The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware • Page 42

THURSDAY'S HIGHLIGHT PITCHING NEXT Red Sox's Shawn Senior vs Blue Rocks' Kris mm Lynchburg's Trot Nixon belts a two-run homer to help spoil the Blue Rocks' season opener. TUE. SUN. MON. FRI.

SAT. LYNCH BURO 7:05 P.M. LYNCH 7:05 P.M. BUM f- 1 i --or: 1 1 1 t0 Blue Rocks radio Chickenpox KO Felix Martinez 1 Ml A member of the skydiving team from Maryland presents the first ball to be used for Thursday night's opening game of the season for the Blue Rocks. The man behind the keyboard Talk about excitement, Mike Mixon of Wilmington will help provide plenty of music, sound effects and skits with mascot "Rocky Bluewinkle" for Blue Rocks games at Frawley Stadium this season.

Mixon plays a computerized organ and keyboard from the press box that should keep fans (children and adults alike) in a festive mood whether the Rocks are winning or losing. Mixon, 38, operates Michael G's Musical Institute in the New Castle Farmer's Market on DuPont Highway. He is also the backup to Phillies organist Paul Richardson for games at Veterans Stadium. Mixon said his form of entertainment will include music from the Flintstones movie and TV series, and other children's favorites like Barney and Sesame Street. He plans to keep the fans rockin' between innings, during Blue Rock scoring rallies and even those little, well maybe some long, rain delays.

"A lot of what I do will depend on whether it is a day or night game, if there are a lot of children in the crowd or mostly adults," said Mixon. "We won't forget the adults though. We hope to have a little something for everybody. It's going to be a real fun year at the stadium." Listen up All 140 Carolina League games will be broadcast this season on the Blue Rocks Radio Network by flagship station WJBR-AM radio (1290) in Wilmington. Announcer Jim Rosenhaus is the voice of the Blue Rocks.

He will be joined for some color commentary by Greg Burton. The games also can be heard on WDOV-AM (1410) in Dover, WSSR-AM 900 in Georgetown and WNNN-FM (101.7) in Salem, N.J. Sunday only games will be carried on WSER-AM (1550) in Elk-ton, Md. "Cash for Kids" is back The popular "Cash For Kids" fund-raising program is back in high gear at Blue Rocks games. Under the plan, non-profit organizations will be given a maximum of 500 general admission tickets on consignment, to sell for specific games.

Once the organizations have received the tickets, they have until two days prior to their designated game to sell them. The group must return unsold tickets then with $2.75 for every ticket sold. General admission tickets are normally $4 each. In addition to that money earned, the group receives an extra 75 cents for every "Cash For Kids" ticket redeemed on the day or night of the game. Groups are awarded dates on a first-come basis.

For more information call 888-2015. Some new looks All general admission seats will be located down the first-base line at Frawley Stadium this season. The Delaware Stadium Corporation and the Blue Rocks added 250 seats, increasing general admission seats to 955. The former general admission seats located in the third base grandstand are now reserved $5 seats. They have been renovated to include seat backs.

The team has added a picnic area down the left-field line. It will include a tent, new steps to the grandstand and tables for 100 fans. The picnic area behind first base has been resurfaced with brick paving. Group benefits The Blue Rocks are offering several promotions for home games. Plan a special outing for your club, church, youth group, or just get together with a gang of friends from work and head out to the ballpark.

You might qualify for group ticket rates and hear your group welcomed over the stadium's public address system. Ralston WED. THU. P.M. 7:05 P.M.

7:05 P.M. Shading indicates homo games 302-888-BLUE ON THE ROCKS: Youngster Kevin Mitten of Dover, who was hit on the head by a fqul pop in the second inning, Returned to his box seat after Receiving treatment at the stadium first aid station during the opener Lynchburg's Bob Juday doubled off the right-field wall to lead off the first inning Kris Ralston will start for the Rocks against Shawn Sen ior tonight at 7:05. Red Sox 6, Blue Rocks 3 LYNCH BURO Juday 2b Carey ss Nixon cf Johnson If McGuire lb Moore dh Elermanrf Selby3b Martin Brooks Glaze WILMINGTON abrhbi 5110 Damon 4100 Myers 412 3 Long 3b 5100 Sutton lb 1 1 00 Gonzalez rf 4110 Morillo ss 3 011 Jennings 4000 Martinez 2b 4012 Murphy If 0000 Bunch 0000 Ounlopp Bovlep Perez 34646 Totals abrhbi 4000 3100 41)2 301 1 4000 4000 4000 3000 1100 0000 0000 0000 0000 30333 Totab Lynchburg Wilmington 105 003 0OO4 2B: Juday, Long (2), Sutton. HR: Nixon. DP L-l, W-0.

LOB: L-7, W-4. IP ER BB SO Lynchburg Brooks (W) (1-0) Glaze (S) (1) Wilmington Bunch (L) (0-1) Dunlap Bovee Perez 5 2 3 3 3 4 10 0 1 2Vi 4 2 First HaK Northern Division Frederick (Orioles) 1 Lynchburg (Red Sox) 1 Pr. William (White Sox) 0 Blue Rocks (Royals) 0 Southern Division Durtiam (Braves) 1 Klnston (Indians) 1 Salem (Pirates) 0 Winston-Salem (Reds) 0 Thursday's Games Lynchburg 6, Blue Rocks 3 Durham 2, Prince William 1 Frederick 11, Salem 8 Kinston 4, Winston-Salem 3 Today's Games Lynchburg at Blue Rocks Durham at Prince William Frederick at Salem Winston-Salem at Klnston Saturday's Games Lynchburg at Blue Rocks Durham at Prince William Frederick at Salem Winston-Salem at Kinston Sunday's Games Lynchburg at Blue Rocks Durham at Prince William Frederick at Salem Winston-Salem at Klnston Pd GB .000 .000 1. MO 1 1.000 1.000 .000 1 .000 uted two hits, and Marvel knocked in two runs for Milford. Megan Biddle tossed a five-hit ter and struck out seven in taking the loss for Middletown.

Middletown (3-3) Milford (1-1) 100 010 0-2 5 1 002 5 2 Biddle and Marker. Veal and Tlmmons. Veal (1-0). L-Biddle. 2B Mil: Draper.

Lake Forest 25, Arcadia 17 Susan McMillan had four hits, including a two-run homer, and knocked in six runs to lead Lake Forest over visiting Arcadia (Va.) in a nonconference game. Michelle Rowland contributed four hits, including a solo homer, and drove in four runs, and Heather Vanderwende had two hits. Arcadia Lake Forest (1-1) 20641 0 4-17 403 33(13) 25 17 Thornes and Nock. Long, Wright (3) and Vanderwende. Wright (1-0).

Thornes. 28 Nock; LF: Vogl. Rowland, Vanderwende, McMillan. Rodgers in title bout WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. Super heavyweight Bernie Rodgers of the Elsmere (Del.) Boxing Club advanced to the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves regional championship when his opponent from Pittsburgh failed to show up.

Rodgers (10-3) instead fought a three-round exhibition. He will fight for the title Saturday night at the Sun Center in Aston, Pa. Carroll, McCay victors LANDOVER, Md. Owen Carroll and Patrick McCay, representing the Delaware Hawks bantam team, won the final of the Capital Beltway Hockey League shootout contest last Friday at the U.S. Air Arena.

Carroll is a freshman at Glasgow High School and McCay is an eighth grader at Shue Middle School. Good furniture at bargain prices Check out The News Journal Classifieds today for bargain furniture finds at the price your looking for! NEWS JOURNAL CLASSIFIEDS To place your ad call 324-2600 or (800)235-9100 ext. 2600 Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm Fri 8am-5pfTi Sat 9am-noon LYNCH BURO 2:05 P.M. OFF 7:05 coverage on WJBR-1 290. For tickets: play for me at second is turning the double play.

I just want to get rid of the ball quickly with the runner coming in on me." Martinez said the fans will like what they see from the '94 Rocks. "This club will be faster than last year," he said. "We have guys who can run, steal bases and drive the ball." LANCE, DEMPSEY IN PUERTO RICO Blue Rocks pitching coach Gary Lance worked in that same capacity under former Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey in the Puerto Rican Winter League this past season. Dempsey was the manager of the Managuez Indios. His son, John Dempsey, is a backup catcher for the Rocks.

Lance's pitching staff for Managuez included major leaguers Brad Pennington (Orioles), Rick White (Pirates) and Randy Veres (Cubs). The catcher on Lance's team was the 1993 American League All-Star Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers. Lance said major-league players on the Santurce team were Ruben Sierra, Ivan Calderon, Gerald Williams and Juan Gonzalez. The teams played a 52-game schedule that concluded with a round-robin playoff. "Two years ago our team won the Caribbean World Series," said Lance.

"This past winter we were eliminated in the round robin. I really enjoyed the experience." Lance said he already has a bet with Blue Rocks Coach Sixto Lezcano for next winter. "Sixto is going to be a first-base coach with Caguas next year," said Lance. "We have a bet just on the head-to-head games of our teams for a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne." on Thursday. The Hens, who beat the Explorers (6-7) for the 14th straight time since 1955, improved to 3-4 as they won five of the six singles matches and swept all three doubles matches.

Singles: Paul, def. Metla, 6-3, 4-1; Russo, def. Buell, (-2, 6-2; Binnlngton, def. Howley, 6-3, 7- 6 (7-1); Schmidt, def. McGinty, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2; Nacson, def.

Christopher, 6-1, 6-0; Centrella, def. Wilhelm, 6-2, 6-0. Doubles: Paul-Buell, def. Howley-Chrlstopher, 8- Binnington-Schmidt, def 8-1 Nacson-Subash Parameswaran, 0, def. Russo-Matt Walsh, 8-3.

Shootout begins today NEWARK Action begins today at 5 p.m. in the Delaware Shootout high school basketball tournament at Delaware Field-house. Delaware Hoopla, one of the three local entries, opens against HarrisburgLebanon (Pa.) in a 5 o'clock game. Also in action at 5 will be Rafel Bigus, a 7-footer from Poland who competes for Archbishop Carroll High near Philadelphia during the regular season. The tournament, which features 32 teams with underclassmen players from throughout the Northeast, continues through Saturday.

Area skaters compete BRANDYWINE HUNDRED The Skating Club of Wilmington will host the 1994 Philadelphia Area Figure Skating Championships April 14-17. The competition will feature skaters from 17 member clubs of the Philadelphia Area Figure Skating Association. There will be approximately 330 competitors, and events will include beginner skaters through senior level, adult and dance. There is no admission charge and the public is invited. The club will also hold an exhibition for its own skaters entering the Philadelphia competition on Sunday from 11 a.m.

to 1:30 p.m. The public is invited and there is no admission charge. The club's rink is on 1301 Car-ruthers Lane off Weldin and Foulk roads. For more information, call 656-5005. Milford girls win 3-2 MILFORD Meghan Marvel knocked in Shannon Thompson with a one-out single to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift Milford High to a 3-2 victory over Middletown in a non-conference softball game Thursday.

Sophomore Daniell Veal went the distance in a five-hitter to earn the victory in he first career start. Maria Brozefsky contrib By JACK IRELAND Staff reporter WILMINGTON A case of the chickenpox kept shortstop Felix Martinez out of the Blue Rocks opening night lineup Thursday at Frawley Stadium. Blue Rocks Manager Mike Jirschele said Martinez contracted chickenpox last weekend at the Rocks' spring training site in Baseball City, Fla. Martinez still had not arrived in Wilmington shortly before Thursday's opener against Lynchburg With Martinez out, Cesar Morillo, who was scheduled to start at second base, was moved to shortstop. Ramon Martinez, no relation to Felix, opened at second base.

When Felix returns, Morillo will move to second and Ramon Martinez will become a reserve infielder. "I feel pretty good and happy to get this chance to start on opening night," said Ramon, who hit .253 in 24 games with the Rocks last season. "I know when Felix gets back I will be on the bench. Mentally, I have to work on being ready when they need me. I've never been a backup before.

I want to do my best to help this team win." Jirschele said Felix Martinez, 19, is a player the fans will love to watch. "He is a young Latin kid with an above-average arm," said Jirschele. "He covers a lot of ground. He's young and may mess up a routine play now and then, but overall he is going to be a real exciting player." RAMON STRONG ON DEFENSE: Ramon Martinez is confident he will hit at this level and excels defensively. "My strong suit is defense, but I know I can hit," Martinez said.

"In this league the pitchers throw strikes and a lot of breaking balls. The toughest Blue lie ii nine holds off Hornets NEWARK Troy O'Neal went 3-for-3, including his second home run of the season, and the University of Delaware held off a late Delaware State rally for a 54 victory Thursday at Delaware Diamond. Right-hander Chris Dillon picked up the win for the Blue Hens (16-5), who have won nine straight games. Matt Sartin took the loss for the Hornets (15-14). With the Hens leading 5-1 in the ninth, Bob Clarke hit his eighth homer of the season for DelState off reliever Scott Gellert.

Three batters later, Jim Masias hit a two-run homer, his fifth of the year, to make it 5-4. But Gellert got the last out for the save. Kevin Blackhurst went 2-for-4 and Bruce Shatel went 2-for-2 for Delaware. DELAWARE STATE DELAWARE abrhbi abrhbi 5000 4120 5110 4011 502 1 2011 1010 3232 0000 4010 202 1 1010 34 5 1 3 5 Mallohan ss 3010 4000 4111 3000 4000 4110 32 22 3000 1 000 200 1 Brown ss Blckhrst cf Brmbaugh 3b Laffertylf Jackrt Hammer dh Melvin dh O'Neal Bruun Colunio 2b Shatel lb Mahony lb Totab Tingle cf Clark rf Aiken 3b Candelaria Archamblt lb Macias If Hugglns dh Balentlne dh McDermot12b Totab 31454 Delaware St. Delaware Ml 0O0 003-4 001 111 lOx 5 E-O'Neal, Colunio, Mallohan, Sartin.

LOB-DS 5, 10. DP OS 3, Dl. 2B-Blackhurst, O'Neal, Mahony. HR Macias (6), Clark (8), O'Neal (2). SB-Hugglns, Blackhurst, Jack.

IP ER BB SO Delaware State Sartin (L, 2-4) Delaware Dillon (W, 2-0) 8 13 5 1 Gellert HBP-Simone (by Kerstetter). WP-Shaw, Dobie. UD women lose 15-7 BALTIMORE, Md. The University of Delaware women's lacrosse team was outscored 7-1 in the second half and lost to No. 2-ranked Loyola 15-7 Thursday in a Colonial Athletic Association contest.

For host Loyola (9-0, 5-0 CAA), Tara Kramer scored four goals and had one assist. Michele Meyer added three goals and one assist. Delaware (5-4, 3-2 CAA) was led by co-captain Jenn Rinnander with two goals and an assist, and Laura Perry and Kristina Scanlon each had two goals. Nacson sparks Hens PHILADELPHIA Felix Nacson stayed unbeaten in singles and teamed with Subash Parames-waran for a doubles victory to lead the University of. Delaware men's tennis team to'ya 6-1 non-conference triumph over La Salle For a group of 40 or more reserved seats can be bought at a discounted price of $4 per ticket for an I.

Goldberg Group Night Sunday through Thursday. The Blue Rock Cafe can be purchased for air-conditioned comfort at $25 a person. This includes an all-you-can-eat buffet. However, the cafe has already been sold out for at least 13 home dates, so you better hurry. For more information call 888-2015.

Field of Dreams Hundreds of youth baseball players will get a chance to run on the field again this season. With McDonald's as sponsor, players from selected youth baseball teams will be introduced on the field by positions. One youngster at a time will be identified by public address announcer John McAdams after his Blue Rock counterpart is announced. The youngsters will remain on the field during the national anthem, then run off and return to their seats. Chris Kemple, Blue Rocks general manager and community relations director, said the youths usually range in ages from 8 to 12.

With a group of 40 or more, the team can buy tickets at a reduced price of $4 for reserved seats. Rockslide It's the official newsletter of the 1994 Blue Rocks. To receive a one-year subscription (8 issues), mail a check for $10 with your name and address to: Wilmington Blue Rocks 801 S. Madison St. Wilmington, Del.

19801 Att: "Rockslide" Special promotions The Blue Rocks have scheduled 49 promotions to treat fans at home games. Among the promotions scheduled for this season: Schedule magnets: tonight Lapel Pin 1 (F): Saturday Fireworks: April 13, May' 18, 30, June 27, July 6, Aug. 17. Seat Cushions (F): April 14 Umbrellas (A): April 22 ll The News Journal JIM GRAHAM Baseball bats (K): April 25 Logo baseball (K): April 28 Batting helmets (K): May 7 Canvas bags (W): May 8 Old-Time caps (A): May 17 Diamond Dig (W): May 22 European Vacation: May 27 NASCAR Race Day: May 29 Sports bottle (F): May 31 Team Photo June 10 On field photo night: June 11 Lunch bags (K) June 14 Replica jersey (K) June 15 Baseball card strip 3 June 24 Sundae Sunday: June 26 Squeeze bottle (F): July 7 Batting gloves (K): July 8 Coupon pennant (K): July 10 Baseball Caps (F): July 11 Mini-Bats (K): July 16 Kazoos July 24 Beach towels (F): July 25 Baseball card night Aug. 3 Sunglasses Aug.

7 Lunch Boxes (K): Aug. 16 Disney Vacation: Aug. 31 Fan Appreciation night: Sept. 1 (Promotions schedule subject to change.) (K) First 1,500 children (A) First 1,500 adults (F) First 2,000 fans First 3,000 fans (K) First 2,000 kids (W) First 1,000 women First 1,500 fans First 4,000 fans Boosters club Join the Blue Rocks Boosters! With a sellout crowd on hand for the "Meet the Blue Rocks Dinner on Tuesday, the organization is gaining more strength in its second year. The Rocks Booster Club president is Craig Hall of Newark and John Laird of Bear is vice-president.

The organization has picnics planned after Sunday home games with the players and team personnel as well as a possible beef and beer fund-raiser in August. For a membership application send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Blue Rocks Booster Club, P.O. Box 4556, Greenville, Del. 19807 or call 994-8903. turned home to Charles Town, W.Va., for family reasons.

Hegman said infielder Domingo Mota is on extended rehabilitation. Mota torn his Achilles' tendon in a game with the Blue Rocks last season. Relief pitcher Roger Landress is sidelined with an elbow problem in his throwing arm. 1 1 wrestlers in action PITTSBURGH Eleven Delaware wrestlers will compete in the U.S. High School National Wrestling Championships today through Sunday at Duquesne University.

Ron Fretz of Smyrna High School, Kerri Cohen of Milford, Dan and Don Waters of Sussex Tech, O'Neal Bell of Polytech, Daryl Merganthaler of William Penn, Jason Moaney of Dover, Ni-geul Demby of Hodgson Vo-Tech, Chad and Shawn Davis of Sussex Central and James Schmidt of Dickinson qualified by being state finalists. All are seniors. The top eight wrestlers in each weight class will be declared Ail-Americans. Delaware has had eight All-AmericaRs in the past four years. Rocks scattered about Many of '93 By JACK IRELAND Staff reporter Where are those Blue Rocks of 1993? Just seven of the players who finished the 1993 season with the Blue Rocks are in Wilmington.

Most of the rest are scattered through the Kansas City Royals' minor-league system, including at least 10 at Memphis, where the Royals' Double-A team plays. Also gone is '93 Rocks Manager Ron Johnson, who was promoted to Memphis after leading Wilmington to the Carolina League Northern Division championship. Back in '94 for the Rocks: pitchers Melvin Bunch, Dario Perez and Jeff Smith; catchers Andy Stewart and John Dempsey; in-fielders Jason Marshall and Ramon Martinez; and outfielder Raul Gonzalez. Bunch was in the pitching rotation the second half of last season after being promoted from Rock-ford (111.) of the Midwest League. Gonzalez was the Blue Rocks' starting left fielder all season.

Stewart ended the season at first base for the Rocks. Smith, the Rocks' ace reliever, had 24 saves. Ex-Wilmington players with the Memphis Chicks are: pitchers Brian Harrison, Robert Toth, Brian Bevil, Chris Eddy, third baseman Gary Caraballo, catcher Chad Strickland, shortstop Shane Halter, utility infielder Brady Stewart, outfielders Darren Burton and Hugh Walker. Outfielder Michael Tucker and pitcher Mike Fyhrie are with Triple-A Omaha. Pitcher Jon Lieber, who had a 9-3 record in Wilmington last season before being promoted to Memphis, is pitching Double A in the Pittsburgh Pirates' system.

Lieber was traded to Pittsburgh in the deal that brought Stan Belinda to the Kansas City major-league roster last summer. Former Rocks released by Kansas City since the end of last season are first baseman Pat Dando, outfielder Tom Smith, first baseman Steve Hinton, shortstop Mike Guerrero, pitchers David Bladow, Shane Rea, Francisco Baez and Hector Wagner. Bob Hegman, Royals director of minor-league operations, said John Gross, the Rocks' opening day starter last season, has retired. Gross had an 11-10 record in 1993. Ji Reliever Jim Chrisman has re.