Bees, Without Pair of Steves, End Gull Streak

The San Jose Bees ended the Ventura County Gulls 11-game winning streak on Friday, 12-6, and at the same time started a streak of their own.

The Bees won their first game without Manager Harry Steve in the dugout after Steve, also the team’s president, was suspended for two weeks and fined $500 Thursday for allowing Steve Howe to pitch in a May 14 game after being ordered to bench the former Dodger pitcher.

The action against Steve was announced by California League President Joe Gagliardi. It concerned Steve’s use of Howe as his team’s starting pitcher in a game against Fresno. The Bees had been told by National Assn. President John Johnson to bench the left-hander. The association is the governing body for minor league baseball.

Johnson issued the order after being told by Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth’s office that a drug test taken by Howe was positive for cocaine use.

Howe denies using cocaine and has been working through his attorney to overturn a subsequent ruling placing him on the ineligible list.

Steve, who is traveling with the team in the capacity of team president, named Mike Verdi interim manager.

Friday, the Bees responded under the new field leadership.

Darryl Cias and Dave Oliva each drove in three runs and Shawn Barton had four hits to lead the Bees to their victory before 518 at the Ventura College Stadium.