The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 11

tot mnoN THE PANTAGRAPH, Wednesday, May 1 1 1 994 B3 RANDY KINDRED -A Finally, with the help of Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, and his goat-on-a-rope, the skid was halted last week with a 5-2 win over Cincinnati. But the fact remains this is a team with a $7 million second baseman and a 10-cent pitching staff. Winning one of the next 13 at home is possible, if not probable. Truth is, the Cubs have fared well on the road.

Their 6-3 win at St Louis Monday ran their record away from Wrigley to 8-8. Still, there are signs the demons have not been adequately exorcised. Bad pitching has followed the Cubs everywhere. A team does not amass an NL-worst 5.51 earned run average on home games alone. Only rookie Steve Trachsel (4-2) has an ERA of less than 4.00 among the starters.

The rest Mike Morgan, Jose Guzman, Willie Banks, Anthony Young have performed the way everyone but Cubs' general manager Larry Himes anticipated badly. but he is merely playing with the cards Himes dealt him. And he is not holding an ace. 1 Instead, he has a fistful of pitchers who give vt runs and position players who run, no matter what Sammy Sosa, Rick Wilkins, Mark Grace and yes, eve; Ryne Sandberg, have violated baserunning rules they were taught in Little League. Why? Perhaps, as some have suggested, they were trying to "make something happen." Tossing a burning match into a tank of gasoline will "make something happen." But that hardly makes it right So far, there has been little right about these Cubs.

They have been baseball's version of the bumbling Frank Burns, who in an episode of M'A'S'H said in disbelief, "I was wrong!" "You're always wrong, Frank," replied the terminally tipsy Henry Blake. "That's what's so right about you." The same is true of the Cubs, who took the second-worst record in the major leagues (9-20) into Tuesday night's game at St Louis. Only Oakland (9-22) was worse, and the A's do not have a superstatlon trans mitting their blunders from coast to coast WGN-TV has made the Cubs among the most watched teams in baseball. But rumor has it, their telecasts will soon be switched from Channel 9 to Comedy Central. Yep.

Everyone has a Cub joke. In seconds, at the same table, another coffee shop one-liner was passed along. "There will be three 20-game winners in the National League this (Bob) Tewksbury, (Greg) Maddux and the Cubs." The common denominator, of course, is the Chicago Cubs, a long-suffering franchise that, in the span of a month, has taken the pain of losing to a uniquely excruciating level. If ever a team was in need of Comic Relief, it's the Cubs. And a lot of people are doing their part.

EVERYONE, IT SEEMS, has a Cub joke. Some folks have enough for a nightclub act Those who don't need merely to be patient, for the Cubs have 68 games remaining at Wrigley Field. You remember Wrigley Field. The ivy covered walls. The hand-operated scoreboard.

The friendly confines. The No. 1 attraction for the Chicago Convention Visitors Bureau. Visitors from far and wide have cherished their trips to the historic park, particularly uniformed personnel from New York, Atlanta, Houston, Colorado, Cincinnati. All contributed to the Cubs' season-opening 12-game home losing streak, a record for futility matched only in the singles bars of Rush Street Striking out was the norm.

And when the Cubs did get to first base, they were picked off, or doubled off. Team for which losing has become a laughing matter David Letterman rubbed his hands together and broke into his wry, ddrky grin. The king of late night TV had sports news to report, news that somehow eluded the crew of "Baseball Tonight." "A boat load of Haitian refugees landed in Miami today, hopped a plane to Chicago and beat the Cubs, 6-3," Letterman cracked. A few days later, a man sat in an area restaurant, conversing over a Mother's Day lunch. "Did you hear the Cubs have a new team physician?" he asked.

was the reply. "Dr. Jack Kevorkian," he said, beaming. AND WHILE HIMES defends the decisions to let Cy Young Award winner Maddux and 15-11 lefthander Greg Hibbard leave through free agency the past two offseasons, first-year manager Tom Trebe-lhorn is left to deal with the consequences. To his credit he mingled with the masses at the height of the losing streak, answering questions from angry Cub fans at a firehouse across from Wrigley Field.

Trebelhorn has been willing to take the heat, Miles, NCHS defeat BHS in Softball BHS' Price does talking as pitching quiets NCHS By ROBERT WARTH Pantagraph staff Everytime Normal Community High School pitcher Keri Miles found herself in a jam Tuesday, she could depend on her eight teammates to come through for her. "They made a good play defensively to take the bunt away." Miles (8-2) received help from her teammates as she set down 15 Raiders on groundouts and recorded no strikeouts. "That's been the story of her career," Hulit said of Miles, who yielded four hits and one walk. "When she's been on, she makes the batters hit the ball on the ground and lets the defense make the plays behind her." Mary Hoffman (3-7) had kept NCHS at bay for five innings but tired in the sixth, walking the first three batters. "She just ran out of gas," Jordan said.

"You have to fight through that They (NCHS) are a good team that is not going to swing at bad pitches." Emily Starkey and Mandy Paul each drove in two runs to highlight the seven-run outburst and 11-2 overall. BHS fell to 2-4 and 10-12. Until NCHS struck for seven runs in the sixth inning to break the game open, Miles and the Ironmen continually thwarted BHS rallies. The Raiders stranded five runners in scoring position, including three on third base. The Raiders' greatest threat came in the fifth.

However, with runners on first and second and none out, Ironmen third baseman Amy Woolen turned Kara Young's sacrifice into a fielder's choice at third base. Miles then retired Hoffman and Dicken on flyballs. "The fielder's choice was a big play," Iron-men coach Lloyd Hulit said. "One of the things we're trying to emphasize is not just getting the out, but getting the lead runner. Otherwise they could have ended up with a big inning." "That was not a bad sacrifice," Jordan said.

By RANDY REINHARDT Pantagraph staff It wasn't the usual "who do you want to talk to" query from Bloomington High School baseball coach Rick Krueger when a reporter en-t the -dugout area BHS 4 after Tues- NCHS 0 day's game against Normal Community. "You want to talk to Bobby Price," Krueger said with confi- He was right and so was Price, who blanked NCHS on one hit a fifth-inning bunt single as the Purple Raiders claimed a 4-0 Big 12 Conference i. Behind the pitching of Miles and their defense, NCHS 9 the Ironmen held off BHS 0 Bloomington in the early innings before erupting later en route to a 9-0 win in a Big 12 Conference softball game at Maxwell Park. "Miles did a good job when she got in tough spots of getting the play behind her," Purple Raider coach Doug Jordan said. "They are a good defensive team and you have to give them the credit." The Ironmen improved to 5-1 in the Big 12 victory at Truman Keys Prairie Central, Quigley edge High in softball 10 and walked three.

No NCHS baserunner reached third base. "I've come back gradually over a three-week period," said the junior right-hander. "The last couple innings, I got a little tired. I'm glad the defense was back there." Jason Higgins spoiled Price's no-" hit bid leading off the fifth inning. He dropped a bunt to the right of Price, whose throw to first base was late.

"That was a good bunt," Price said. "He's a good ballplayer." BHS scored its first run in the third inning. Higgins lost Todd Haenle's fly ball to right field in the sun for a double. Kevin Engle'sj two-out single chased Haenle home. Ironmen starter James Rinne, 0-1, loaded the bases in the fourth by, hitting two batters and issuing a walk.

Haenle's single drove home Scott Barwick, a courtesy runner forZachJudd. The Raiders added two runs Jifc the fifth as Judd singled in Andy' Adams and Matt Gordon scored otv. a wild pitch. Price walked two in the sixth' inning and another in the seventh," but NCHS could not capitalize. "Hats off to him.

He threw a super game," Ironmen coach Tom Finch said. "We got a couple on base, and he would toughen up and get the outs he needed. He was throwing strikes and had pretty good heat, but we have to make adjustments in our swing." Haenle and Judd each had two of the Raiders' seven hits. Stacy Quigley drove in two runs to lead Prairie Central High School past University High 4-3 in a Corn Belt Conference softball game Tuesday at Fairview I Field. "We've been struggling big time," said Krueger, whose team had lost five of its last six.

"Bobby gives us a big boost. Ten strikeouts took the pressure off our defense." struck out five. The loss was High's first in 10 Corn Belt games and dropped the Pioneers to 18-4 overall. The Hawks improved to 5-3 in the conference and 15-3 overall. The Pioneers scored two first-inning runs when Mindy Epley tripled with two outs to score Ashley Blust.

Sarah Kummer followed with a double, driving in Epley. After Prairie Central scored once in the second, Jamie McGreal reached on an error with two outs in the third and Quigley followed with her two-run single, pushing 10-8, while El Paso fell to 4-9. Emily Lander (3-3) went the distance, striking out three and walking one. Sue Rapp hit a three-run homer for the Saints. She had four RBI along with Chris Rapp and Katy McCambridge.

Kim Arnold, Chris Rapp and Jennie Flynn each had three hits. "Lander pitched a good game. She was very consistent on the mound," said Central coach Tony Fabrizio. "Everybody was hitting the ball, that's for certain. We played good defense out there." the Hawks into a 3-2 lead.

Two passed balls enabled Quigley to score. Epley singled and scored on an error in the sixth to draw the Pioneers within one run. Blust (15-3) struck out eight while allowing just one earned run. Central 30, El Paso 1 Central Catholic cranked out 23 hits and rolled to a nonconference victory at El Paso in a game shortened to five innings by the 10-run rule. The Saints upped their record to Bobby Price Park.

PRARIE CENTRAL 4 Quigley's HIGH 3 two-run single highlighted a three-run third inning that gave Prairie Central a 4-2 lead. Kelli Gillette (7-2) never let the Pioneers back in the game, limiting High to two hits after the first inning. She walked none and BHS improved its record to 11-9 overall and 2-4 in the Big 12. The Ironmen dropped to 8-10 and 3-3 in conference play. "I'm glad I got the win because the team needed confidence back," Price said.

"I felt like I was throwing pretty hard." Price, who had been troubled by a strained rotator cuff, struck out NCHS rolls to 8-0 soccer victory Kenbar Moment, Irving 4.20 Time: Eucta (3-6) $162.80 TENTH RACE 6 furiongl 2 Kiltamar, Bielby 4.80 3.00 2.40 4 Proud Spartan, Hundley 5.00 2.80 3 River Seine, Bums 2.80 Time: Eucta (2-4) Trifecta (2-4-3) Late Double (3-2) $89.40 ELEVENTH RACE SVi furiongl 4 Amberaia, Medina 5.80 2.60 2.80 2 With Wine, Bums 4.20 4.00 8 Which Switch, Burns 4.80 Time: Eucta 4-2) Trifecta (4-2-8) $196.60 Schmidt didn't face a shot Other Ironmen goals were scored by Sarah Kalmes, Beth Pull, McKenzie Tidwell and Ariana Horna. Monica Cameron had two assists for NCHS. Pull and Erica Antes-berger each had an assist. Junior Jenny Schmidt and senior Michelle Larson each scored two goals to help Normal Community High School's girls soccer team to an 8-0 victory over Peoria Manual Tuesday at Maxwell Park. NCHS improved its record to 5-9.

The Ironmen dominated, firing 37 shots on goal. NCHS goalkeepers Becky Lawson and senior Jenny From B2 AT PEORIA ILOOMINGTON 9, PEORIA RICHWOODJ 0 SINGLES Craig lacobs IB) dtf. Chip Srxnce (PR), 6-2, 6-0; Ion MdiMls IS) def Andy Murray IPRI, 6-1, 6-1; Brian Verban (B) dtf. Niko FanM IPRI, 6-1, 6-0; Drue Anderson IBI def. Courtney Barr (PR), 6-3, 6-2; Daniel Del Campo IB) def.

Marc Palagallo IPR), 6-1, 6-3; Chris jetton IB) def. Ryan Webb IPRI, 6-2, 6-3. DOUBLES Michaels-Todd Rozborlt IB) def. Spence-Fanet (PR), 6-3, 6-1; Anderson-letlon IB) def. Webb-Palagallo IPR), 6-4, 6-2; lacobs-Verban IB) def.

Shiraz Khaiser-Man Cross IPRI, 6-0, 6-1 Record Bloomington 6-0. AT RANTOUL UNIVERSITY HIGH 6, RANTOUL 3 SINGLES David Utman IR) def. William LI (UHI, 6-0, 6-0; Brian Diemer IUH) def. Mike Lilman IR), 7-6, 6-1; lae Km (R def. David Stark IUH), 6-0, 6-7, 6-1; Numan Ahmed IUH) def.

Pat Sipes IR), 6-1, 6-0; Chm CoKvitzer (UH) def. Matt Schmidt (R), 6-4, 6-2; Chia-Hao Han IUH) def. Andy Schmuck (R), 6-2, 6-1. DOUBLES Ll-Diemer (UH) def. D.Litman-Slpes (R), 2-6, 6-2, 6-4; Kim-Schmidt (R) def.

Stark-Ahmed (UH), 3-6, 6-3, 7-5; Han-Brian Anderson IUH) def. Schmuck-Marc Beach IR), 6-1, 6-3. Record University High 7-2. 3 Oprah Bilmac Hiteman 2.40 rime: Scratched: Japonica Perfecta (2-4) 510.40; Pick Three (3-7-2) Pick Three (3-7-6) $58.40 SEVENTH RACE rune $4,750, 1 milt 7 Yes Sir, Morgan 16.80 8.00 6.00 4 livaro, DKnox 11.40 5.60 2 Fire The Cannon, Larsen 5.20 rime: Perfecta (7-4) Trifecta I7-4-2) $763.80 EIGHTH RACE Purse $4,500, 1 mile 4 Almahunt Scurry, Hosteller S.40 3.00 2.60 8 Siouxland lude, Morgan 7.60 4.60 3 Cool Diplomat, Hiteman 5.60 Time: Perfecta (4-8) Trifecta (4-8-3) $554.60 NINTH RACE Purse $7,500, 1 mile 6 Berk Hanover, Da Magee 6.20 3.80 3.00 7 You Better You Bet, Vallandlngham. 10.80 6.00 5 McVay Hanover, Hosteto 3.80 rime: Perfecta (6-7) Trifecta (6-7-5) $253.00 TENTH RACE Purse $6,500, 1 mile 5 Ideal Design, Hosteller 4.00 3.00 2.60 3 Satanic Candidate, DeMagee 7.80 4.00 1 Explosive Gold, Sual 3.00 Time: Perfecta (5-3) $30.40 ELEVENTH RACE Puree $4,750, 1 mile 2 Always OK.

lambs. 6.20 3.00 2.80 1 Silver WoK, Morgan 4.80 3.60 10 Carterton, R.Marsh 9.40 Time: Late Dairy Double (3-2) Perfecta (2-1) Superfecta (2-1-10-4) S943.10; Pick Seven (6 of 7) $80.40 Coast League. TEXAS RANGERS Purchased the contract of Bruce Hurst, pitcher, from Oklahoma City of the American Association. Placed Rick Reed, pitcher, on waivers. Announced DonaW Harris, outfielder, cleared waivers and was assigned to Oklahoma City.

National League CINCINNATI REDS-Placed Tom Browning, pitcher, on the 15-day disabled list FLORIDA MARLINS Placed Gary Sheffield, outfielder, and Ryan Bowen, pitcher, on the 15-day disabled list. Recalled Carl Everett, outfielder, and Mark Gardner, pitcher, from Edmonton of the Pacific Coast League. NEW YORK METS-Placed Tim Bogar, shortstop, on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 6. Recalled Rick Parker, outfielder, from Norfolk of the International League. PITTSBURGH PIRATES-Sent Kevin Young, first baseman, to Buffalo of the American Association.

Purchased the contract of Gary Varsho, outfielder, from Buffalo. Designated William Pennyfeather, outfielder, for reassignment. FIGURE SKATING U.S. FIGURE SKATING ASSOCIATION-Reln-stated Kristi Yamaguchi's eligibility for all domestic competitioni FOOTIAU National Football league ARIZONA CARDINALS Named Bo Bdinger director of college scouting. Keith Kidd pro scout and Leland Kendall, Bob Maaie and Cole Proctor, regional scouts.

CHICAGO lEARS-Slgned Dante Jones, middle linebacker, to a two-year contract. CLEVELAND BROWNS-Signed Mark Rvpien and Robert Cobb, ouarteroads; Dan EichloH, kicker; lohn Derby, Bllian and Montford, linebackers; Marcus Lee, running bad: Carlson Leomiti, offensive lineman; Rick Lyle and Tim Miles, defensive linemen; Eudean Toney and Greg Tremble, safeties; lohn Werdell, punter. Named Lloyd Givan assistant trainer. GREEN BAY PACKERS-Sgned Bill Schroeder, wide receiver. IOS ANGELES RAMS-Signed Gleg McMurtry, wide receiwr.

NEW YORK CIANTS-Announced they have rescinded their contract offer to Kanavis McGhee, linebacker, making him an unrestrkled free agent. HOCKEY National Hockey league HARTFORD WHALERS-Signed Manny Leg-ace, goalie, to a mukiyear contract Signed Ale-under Godynyuk, defenseman. OTTAWA SENATORS Fired Don MacAdam, coach of the Prince Edward Island Senators of the Amerkan Hockey League. 1 Miss Clarion, living 8.40 3.20 5 Luna Nublina, Gall 2.40 Time: Eucta (3-1) Trifecta 13-1-S) 597.80 SECOND RACE 6 furlongt 1 Clovertowne Spirit, Call 8.60 4.80 2.40 3 Blushing Ray, Wells a 9.60 3.20 2 Police Red, Campos 2.40 Time; Eurta 11-3) $69 0O; Trifecta (1-3-2) Daily Double (3-1) $42.40 THIRD RACE 6 furlongs 2 Cowgirlsingthblues, Medina 4.20 3.00 2.80 5 Pelil Village, Condron 4.00 3.20 4 Annw Iron, Burns 4.00 Time: Exacta (2-5) Trifecta (2-5-4) $106.60 FOURTH RACE 6 furlongs 1 No Obstacle, Gilbert 4.00 3.40 3.40 2 Blajen Wildfire, Cale 10.00 9.40 4 Loop And Swipe, Medina 12.20 Time: Exacta (1-2) Trifecta (1-2-4) $470.80 FIFTH RACE 6 furlongs 4 Magical Mac, Irving 31.80 11.00 7.80 1 Northern Sundance, 4.80 4.40 8 Shelbi's Baby, Cafc 5.00 Time: 1:13.3 Eucta (4-1) Trifecta (4-1-8) $1,775.60 SIXTH RACE 6 furlongs 5 Playful Deb, Gondron 3.40 2.20 2.40 2 Lrttlebitahope, Gall 3.00 2.60 4 Ask Mom, Medina 4.20 Time: 1:14: Eucta (5-2) TirficU (5-2-41 Pick 3 (1-4-5) $174.00 SEVENTH RACE 6 furlongs 1 Polar Bird, Bielby 5.80 2.80 2.40 8 Big BatkEari, Call 2.80 2.40 2 Captain Wells 6.60 Time: Eucta (1-8) Trifecta (1-8- 2) $104.60 EIGHTH RACE 6 furiongl 1 Temerity Violet, Irving 2.60 2.10 2.10 6 look Beyond, Hundley 3.40 2.20 3 Amykin O'Malley, Gall 2.20 Time: Eucta (1-6) Trifecta (1-6- 3) $47.20 NINTH RACE 6 furlongs 3 Diamond Spike, Burns 17.20 12.40 6.00 6 Northern Ticket, Bielby 11.00 4.60 SHELL THRIFTY MART SPECIALS! Busch I I I I I Milwaukee's I Best At Sportsman's Park FIRST RACE rune $4,500, 1 milt 5 Magic Trick, Hosteller 6.40 3.20 3.00 3 Megaton, DaMagee 3,20 3.20 2 Free Frying Arnold 7.80 rime: Perfect! (5-3) $29.60 SECOND RACE Purse $5,250, 1 mile 1 Duo Qngersnap, Frbr-Erdman .11.60 4.60 2.60 8 Amoret, Morgan 4.00 2.80 6 Forty Four DaMagee 2.40 Time: Dairy Double (5-1) Pet-fecta (1-8) $56.60 THIRD RACE Purse $5,750, 1 mile 3 Lost My Love, DBuae 4.00 3.00 2.40 2 Diamante, Maxwell 3.80 3.00 4 Spurpetual Motion, Jacobs 4.20 Time: Perfect! (3-2) Trifecta (J. 2-4) $61.20 FOURTH RACE Purse $4,500, 1 mile 3 Ok) Fashioned Way, Frbr-Erdmn 7.00 2.80 2.60 1 Sheal A Peach, Marsh 2.80 2.40 6 's Misty, D.Busse 3.80 Time: Scratched: Valuable Sahbra; Perfect! (3-1) $16.00 FIFTH RACE rune $4,750, 1 mile 7 Noble Lisa, Morgan 9.80 4.80 3.60 2 Sheal Precious, Farber-Erdman S.20 5 00 5 HP's Finale, Longo 3.80 time: Scratched: love And fusion; Perfects (7-2) Trifecla (7.2-5) $329.00 SIXTH RACE Purse $12,500, 1 mile 2 Olivia Franco Curran 3.20 2.60 2.40 4 Seelster Gal, DKnox 4.40 2.40 America's Line Gator Ade 16oz.

790 Favorite Underdog Odds NBA PLAYOFFS TODAY KNICKS ROCKETS 4V4 Home team in CAPS 549 mf 12 pk. All Month 3s? BASEBALL American league IALTIMORE ORIOLES-Placed Jeffrey Hammonds, outfielder, on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 4. BOSTON RED SOX-gPlaced John Valentin, Wielder, on the 1 5-day disabled 1st, retroactive to May 4. KANSAS CITY tOYAU-OpttoMd Chris Ha-ney, pitcher, to Omaha of the American Association. Recalled Jeff Granger, pitcher, from Memphis of the Southern League.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS-Place Steve Sax, In-fielder, on the 15-day disabled list. Recalled Fausto Crut, infielder, from Tacoma of the Pacific Prices good thru 5-15-94 Results At Fairmount Park FIRST RACE 6 furlongt No. Available at these Shell Thrifty Mart Locations NORMAL Northtown Thrifty Mart, 1617 N. Main GRIDLEY Gridley Thrifty Mart, Rt. 24 CHENOA Chenoa Thrifty Mart, I-55 Rt.

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