Tyrone Daily Herald from Tyrone, Pennsylvania • Page 3

Page Six Tyrone Dally Herald, Wednesday, August 24, 1988 Van Slyke's Blast Breaks Ice: BUGS' 25-lnning Drought Ends In 2-0 Win Over Reds NFL Training Camp Roundup By POHLA SMITH UPI Sports Writer PITTSBURGH (UPI) Andy Van Slyke hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning Tuesday night to end Pittsburgh's 25-inning scoring drought and produce a 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, but the blast provided no real evidence the Pirates' lengthy hitting slump is over. "We've been struggling collectively, and to say we busted out of it tonight would not be a fair assessment," Van Slyke said. The second-place Pirates, who had hoped to make up ground on National League East-leading New York while the Mets are on the West Coast, have scored just 15 runs in their last eight games and eight in the last six contests. Despite the slump, they have won four and lost four. They managed just four hits Tuesday night all of them off rookie left-hander Norm Charlton, 0-2, who was making his second major- league start.

Charlton, who in his big-league debut against St. Louis last Friday, gave up five runs in the first 2 2-3 innings, retired the first 14 Pirates. With two outs in the tilth, RJ. Reynolds broke up the perfect game with a single to left. Charlton gave up the other three hits in the seventh: a leadoff double by Jose Lind, followed by Van Slyke's homer, and a meaningless single to Sid Bream one out later.

'ray, but a win is a win, and you've got to find ways to win when you're not scoring runs," said Van Slyke, who set a career-high with his 22nd homer. "We've been fortunate and unfortunate at the same time. We've been fortunate that the Mets have been nice enough not to go off and run away with the division since we've been struggling, and our pitching's been good since the All-Star break." Starter Dave LaPoint, obtained in a deal with the Chicago White Sox Aug. 13, picked up his second victory in as many starts for Pittsburgh, combining with Jim Gott on a five- hitter. LaPoint, an off-speed left-hander who depended primarily on his changeup Tuesday night, gave up four hits, including three infield singles, walked two and struck out three over 7 2-3 innings.

Gott, who gave up a ninth-inning single to Eric Davis, earned his 24th save. LaPoint pitched out of two early jams. He walked Davis to lead off the second, then balked. Davis took third on Nick Esasky's flyout to right field, but LaPoint got Paul O'Neill on a groundout, and struck out Bo Diaz to end the inning. The Reds had runners on first and third with one out in the third, but LaPoint struck out Sabo and retired Barry Larkin on a flyout to end the threat.

Gott relieved after LaPoint gave up an infield single to pinch hitter Lloyd McClendon and a walk to Kal Daniels with two out in the eighth. Gott retired Chris Sabo on a ground- out to third. If Charlton hoped to get any praise for his improved effort from Cincinati Manager Pete Rose, he was disappointed. "Fm happy with a guy who gives up two runs in seven innings, but Fm never happy when we lose a game," Rose said. "When you give up two runs and lose, you shouldn't give up any.

I'm happy he threw the ball well, it gives him something to build on, but I don't want him to feel happy. He didn't accomplish anything as far as I'm concerned." National League Roundup: Mets Turning Up Intensity Level, Dump Dodgers Again By GERRY MONIGAN" UPI Sports Writer Against the team they might face for the National League pennant, the New York Mets raised their performance to postseason intensity. David Cone allowed one run over 7 2-3 innings and Wally Backman drove in two runs Tuesday night, leading the Mets to their second straight victory over the Dodgers at Los Angeles, 5-1. Although the Mets have languished since the All-Star break, New York has played well against key opponents. In the last two series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who they lead by 4 1-2 games in the National League East, New York has won three of four games.

In eight games against the Dodgers this season, the Mets have won seven. Cone, 13-3, has been a pleasant surprise for the Mets since he was acquired from Kansas City last season. Tuesday, he improved to 13-3 with a nine-hit, six-strikeout, no- walk performance. In fact, he's surprised himself. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't surprised at my record," the right- hander said.

"In spring training, I said if I was a starter I hoped to win 15 games. I'm flattered the way the New York fans have taken to me. I hope it continues. Randy Myers threw 1 1-3 hitless innings for his 18th save, and collected his first major league RBI and extra-base hit with an eighth-inning double. 'They've been tough on us," Los Angeles' Steve Sax said.

"We're pretty much the same type of club, with good pitching with some pop on the ball. They just seem to have an edge. "Hopefully we can turn it around and do better against them if we can get them in the playoffs." Ramon Martinez, 20, lost his first decision in his third major-league start, but the Dodgers remained 4 1-2 games ahead of Houston and San Francisco in the National League West. In other games, Pittsburgh blanked Cincinnati 2-0, Chicago routed Houston 9-3, St. Louis ripped Atlanta 7-0, San Diego clubbed Philadelphia 9-1, and San Francisco nipped Montreal 2-1.

Pirates 2, Reds 0 At Pittsburgh, Dave LaPoint allowed four hits in 7 2-3 innings to win his second game in as many starts for the Pirates, and Andy Van Slyke hit a two-run homer in the seventh. Van Slyke's homer off rookie starter Norm Charlton, 0-2, broke Pittsburgh's 25-inning scoring drought. Cubs 9, Astros 3 At Chicago, Vance Law singled home two runs and Damon Berryhill added a two-run homer to highlight a seventh-inning surge. Jamie Moyer, 7-12, yielded 12 hits, struck out seven and walked two in his third complete game of the season. Danny Darwin, 6-10, suffered the loss.

Cardinals 7, Braves 0 At St. Louis, Bob Forsch recorded his first complete game and first shutout of the season by pitching a six-hitter. Forsch, 38 and in his 14th season with the Cardinals, has won four of his last five starts and improved to 8-4 overall. Braves starter John Smoltz lasted 12-3 innings. Padres 9, Phillies 1 At San Diego, Carmelo Martinez hit a pair of two-run homers, and Ed Whitson threw a seven-hitter for his first complete game of the year.

Whitson, 11-8, walked none and struck out seven in his first complete game since July 26, 1987 against Pittsburgh. Giants 2, Expos 1 At San Francisco, Hubie Brooks singled home Rex Hudler from third base with two out in the 13th inning, snapping the Expos' nine-game losing streak and the Giants' six-game winning streak. Andy McGaffigan, 5-0, threw two hitless innings. Montreal executed five double plays. Scott Garrelts fell to 3-7.

BASEBALL WSTANDINGS PHILADELPHIA (UPI) The Philadelphia Eagles will start their fourth different offensive line combination in as many games Thursday against the Detroit Lions. Eagles Coach Buddy Ryan will test former right tackle Reggie Single tar at right guard, Adam Schreiber at center, Ben Tamburello at left guard, Matt Darwin at left tackle and, if he can learn the Eagles' offense in two days, Ron Heller at right tackle. Philadelphia acquired Heller from Seattle Monday for a conditional 1989 draft pick, believed to be a middle-rounder. "He's gifted, he's tough and he's smart," Ryan said of Heller, who started 56 of 58 games in four seasons with Tampa Bay. The Eagles were interested in obtaining Heller last April, but Tampa Bay sent him instead to Seattle.

The Eagles have lost right guard Ron Baker for at least the first six weeks of the season because of a severed tendon in his toe and center Gerry Feehery to a knee injury before training camp. Feehery has returned to practice, but is not at full strength, moving Ryan to start Schreiber. David Alexander, who took over at center when Feehery went down, was himself lost with a foot injury in the second exhibition game. Singletary and four-year veteran Ken Reeves had been sharing right tackle, but Ryan switched Singletary to guard and said Reeves has had an inconsistent preseason. LAKE FOREST, El.

(UPI) Chicago Bears cut 12 players, including wide receiver Lew Barnes and defensive back Egypt Allen, and placed three players on injured reserve. Barnes, a wide receiver-punt returner from Oregon, had a 97-yard kickoff return Monday against Dallas, but it was called back because of a penalty. He was the Bears' kick returner in 1986 and had a touchdown run of 85 yards on a kickoff that season. He also made four catches as a receiver that year. Barnes broke his left leg during preseason practice last Aug.

25 and was on injured reserve last season. Wide receiver has been the Bears' deepest and most competitive position this year. INDIANAPOLIS (UPI) The Indianapolis Colts waived four-year veteran linebacker Dave Ahrens, wide receiver Kelley Johnson, and nose tackles Willie Broughton and Scott Kellar. Royals Rally Against Beleaguered Bullpen To Beat Texas In 9th By LEN HOCHBERG UPI Sports Writer When Jeff Russell of the Rangers told Manager Bobby Valentine he was tired after pitching eight strong innings, the trouble started. Texas relievers Mitch Williams, Dale Mohorcic, Guy Hoffman and Craig McMurtry combined to blow Russell's fine performance in the ninth.

Russell limited the Kansas City Royals to three runs on five hits and left with a 7-3 advantage. About 30 minutes later, the Texas bullpen quartet had surrendered four hits, six walks and eight runs, letting Kansas City rally for an 11-7 triumph. "Jeff said he was tired," Valentine said. "It was the only decision I could make. With a four-run lead, I figured we were all right.

But we ran into big trouble." Williams ran into big trouble. Mohorcic ran into bigger trouble. Hoffman and Williams quickly filled the bases. George Brett opened the ninth with a single and one out later, Brad Wellman and Bill Buckner walked. Mohorcic entered and got the second out, inducing Bo Jackson to strikeout.

Pinch hitter Danny Tar- tabull then delivered a two-run single and Willie Willie Wilson followed with an RBI single to bring Kansas City within 7-6. Mohorcic issued two walks to Kurt Stillwell and Kevin Seitzer to tie the score before exiting. Hoffman walked Brett to push the Royals in front. McMurtry broke up the monotony by unleashing wild pitch, then returned to form by walking Pat Tabler. Wellman fol- lowed with a two-run single to make it 11-7.

Mohorcic, 2-6, received the- loss. Kansas City's fourth hurler, Steve Fair, improved to 4-2. "I don't think I've ever seen an inning like that," Kansas City Manager John Wathan said. They had a comfortable lead and gave up six walks. Thaf amazing." Elsewhere in the American League, New York nipped Oakland 5-4, Boston rocked California 10-2, Minnesota shaded Detroit 7-5 in 10 innings, Cleveland defeated Milwaukee 6-2, Toronto tripped Chica- 'go 7-2 and Seattle at Baltimore was Ipostponed because of rain.

Yankees 5, Athletics 4 At New York, Don Mattingly, 5 for his previous 31, delivered a run- scoring single with one out in the ninth for his first game-winning RBI since July 31, helping New York stop a four-game skid. Dave Righetti helped blow a 4-0 lead before improving to 5-3. Red Sox 10, Angels 2 At Boston, Jim Rice, Rich Gedman and Todd Benzinger homered and Mike Greenwell drove in his major league-leading 100th run to power Boston. Mike Boddicker, 10-14, earned the victory on his 31st birthday. Blue Jays 7, White Sox 2 At Toronto, Jesse Barfield broke a 1-1 tie in the second inning with a run-scoring single for his 500th lifetime RBI, and finished the scoring with a two-run homer in the eighth.

Toronto's Jim Clancy, 7-13, threw 6 1-3 innings. (All Times EOT) AMERICAN LEAGUE East Pet. GB Detroit 73 52 .584 Boston 71 54 £68 New York 67 56 .545 5 Milwaukee 64 84 .500 Toronto 63 63 £00 Cleveland 60 88 .476 13V4 Baltimore 42 82 .339 West Oakland 79 48 .622 Minnesota 71 54 .568 7 Kansas City 65 60 .620 13 California 62 64 .492 1654 Texas 56 68 .462 21J4 Chicago 54 72 .429 2454 Seattle 51 75 .405 2754 Tuesday's Results New York 5, Oakland 4 Seattle at Baltimore, rain Boston 10, California 2 Cleveland 6, Milwaukee 2 Toronto 7, Chicago 2 Minnesota 7, Detroit 5, 10 innings Kansas City 11, Texas 7 Wednesday's Games Chicago (Long 4-9) at Toronto (Musselman 5-1), 12:35 p.m. Oakland (Stewart 16-11) at New York (Candelaria 13-7), 1:00 p.m. Cleveland (Candiotti 9-8) at Milwaukee (Filer 5-6), 2:35 p.m.

Seattle (Langston 9-10 and Moore 7-13) atBaltimorc (Ballard 7-10 and Schmidt6-3), 2, 5:05 p.m. California (Witt 9- 12) at Boston (Clemens 15-8), 7:35 p.m. Detroit (Tanana 14-7) at Minnesota (Toliver 4-3), 8:06 p.m. Kansas City (Saberhagen 12-13) at Texas (Witt 6-8), 8:36 p.m. Thursday's Games New York at Milwaukee NATIONAL LEAGUE Eaat Pet.

GB New York 73 52 .584 Pittsburgh 69 67 .548 Montreal 64 61 .512 9 Chicago 61 62 .496 11 St Loins 56 69 .448 17 Philadelphia 52 73 -416 2 1 West Los Angeles 72 53 B76 San Francisco 68 58 .540 4K Houston 68 58 .540 454 Uincinnab 63 61 .508 854 San Diego 61 Atlanta 43 82 .344 29 Tuesday's Results Pittsburgh 2, Cincinatj 0 Chicago 9, Houston 3 St. Louis 7, Atlanta 0 San Diego 9, Philadelphia 1 New York 6, Los Angeles 1 Montreal 2, San Francisco 1, 13 innings Wednesday's Games i R.m (Rya 9 1 at Chica (Maddux 16-6), 2:20 p.m. GREEN BAY, Wis. (UPI) Veteran offensive linemen Ron Hallstrom and Mark Cannon say they can be ready to play in the Green Bay Packers' regular-season opener Sept. 4, despite missing a month of training camp.

They came to camp Monday after signing contracts. Hallstrom, the incumbent right guard, signed a two-year deal. Cannon, a starting center since 1985, signed for three years. "This is basically the third head coach since I've been here and I've adjusted to every system thafs been here," Hallstrom said of new coach Lindy Infante. "When it comes down to it, ifs blocking and tackling." NEW ORLEANS (UPI) The New Orleans Saints cut 10-year veteran tight end Paul Coffman and eight other players, including three draft picks.

Coffman, 32, had played eight seasons with Green Bay and two at Kansas City before signing with the Saints as a free agent. "I have no regrets," Coffman said. "Til just go wait and see if somebody would like to use me. I think I can the roster were guard Bob Sims, cor- nerback Clarence NUnn and quarterback Todd Santos. Others released were linebacker Joe DePor- est, wide receiver Stacy Dawsey, punter Mike Crowe and tackle Dave Solon.

PITTSBURGH (UPI) The Pittsburgh Steelers waived 10 players, including two-way college star Gordie Lockbaum and 12-year veteran nose tackle Gary Dunn. Lockbaum finished third in last year's Heisman Trophy after starring at wide receiver and defensive back for Holy Cross. Dunn, 34, was the Steelers' sixth- round draft choice in 1976 and one of only four players remaining who played in a Super Bowl for Pittsburgh. Dunn made 45 tackles last year, best among the team's defensive linemen. The other veteran waived was tackle Mark Behning.

CINCINNATI (UPI) Five-year veteran center Dave Rimington, released by the Cincinnati Bengals after he flunked a physical examination, says he hopes to join another NFL team. "I want to keep playing, but ifs going to be tough to hook on with another team," said Rimington, 28. "Even though I feel good physically, when one team flunks you, some others won't consider you. For me to get back in, it might take a team that develops a specific need at center." Although Bengals officials refused to disclose exactly why Rimington flunked his physical, the 6-foot-3, 288-pounder has been hobbled parts of the past two seasons with knee, ankle and elbow injuries. Said Rimington after his physical exam, "They gave me so many X- rays, I feel like Fm glowing." MANKATO, Minn.

(UPI) Running back Darrin Nelson ended his holdout Monday night after resolving his contract dispute with the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Pro Bowl tackle Gary Zimmerman and defensive end Doug Martin as the team's remaining veteran holdouts. Nelson led the NFL last year with a 4.9-yard rushing average. The final piece of his contract negotiating puzzle was believed to be a $100,000 interest-free loan. Nelson also reportedly will receive a $300,000 insurance policy to cover him in event of a career-ending injury. Nelson said he did not receive a contract extension, which had been one of the reasons for his holdout.

Vikings General Manager Mike Lynn has a policy of refusing to extend contracts for players who hold out. Nelson's contract, which expires after the season, pays him $300,000 this year plus a possible $50,000 in incentives. Nelson was fined $1,000 a day for the 31 days he was not in camp. PONTIAC, Mich. (UPI) The Detroit Lions waived guard Todd Irvin, placed on injured reserve cor- nerback Duane Gallaway and placed on reserve-did not report tight end David Hill.

still play." The three draft picks sliced from GREEN BAY, Wis. (UPI) The Green Bay Packers released center Bill Cherry, who has suffered from an unusual physical problem during training camp, and waived punter Michael Mancini. Cherry was held out of several practices and Friday night's exhibition game against Kansas because of dehydration. Cherry also became expendable when holdout veteran center Mark Cannon signed a three-year agreement with the Packers. The Packers also placed two holdouts, wide receiver Phillip Epps and inside linebacker Brian Noble, on the reserve-did not report list.

Taiwan Nips Panama In LL Series Opener 8t New York (Ojeda 8-12) at Lo. Angela. (Hershiser 17-7), 10:36 p. WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (UPI) Jui-Cheng Chen drove in the deciding run Tuesday to lead Tai Chung, Taiwan, to a 5-4 victory over Cur- rundu, Panama, in the opening game of the 42nd annual Little League Baseball World Series.

Chen, the winning pitcher, hit an infield single with two out in the final inning to drive in Fong-An Tsai, who had singled. With one out in the sixth inning, Chung-Liang Lin hit a double, moved to third on Tsai's single and scored when Ching-Chung Chang grounded out to tie the score 4-4. Chen struck out seven batters and walked none in his four innings on the mound. Currundu got all of its runs on three home runs and led 4-0 after three times at bat. Jaimie Mon- tenego and Amble Gordon both hit bases-empty homers and Marco Perez knocked in Montenego, who had singled.

"I was a little nervous when we were behind 4-0," said Taiwan manager Ta-Yuan Lai. 1 told my players to relax. Then, in the last three innings, we gradually recovered our batting power. By then, we knew the timing of their pitcher. My boys did everything they were told to do." Eric Osario pitched the full six innings for Panama, striking out seven and walking five.

Panama manger Luis Silgedo said his team of 11- and 12-year-olds "didn't have any luck at all." Taiwan scored twice in the third inning on a ground out by starting pitcher Chen-Lung Yu and a single by Wei-Chih Chen. Taiwan picked up another run in the fourth inning on a single by Kuo-Ching Hsaig. He scored Chung-Kiang Lin, who had singled, and moved two bases on a base-on-ball and a wild pitch. Each team got eight hits and the last three innings were played in a light rain. Another first round game between Spring, Texas, and Andover, was postponed by the rain until Wednesday morning.

The two remaining first-round games to be completed Wednesday include aeon- test between Pearl City, Hawaii, and Tulsa, and a game between Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, and Uhahran Saudi Arabia. MIAMI (UPI) The Miami Dol- hins placed Pro Bowl center wight Stephenson on the physically unable to perform list. Stephenson injured his knee late last season. Also put on the PUP were guard Chris Conlin (knee), tight end Dan Johnson (back) and fullback Tom Brown (knee). Miami waived guard Sal Cesario and placed on injured reserve linebacker Scott Nicolas (knee) and fullback Chad Stark (knee).

SEATTLE (UPI) The Seattle Seahawks cut Lester Williams, a six-year defensive lineman, two- year tight end Andre Hardy, first- year linebacker Rico Tipton and first-year guard Tim Burnham. This year's draft choices cut were safety Ray Jackson, linebacker Dietrich Wise and tackle Rick McLeod. MADISON, J. (UPI) Punter Sean Landeta joined the New York Giants for practice Tuesday, leaving Coach Bill Parcells with two unsigned Pro Bowlers and five worrisome areas on his team when the club broke camp. "It's been the same every day for the last two weeks," Parcells said.

"Special teams worries me, solidifying the offensive line worries me, the emergence of a dominant wide receiver worries me, nowitlookslike the health of the defensive line worries me, the play of our linebackers worries me. A lot of things worry me." Nose tackle Jim Burt, coming off surgery to remove two discs from his injured back last December, walked off the field Tuesday suffering from back pain. Erik Howard, battling Burt for the starting job, is sidelined with a hip injury. Rookie John Carter is left as the lone healthy nose tackle. The extent of Burt's injury was not known.

Pro Bowl linebacker Carl Banks and tight end Mark Bavaro are still unsigned. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City Chiefs waived veteran punter Lewis Colbert and two rookie free agents, running back James Chambers and defensive back Darryl Gaines. Colbert played 16 games in 1986 as a rookie and had action in only two contests last season because of a back injury. In 1986, he broke the team record with punts in a season with an AFC-high 99 and ranked seventh in the conference with a 40.7-yard average per punt.

MANKATO, Minn. (UPI) Safety Neal Guggemos was cut by the Minnesota Vikings and Coach Jerry Burns also said Tommy Kramer will start at quarterback in the team's final exhibition game Friday night against Miami. It will be Kramer's second start. Wade Wilson started the other two games. Also cut were veteran punter Greg Coleman, punter Mike Rice, tackle Lloyd Yancey, wide receiver James Brim, running back Maurice Turner, linebacker Paul McGowan, cornerback Derrick White and defensive end Jeff Faulkner.

Tyson Comes To Blows With Former Opponent Outside After-Hours Club NEW YORK (UPI) Former heavyweight contender Mitch "Blood" Green, who went the distance with Mike Tyson in 1986, Tuesday told police the heavyweight champion assaulted him outside a Harlem after-hours club. Green said he and Tyson came to blows early Tuesday outside Dapper Dan's Boutique on East 125th Street. Green has had a history of legal trouble. He has been arrested for allegedly refusing to pay bridge tolls and for allegedly beating and robbing a gas station attendant. Green, 31, who went the distance with Tyson in a May 1986 non-title bout, told police he had an argument with Tyson, 21, about 5 a.m.

"He reports that Tyson popped him on the bridge of his nose hit him, struck him, you popped him," said Detective Vincent Jones, a police spokesman. Tyson called a news conference at 7 p.m. to discuss the incident and a possible injury to his hand with a scheduled world heavyweight title bout against Frank Bruno six weeks away. Asked how many blows Green told police he took from the champ, Jones said, "One, thafs all it takes. Most men don't get up after one punch from this guy." Green, whose career record was 16-2-1, told officers he received five stitches above his nose to close the wound, Jones said.

Tyson left accompanied by two men in a car traveling eastbound on 125th Street, Green told police. Jones said all the information on the incident was provided by Green, who filed a complaint, and it was being investigated by officers from the 25th Precinct..