Valenzuela Impressive on Mound, but Victory Eludes Him Again

Fernando Valenzuela’s best performance for the Baltimore Orioles this season wasn’t enough to register his first victory in the major leagues since 1990.

After giving up three first-inning runs Saturday, Valenzuela held the Kansas City Royals to one hit in the next six innings, and left with the score tied, 3-3. But the Royals scored two runs against Oriole relievers to win, 5-4, at Baltimore.

Valenzuela, who walked three and struck out three, lowered his earned-run average from 11.05 to 7.54. The seven-inning outing was his longest since he pitched a complete game for the Dodgers on Sept. 14, 1990.

“It’s what I’ve been looking for,” Valenzuela said. “For me, it was great. We don’t win the game, but I gave us a chance to win. Hopefully, next time I’ll get my first (victory).”

Said Oriole Manager Johnny Oates: “The first inning he went out there trying to blow it by everybody. After that he settled down and the location and the movement on his ball improved.”

Valenzuela gave up a single in the second, then retired 12 consecutive batters before walking Wally Joyner with two out in the sixth.

Alan Mills (0-2) gave up a tiebreaking ninth-inning home run to Mike Macfarlane to get the loss. Bill Sampen (1-0) pitched 1 1/3 innings for the victory.