ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, July 12, 1996 TAG: 9607120064
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: LYNCHBURG
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
Lowly Lynchburg is proving to be quite mighty versus the Salem Avalanche.
The Hillcats, who were the last-place team in the Carolina League's Northern Division entering the game, scored runs in the first three innings and never trailed in downing the Avalanche 6-3 on Thursday night at City Stadium.
Salem looks to avoid a three-game sweep in the commuter series today by sending right-hander Luther Hackman to the mound. Hackman will be making his first start since going on the disabled list May 31 with a broken nose after being hit in the face with a line drive.
The Hillcats (9-10) scored the first run of the game in the first inning off Salem starter Stephen Shoemaker when Derek Swafford and Mike Asche led off with singles and Chad Hermansen walked to load the bases.
Jose Guillen's sacrifice fly plated Swafford for a 1-0 lead, but the Hillcats could not take advantage of the opportunity as Shoemaker struck out Shon Walker and Freddy Garcia to end the threat.
Salem (9-10) tied the score in the second when Nate Holdren led off the inning with a solo blast off Lynchburg starter Jeff Kelly. The Avalanche never got closer.
Lynchburg scored a run in the second when Erskine Kelley singled, stole second and took third on a throwing error by Mike Higgins. Kelley scored on an RBI single by Steve Thobe.
The big inning for the Hillcats was the third. Hermansen walked to lead off the inning and stole second. Scott LaRock then relieved Shoemaker after he injured his hamstring. Guillen greeted LaRock with a two-run blast for his third RBI of the game as the Hillcats took a 4-1 lead.
Swafford's RBI fielder's choice later in the inning gave Lynchburg a 5-1 lead.
Salem cut the lead in the fifth after Blake Barthol singled to lead off and Chad Gambill followed with a double to extend his hitting streak to nine games. Both scored on Elvis Pena's two-out single as Salem trailed 5-3 but the Hillcats added another run in the bottom of the fifth to provide the final margin.
Shoemaker (1-3) took the loss, giving up three runs in two innings. Kelly (1-2) got the win, going 5 1/3 innings and giving up three runs.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for text.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB