The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 70

8 Pan III Thursday, May 28, 1987 BwAjjgjjgfjfowjg Newswire Angels Find the Same Woes in Baltimore By MIKE PENNER, Times Staff Writer Leonard Retires Again Sugar Ray Leonard BALTIMORE The Angels came east, searching for a solution to their losing streak, and they thought they found one here Wednesday night. They scored four runs in four innings to knock the dreaded Scott McGregor (20-7 lifetime against the Angels out of the game, taking a 4-0 advantage. They added two more runs on home runs by Jack Howell. They had their best starting pitcher, Mike Witt, on the mound. They still lost, 8-6.

If you want an idea of how sour things have turned for the Angels, you only needed to have been among the 18,895 in attendance at Memorial Stadium. And you really only needed to pay attention to the bottom of the fourth inning. It was then that Witt, presented with a 4-0 lead against the Baltimore Orioles, suddenly and mysteriously transformed into Urbano Lugo. He walked the first three batters he faced Lee Lacy, Jim Dwyer and Cal Ripken, the latter on four pitches. He then got Eddie Murray to hit a grounder to first baseman Wally Joyner, who went to left field with his throw.

Two runners scored, two more wound up in scoring position and the Orioles still had no outs. Fred Lynn brought one more run home with a sacrifice fly. Ray Knight then sprayed an opposite-field double down the right-field line and the game was tied, 4-4. Witt came back to walk Terry Kennedy, strike out Larry Sheets, and walk Rick Burleson. That's five walks in one inning by one of the American League's top control pitchers in 1986.

Witt sneaked out of the inning without further damage by retiring Lacy on a force play. But that only brought on the fifth inning, which brought on the tie-breaking run. In this inning, which Witt failed to finish, Dwyer singled, Murray walked and Knight singled in the go-ahead run. Witt left after that hit, unable to complete five innings for his second straight start and for the fourth time in 1 1 appearances. The Angels were on their way to their fifth consecutive defeat and their 10th loss in their last 13 games.

"Unexplainably unexplainable" was the way reliever Gary Lucas, the eventual losing pitcher, summed up the latest episode. He talked about Witt, who hasn't won since May 1 1 and lasted just three innings in his previous outing. "He's struggling," Lucas said. "Everything went right for Mike last year, but he's been on and off this year. "It's frustrating from the standpoint that you have your ace out there, we've just lost four to the Yankees, he's the guy to right the ship and he's in a rut." Angel Manager Gene Mauch slammed a pack of cigarettes on his desk and said he didn't want to talk about Witt.

"I don't want to remember tonight or anything in the past at this point," he said. Pressed on the issue, Mauch admitted that Witt might be pressing. "As I told him before the game, you can only win one game, you can't take care of the whole situation." The whole situation, in regard to the Angels, is overwhelming at the present. With Kirk McCaskill and John Candelaria on the disabled list, Don Sutton struggling at 2-4 and Lugo back in Triple-A, Witt is the only member of the club's original starting five with a winning record (5-4) and his health. "We had many streaks the last few years," Mauch said, "where you'd get Mike Witt four runs and it's in the books.

It'll be there again." Wednesday night, however, Witt left trailing, 5-4. And although Howell's first home run tied it in the top of the sixth, Lucas and Mike Cook gave that run back and more by the end of the seventh. Lucas (1-2) allowed a run-scoring single to Ripken in the sixth and then did himself in in the seventh, dropping a potential double play ball at first base, a throw that would have ended the inning. Instead, the hitter, Kennedy, wound up at first and advanced to third on a double by Sheets. Mauch called on Cook at that point.

And before Cook could throw a pitch, the Orioles had another run. As soon as he completed his warmup losses, Cook stepped on the pitching rubber and then stepped off. Balk. Sheets scored from third and Baltimore led, 7-5. Cook also surrendered a home run to Burleson in the eighth inning, negating Howell's second home run of the evening, coming in the top of the inning.

Losing streaks are made of pitching breakdowns such as this. And no one in the Angel clubhouse was taking it harder than pitching coach Marcel Lachemann, who answered reporters' questions with his head buried in his locker stall, staring blankly at the floor. "Right now, I'm doing a very poor job of coaching," Lachemann said. "A guy like Mike Witt walks six guys. Lucas walks a .150 hitter Mike Young in the sixth and ends up having to pitch to Ripken.

We get a balk. "If I'm doing a job, that shouldn't happen. That's simple fundamentals, and fundamentals are my job. I've got nobody to blame but myself." Is there a solution in sight? "If we can get to the point where we can get a good solid pitching performance, it would take a load off everybody," Lucas said. "A complete game would get us over the hump." That hump currently resembles Kilimanjaro, as Witt illustrated Wednesday night.

Angel Notes Former Dodger Tom Nicdtafuer earned his first American League save against the Angels, although it wasn't pretty. Niedenfuer worked the final 2 innings, allowing Jack Howell's second home run, ihree singles and a walk. American League Roundup Niekros Get Act Together; Phil Falls Short, 1-0 Sugar Ray Leonard relired from boxing for the third time Wednesday, saying his victory over Marvelous Marvin Hagler had satisfied the desire that had driven him back to the ring. It was the chance to fight Hagler April 6 that brought a financially sound Leonard out of his second retirement. Challenging Hagler "was something I had to do," Leonard said.

He won a split decision in the Las Vegas bout to become the World Boxing Council's middleweight champion. "There's no one out there to give me that motivation," Leonard said at a press conference in Washington. "For me to perform, it takes a stimulus. Hagler was motivation for me. Thomas) Hearns was motivation for me.

But that doesn't stand anymore. I'm going to try to retire, to give it a shot." A former teammate of Len Bias testified that the late University of Maryland basketball player introduced him to cocaine in the fall of 1984. Terry Long, who was with Bias when Bias collapsed from cocaine intoxication last June 19, said that he, Bias, former teammate David Gregg and Brian Tribble had been snorting the drug for more than three hours before Bias suffered a fatal seizure. The testimony came in the third day of the Prince George's County trial of Tribble. 24, who is charged with cocaine distribution and possession for allegedly supplying Bias with the cocaine that killed him.

Running back Ronnie Harmon of the Buffalo Bills has formally requested immunity from prosecution in a Chicago federal grand jury's investigation of New York agents Norby Walters and Lloyd Bloom. Harmon's attorney asked for immunity for his client after the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago informed him that Harmon is subject to indictment for fraud and tax evasion because of his dealings with Walters and Bloom. Mississippi State could be penalized because fans allegedly harassed a black player during the NCAA Mideast Regional baseball tournament at Dudy Noble Field. Don Nelson, who molded the Milwaukee Bucks into a perennial National Basketball Assn.

playoff contender in 11 years as head coach, formally resigned, as he had said he would, in the wake of a bitter feud with team owner Herb Kohl. Nelson, also the Bucks' vice president of basketball operations, already has been offered a job as general manager of the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile. Dallas Maverick officials say the 47-year-old Nelson is their top choice to replace Dick Motta as coach. Nelson had three years remaining on his Buck contract, which includes a provision forbidding him from coaching or being player personnel director for another team for two years, should he resign.

If Kohl waives the provision, he is expected to demand compensation from Nelson's new employer. The United States took a commanding 9-3 lead over Britain and Ireland on the first day of Walker Cup golf play at Sunningdale, England. Billy Andrade. shooting a five-under-par 30 on the front nine, overwhelmed Briton Jeremy Robinson. 7 and 5.

Jay Sigel, former U.S. amateur champion, was 3-down after four holes but rallied to beat Bobby Eggo. 3 and 2. Tennis stars unwilling to play in the Olympics are selfishly insulting the Games and fail to understand the importance of opening the Olympics to professionals, the head of the International Tennis Federation says. John McEnroe, Martina Navrati-lova and Mats Wilander are among those who have expressed misgivings about playing Olympic tennis next year.

They cited reasons ranging from a desire to make the Olympic tournament an amateur-only event to an unwillingness to stay in the Spartan athletes' village for a month. A 527-pound American, who broke into sumo wrestling only five years ago. shattered 1.300 years of tradition by becoming the first foreigner named to champion's rank in the sport of Japan's ancient emperors. "I did it." exclaimed Salevaa Atisanoe. 23, of Hawaii, as tears welled in his eyes after the Japan Sumo Assn.

announced he had been promoted to ozeki. or champion, sumo's second-highest rank. Butch Goring, who was coaching the Boston Bruins at the start of the National Hockey League season, was named coach of the Spokane Chiefs. The 16-year NHL veteran, who played for the Kings, the New York Islanders and the Bruins, was given a two-year contract by the Western Hockey League club. Goring said he had never been to Spokane until three weeks ago, when he began negotiations with Chief General Manager Bob Strumm.

the winning run. The Mariners used seven pitchers, and the last one, Mike Trujillo, got the last out for the save. Minnesota 7, Milwaukee 2 Frank Viola gave up five hits and struck out seven in six innings at Minneapolis as the Twins handed the slumping Brewers their fourth loss in a row. The Brewers have lost 16 of 18. -DAN HAFNER Detroit 4, Texas 3 Jack Morris (6-2) gave up just three hits at Detroit, but he barely won because all three were home runs, two of them by Pete O'Brien.

Kirk Gibson, who hit a two-run double in the 11th inning to win Tuesday night, hit a two-run home run in the third inning to lead the Tigers to their 12th win in 15 games. Seattle 6, New York 5 The Yankees returned home after a 7-3 trip that solidified their grip on first place in the East. They went into this game with the best home record in the majors, 14-2. But David Vaile, who hit a sacrifice fly to drive in the tying run as a pinch -hitter in the fifth, singled off reliever Ron Guidry (0-1 in the seventh to bring home i i i i mm ill III I LEASING ALL MAKES MODELS NO DOWN PAYMENT on Approved Credit CALL DAVE WHITE 213-559-4600 nings May 1 in beating the Kansas City Royals. In his last four starts, he pitched 18 innings, gave up 26 hits and 21 earned runs.

The Indians threatened often, but Clemens pitched out of trouble. Oakland 4, Toronto 1 Rookie Mark McGwire hit his league-leading 17th home run and singled in another run at Toronto to pace the Athletics. Another rookie, Luis Polonia, also homered to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. McGwire's home run leading off the fourth landed 15 rows into the left-field bleachers to get Moose Haas (2-1 off to a good start. Haas gave up five his in six innings.

Of McGwire's last 17 hits. 12 have been home runs. "I'm just trying to take it in stride, but hitting as many home runs as I have has come as a surprise," said McGwire, who has an eight-game hitting streak, during which he six home runs. "I just go up there to see the ball and hit the ball. You know the pitchers are going to be around the plate, so you can be more aggressive." Chicago 3, Kansas City 2 Harold Baines, who struck out four times for the first time in his career Tuesday night, made amends at Chicago.

The White Sox designated hitter had two singles and his third home run to lead Chicago's 10- hit assault on Charlie Leibrandt (6-3). Phil Niekro, with younger brother Joe looking on, pitched one of his best games Wednesday night at Boston, only to be a victim of poor support. Roger Clemens, last season's American League Cy Young Award winner, worked out of four jams to pitch the Red Sox to a 1-0 victory over Niekro and the Cleveland Indians. Joe. who pitches for the New York Yankees, was in attendance because a victory by Phil.

48. would have given the Niekros 530 victories and broken the tie with Gay-lord and Jim Perry for the most victories by brothers. The Yankees gave Joe, who beat the Angels Saturday night at Anaheim to tie the record, permission to leave the team and attend the game. Joe, 42, has won 216 games, and will get his chance to break the record Saturday against the Oakland A's. Phil, a winner of 313 games, pitched a four-hitter, but his wild pitch led to the only run of the game in the fifth inning.

Jim Rice singled, took second on the wild pitch, third on an infield out and scored on Bill Buckner's sacrifice fly. Otherwise, Niekro, who has lost five in a row since winning his first two decisions, was in command. "I'll be there when Joe pitches." Phil said. "I hope he fares better than I did tonight." It was the best pitching by Phil since he worked 7V6 scoreless in an CELLULAR WITH HANDS FREE $788M (til) TM-M11 (111)117 -ORIGINAL uunm FAMOUS "Word of Mouth" HAMBURGERS VIRTUALLY VANDAL PROOF Wt Can Deliver And Place On Ground UM it Immediately Mini Storage; On Your Own Property ALUMNeUM A STEEL WW STMNQ FIOOM MnVQHATtO UMTt AVAILABLE pop NAM QH MMI I l15 WMItr li.d I UtO Sm fMA ft Ik ftnpl SffUHM sum 05 1IMMCA ftcM rtM tMU HOCK IMKtfMI MM NUTS HM1 Vlf LMCIUCMODf Aitltm II MONTI Ptta tUffWM UT AAA IM mm St FOUNT AM MtttlT Wwn. A MtftfJ MNUM MKMTS FmNkIm RCO NMU 1M1 WMIxi HUNIMCtM PARK FkWIrxa 1 $.

MS1WAS1IR '500 WMIm-Mldr SOUTH COAST TWO ftrtW Si it iiuii mm ifftis i IMlttal 1 1 1 1 LTJULl nTnnT-j -r tniin N-i-m-iw-M NiiNi-i-n HVaVVHtaacVHl NHL JHHHl UNIR0YAL FOR LIGHT TRUCKS iHHeBHeHieH TIGER PAW PLUS Top of the -Line All -Season Steel -Belted Radial Top of the -Line All -Season Steel-Belted Radial I I I hnWHHHBHhmmnhnI I "ALL YE ST 9S Ran vc oT JT $57 Va Fleetr 16 8-Dlv Fleetmaster Triple -Tread I 1 AHNW aHft; MM aNMF MM MM bum IT m- 91 Dr performanceLradialN uS Ss missTTZTwANw Zm I 1 fflSSw performance AOC W9SSBTM 1U I Mi 8 75x16 5 8-ply FleetmasierWide Oval 65.95 WW Jfgg jf I jJ) 9 50x16 5 8 plv Fleeimasler Wide Oval M.95 gjj iAr LAREDO Al7sEAS0N TIGER PAW AS jSLdSi iffifM HTc5f "JKLay, LAHtUU ALL AMJN quality all-season steel-belted radial LUBE. OIL. FRONT-END RJM thyJzhen E95 $9095 MBH filter special 'alignment Wml lift -smSt $12 1 1 $19 i HSrsci-. LAREDO RIB RADIAL ipHSTtiMi. i "wTwm i owkirowend i NNNKlXiJiBT- rkaix I nv.m $29.95 ivovshm $4 7 95 I Dramokioil ArLsl cambeT easier and loe UafeSrA fTnLa (AAflC P16S80m3 37.95 P21575RM 48.9S AcKIIo lt quarts of new 0,1 as needed NWNirSrtB HEa'VGoeKi ngZtk 11 DP 7J'l SH I indsalely check I I Road lesl vehicle I TKtKdr nkWnjBSNNl ci 10 pty PJSSZSRM 41-9 52.95 cuimmemlmi Witt mien en 10.

w.ii, coupon eaBPBr! EXjrTaeMI WMSFrKffi TC-i longneadl.te P19575RK 1 43.95 1 P23575RI5 I 54.95 ll AuuaaWA Maanj outtoi imam chimoui mwrr tomaucN io AiMfiat learnon yjo momwo uut Momrau rttunu sjui luea otaoro aAMT fcUWAJU aMrau tuth vnmau MtinuUa M'tltntfat Pixm tin Oatteat tin Cnaarmm tkamPm UmiUttkm WCmltmaiilniilii Italinrni amnMtrtn Caul tin Mi Crtaitin SUfcHn rnrrM aaHkl mnnn ntltnnM liaannl Mm SI Imm IM, SI IM UMh. intMlkli "US miOUeuoM SJWSAm frowst, tM Cm SI NflSvMwM llUIICoaolka IMUbahW umiiwi mnma wu iiaaoao' MM momm itJ4a juhimi matoow; menew mwum BMMaj amuses ihmw iiMStm nmm nrntntm JUUMHM CajNMAMNC COT MfBA FOOKT1JN VVY. OUNOCXU MOUWOOO LOtAtlon.lt WBWATCrTV HOMTiaiUO MOMWIAV OHTAJMO POtAONA MNUMOMN tAMTAMAMA tTVJAAM UPUUB WttT COVWA IwtVifiw MtTn CwWCMrattln BUSfiH AW (Hmfi Tn Cti ta Tn A frw SSfJfi HHM II" tin ftoi tm MMrbawirh tAHtn TnAatln tlllKallacai WSIawaiClKtM AMWrtaM ttWJWSAwl Ml H.n.lM) wsi.fr,. Bfitti" ffi'SiT" HISS" raOWAwileW Sellwllta J11 Hfm. nitMtneran IMtarraftM tatWM 8liMaw msioao mwuru ttiMtun mmm iiittitms niAniui juuihb ntmm mntiiu minim mmm tiujuott nut) aavnvnv ntjnna mmm mm mi tAtnLD CATMUMAI.

CtTY OOWMT OAMMHA OAUMAOA HBLLt LA KAMA HONnMT PAKaT nOBTMKOOi PAMOHAAIA CITY tMMM AAATTA ANA tAUOUt TAMZAMA VAWUVYt PrlCtt Md AAfVtCM IVtlhlbla It toeAlw.oi. ta r. r. wmn Im Tn ntnn.n.1 rt. rn era Tire Proa Other Dealer prKes 4Bet aeatiwMM BearrtaAMtM w.k iiOMnnAww iMKniiwAwt mis mm nthwN MtalMM aaiaakniAw.

lilaanntSM IsasSwFnM KtllMitM may vary Not all services mnist IIA3NMD mmm mmvn miw ihiAmuo mmnn mmow iiiaMsnT nAWUII nASOIIU iivihasm mmatu ittmsil avallabft at all loca Ions.