the bullpen. A sacrifice, a walk and Jason Evans' double produced two runs and gave the Cannons a 3-2 lead.
Genke (3-1) yielded two runs of his own in three innings of work, but Stephen Shoemaker, Jeff Sobkoviak and Zachery Sawyer shut out Prince William the rest of the way. Sawyer, who joined the team Thursday on a rehabilitation assignment, picked up his first save with a perfect ninth inning.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche offense played long ball. Holdren hit a solo homer in the second inning and a two-run shot that proved to be the game-winner in the fifth. Chad Gambill had a solo blast in the second, and Blake Barthol accounted for two with a homer in the fourth.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Short : 36 linesby CNB