From Majors to a Minor Setback

Roger Salkeld, a former first-round pick out of Saugus High, seemed to make his major league breakthrough in the middle of last season, when he was pitching well in the starting rotation of the Cincinnati Reds.

But Salkeld finished poorly and has pitched all of this season at triple-A Indianapolis, where he has struggled. After giving up six runs in 5 2/3 innings on Friday night, his earned-run average rose to 7.09 and his record dropped to 2-4.

“He’s pitching from behind too much, which he had a history of last year,” said Chief Bender, the Reds’ director of player development. “He was always pitching from behind and then he had to come in fat to hitters.”

Bender said the Reds aren’t ready to give up on Salkeld, 26, who was traded in 1995 after failing to meet expectations in the Seattle Mariners’ system.

“We are still hoping [he will return to the majors] sometime in the near future,” Bender said. “I would think that with expansion coming up, it’s all in his favor to hang with it. I think he’s determined.”

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Scanning Friday box scores: DOUBLE A--First baseman Brad Fullmer (Montclair Prep) went three for seven in a 14-inning game for Harrisburg, Pa. . . . Former JetHawk right-hander Ivan Montane, known for his wildness, walked six of the seven batters he faced in his start for Memphis, Tenn., and was pulled after getting one out in the first inning. He was charged with only three runs and did not get a decision. . . . Third baseman Steve Sisco (Thousand Oaks, Moorpark College) hit his second home run for Wichita. . . . Catcher Keith McDonald (Pepperdine) had three hits, including a double, for Arkansas. CLASS A--Right-hander Rob Crabtree (Cal State Northridge) picked up a victory in relief for Bakersfield. . . . Outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. (Granada Hills, Mission College) had two hits, including a homer, and four RBIs for Rancho Cucamonga. . . . Second baseman Dave Newhan (Pepperdine) had a homer and three RBIs for Visalia. . . . Former JetHawk third baseman Luis Figueroa homered for the second consecutive night and had two RBIs for Wisconsin. . . . Left-hander Adam West (Thousand Oaks, Pierce) picked up a victory in relief for Peoria, Ill. . . . Right-hander Keith Evans (Crespi) gave up two runs and four hits in seven innings, striking out 11, for Cape Fear, which plays in Fayetteville, N.C.

JETHAWKS

The JetHawks lost to the High Desert Mavericks, 3-2, at High Desert.

The JetHawks managed only five hits and committed an error. The Mavericks had eight hits and no errors.

Rafael Rivera (0-2) took the loss for the JetHawks. Tarrik Brock had two hits and a run batted in.

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Today’s Game: JetHawks (Damaso Marte, 0-3, 4.50) at High Desert (Alex Pena, 0-0, 5.46), 2:05.