THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 22, 1996 TAG: 9607220148
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARK NAEGLE, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: COLUMBUS, OHIO LENGTH: 31 lines
It's the kind of decision managers get paid for.
Second-guessers will say Norfolk skipper Bobby Valentine made the wrong one in a 4-3 International League loss to the host Columbus Clippers Sunday in Cooper Stadium.
The loss, the second straight to Columbus, drops Norfolk's lead in the Western Division to one game over the Clippers.
Norfolk starter Mike Gardiner, who was activated from the disabled list Sunday, entered the sixth inning with a no-hitter. But he also had thrown over 80 pitches and walked five.
By the time Valentine went to his bullpen, Gardiner had given up three hits, walked two more and trailed 3-0.
``He was very well rested,'' said Valentine, referring to Gardiner's last start, July 5 against Scranton. ``He was hitting the corners. Why would I take him out? He had a no-hitter.''
Not after Pat Kelly led off the sixth with a single on the second pitch of the inning. One out later Ivan Cruz walked, and Jorge Posada's triple drove in both runners. After another walk, Tracy Woodson singled to make it 3-0 and chase Gardiner.
Gardiner (8-2), who had walked just 14 batters in 101 2/3 innings entering the game, allowed seven bases on balls and struck out seven in 5 1/3 innings. Both his losses are to Columbus. Brian Boehringer (9-3) finished with eight strikeouts and one walk in seven innings. by CNB