Gulls’ Provence Handcuffs Palm Springs in 10-3 Win

Behind the pitching of Todd Provence, the Ventura County Gulls rolled to their fourth straight California League victory, defeating Palm Springs, 10-3, on Tuesday at Ventura College.

Provence, a 6-4, 185-pound right-hander, improved his record to 6-10 with a strong eight-inning performance, allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out four and walked one.

Geronimo Berroa, Santiago Garcia and Jim Bishop hit home runs for the Ventura offense, which pounded out 11 hits, six of which went for extra bases.

Berroa hit his team-leading 21st home run and drove in two runs while teammate Garcia also drove in two with his ninth home run. Bishop’s home run was his sixth.

After falling behind, 2-0, in the second inning, the Gulls scored six runs in the third off losing pitcher Scott Marrett (6-6), who pitched for Calabasas High and Pepperdine. Marrett lasted seven innings, allowing six runs on eight hits. He struck out four and walked four.

The Gulls added four more runs off reliever Vance Lovelace in the eighth.

On Sunday, the Gulls swept a doubleheader at Fresno, defeating the Giants, 3-1 and 9-7.

Hugh Brinson boosted his record to 11-7 with a complete-game victory in the opener. He struck out 12, gave up five hits and didn’t walk a batter.

In the second game, Eric Yelding hit a grand slam in the fourth inning to lead the Gulls. It was his fourth home run of the season.

Gull Notes

Jim Biby, general manager and part owner of the Gulls, said Tuesday an announcement concerning the sale of the team will be made after Jim Colborn returns to Ventura on Sept. 8. Colborn, who owns one-third of the Gulls, is a minor-league pitching coach in the Chicago Cubs organization. . . . Right-handed pitcher William Shanks, who leads the Gulls with 18 saves, has been promoted to Knoxville of the Double-A Southern League.