Valenzuela Throws a Six-Hitter for Third Consecutive Victory

For Fernando Valenzuela, the latest chapter of his career is taking on some of the qualities of his Dodger debut in 1981. Valenzuela pitched a six-hitter for his third consecutive victory, leading the Orioles over the Minnesota Twins, 7-2, Sunday at Baltimore. It was the third complete game for Valenzuela, who is conjuring up memories of Fernandomania with each performance.

“For me, it’s like another career, a second chance,” Valenzuela said. “Every game is very important to me.”

Valenzuela (5-7) had thrown 24 consecutive scoreless innings before the Twins scored twice in the second. He gave up two hits after that and lowered his earned-run average to 3.53. “He has this mystique of the screwball, but he doesn’t throw strikes with that,” Twin Manager Tom Kelly said. “He gets you out with that (cut fastball).”