Cards take 2 of 3 from Bucs

The ’61 Cardinals kept their good season going by winning the first two games of a three game set against the 1969 Pirates, before Dock Ellis and company shut them out in game three.

Game two looked to go to the win column for Pittsburgh, with a one run lead and

two outs in the ninth. But that magic man came to the rescue again, as Gene Oliver drove a fastball over the pavilion roof in right center for his second walk-off home run of the season.

Fire balling youngster Bob Gibson went the distance in the opener, throwing a 2 hitter and collecting 2 hits of his own in a 6-1 victory.

Bike Mike

Phightin's are on cruise control !!!

The league-leading ’52 Phillies continue to play over their heads as they sweep the ’66 Braves in three games allowing Atlanta only two runs in the entire series.  Karl Drews shutout the Braves for 8 2/3 innings in game one and Roberts and Simmons picked up the victories in the final two games allowing just one run each in their outings. Roberts went the distance picking up a complete game and lowering his ERA to 1.98

Happy New Year to all !!!

Jim Clouser

Sahx and Tigres split a 4 game set

Teams split 4 game series.  

GM 1: 88 Boston wins 10-3

WP: Mike Smithson (2-0)

LP: Dan Petry (2-2)

SV: Lee Smith (10)

HR: Greenwell (4), Benzinger (4), Rice (4), LeFlore (2), Thompson (5), Parrish (5)

MVP: Todd Benzinger (4-6, 2 RBI, 4 RBI, 2B, HR)

Detroit got off to a fast start with a lead-off inside the park HR in the bottom of the 1st and led 3-0 going into the 5th.  But then the Sox bats started to figure out Tiger starter, Petry.  The big blow being a grand slam by Mike Greenwell that gave the Sox the lead that they would not relinquish.  It would get tight when the Tigers got to Bob Stanley for 2 runs to pull to 7-6 before a Jum RIce 2 run homer and a Benzinger RBI single in the bottom of the 8th gave Boston a cushion.  Which they would need as Tom Bolton pitched himself into trouble in the 9th before Lee Smith shut the door to pick up his 10th save of the year.

GM 2: 79 Detroit wins 2-0

WP: Pat Underwood (2-0)

LP: Wes Gardner (2-2)

SV: Aurelio Lopez (4)

HR: NONE

MVP: Pat Underwood (7.1 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 1 K)

Pat Underwood and Wes Gardner (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 10 K) matched zeroes until the Tigers finally broke through in the bottom of the 6th.  The scoring came after a lead off walk to Steve Kemp followed by an RBI double by Jason Thomspon.  An insurance run would cross the plate a couple batters later when Rusty Staub drove home Thompson with a sacrifice fly.  Underwood kept blanking the Sox until he ran out of gas in the 8th and handed the ball over to Aurelio Lopez who recorded the final 5 outs for his 4th save of the season.

GM 3: 88 Boston wins 2-0 (13 innings)

WP: Dennis Lamp (2-0)

LP: Bruce Taylor (0-1)

SV: NONE

HR: Mike Greenwell (5)

MVP: Roger Clemens (8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 8 K, ND)

The Red Sox bats were silenced for 21 straight innings by Detroit pitching until Mike Greenwell 2-5, R, 2 RBI, HR) ended the drought and the game with a 2 run blast off Bruce Taylor down the RF line that landed 10 rows up into the bleachers.   Wade Boggs (2-6, R) had singled earlier in the inning and came around later on the 2 out game ender off the Boston left fielder's bat.  Dennis Lamp picked up the victory as the last of 4 Boston relievers that kept the Tigers off the board over the last 5 innings.

GM 4: 79 Detroit wins 9-2

WP: Jack Morris (5-3)

LP: Bruce Hurst (4-2)

SV: NONE

HR: Trammell (2), Parrish (6)

MVP: Lance Parrish (2-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR)

It was all Detroit from the start in the series finale.  The Tigers but 4 up in the 1st and 4 more in the 3rd thanks to long balls from Alan Trammell and Parrish.  Ron Leflore was also a big part of the offense on the day with 3 hits in his 5 trips to the plate.  The outburst of early runs was more than enough for Tiger ace Jack Morris as the righty kept the Sox bats in check with 2 runs on 7 hits over 7 innings to pick up his 5th win on the season.  Steve Baker finished out the last 2 innings for Detroit to earn the split for Detroit.  

Pete

BOS

O-live-r and well...

The 1961 Cardinals looked to be falling out of the race for the National League East title, and/or a playoff berth, having lost three straight to San Diego and getting blown out in game one of a three game set with Montreal.

Cardinal pitching was atrocious in game one, surrendering 12 walks and 14 hits. This lead to 16 Expos tallies on the way to a 16-3 romp. Six Cardinal hurlers shared in the futility, as Marquis Grissom and Larry Walker had 3 hits apiece, and Gary Carter 5 RBI.

Game two matched a couple of future Hall of Famers on the hill. The Cardinals hoped Bob Gibson could help end the 4 game skid, while Montreal countered with Pedro Martinez. Neither pitcher disappointed with the score knotted at one heading into the seventh.  Gibson set the Expos down 1-2-3 in the top half, and was due to hit with runners on second and third and one out in the bottom half. Manager Bike Mike reluctantly pulled him to try to get a lead, which pinch-hitter Red Schoendienst provided by singling in both runners.  Lindy McDaniel came on to close down the win and snap the skid.

McDaniel had been a force early in the season, but has struggled of late. He looked to be back on track breezing though a 1-2-3 eighth, and after a scoreless home half, should have duplicated the feat in the 9^th. A lead off error by Bill White allowing Tim Wallach to reach, was followed by a strikeout of Walker and a ground out by Spike Owen. With one out to go and  two run lead, Johnny Vander Wal doubled home Wallach, Archie Cianfrocco singled in Vander Wal to tie it, then a wild pitch and double by Darrin Fletcher put the Expos up 4-3. Bret Barberie then singled in an insurance run before Delino DeShields flew out to end the inning.

The Cardinals looked to be headed to their fifth straight loss, with closer-extraordinaire John Wetteland strolling in for Montreal. Wetteland got Carl Sawatski to fly out to start the ninth, but then walked pinch-hitter Moose Moryn. It was Moryn’s first at-bat of the season. Curt Flood then forced Moryn, barely reaching first safe to avoid the game ending double play. Wetteland’s control again got shaky, as he walked Julian Javier. McDaniel was due up, and manager Bike Mike elected to go with another September call-up, young Gene Oliver. Oliver drove Wetteland’s 2-2 fast ball deep in the right-center field bleachers, giving the Redbirds a dramatic 6-5 win. Cardinal players ran out of the dugout to mob the youngster at home plate, while Harry Caray continually shouted “CARDINALS WIN!, CARDINALS WIN!” into the KMOX microphone.

The Cardinals rode the momentum from that one, and Curt Simmons’ rebuilt left arm, to a 4-2 win in the series finale to stay in the thick of the race. Simmons scattered 6 hits in going the distance, while Oliver, given the start at catcher, homered again. Flood tallied three hits and Bill White 2 RBI. The Expos used five pitchers with starter Chris Nabholz taking the loss to drop to 0-4. Simmons went to 3-2 and lowered his ERA to an impressive 1.71.

Bike Mike

Reds/Spos split series

GAME 1 - Riverfront
Expos 3, Reds 0
D.Martinez vs Mahler

El Presidente (Dennis Martinez) came within 1 out of notching a complete game shutout.  Jeff Fassero came on to get pinch hitter Barry Larkin to ground out weakly to short to end it.  Brett Barberie knocked in all 3 runs with a 2 for 4 day at the plate.

GAME 2
Reds 3, Expos 2
Nabholz vs Browning

The Expos scored solo runs in the 6th and 7th inning to tie the game at 2-2.  Neither team could push across a run until the bottom of the 12th when Herm Winningham led off with a single and Barry Larkin doubled him home off a Valdez fastball that was right down the pipe.

GAME 3 - Olympic Stad.
Reds 3, Expos 1
D.Jackson vs Gardner

Paul O'Neil's RBI single in the 6th scored pitcher Danny Jackson to break a scoreless tie.  Ken Griffey Sr. followed suit in the 7th to make it 2-0.  After the 'Spos made it 2-1, Joe Oliver's pinch hit single in the 8th provided a much needed insurance run as the bullpen of Charlton/Dibble/Franco saved the day for starter Jackson.

GAME 4
Expos 3, Reds 2
Leary vs K.Hill

Another low scoring contest saw Ken Hill and Mel Rojas hold off the Reds as the 'Spos rallied to split the series.  Tied 2-2 after 4 1/2 innings of play the 'Spos got a one out triple from Marquis Grissom and a sack fly from Moises Alou to go up 3-2, which is how it remained.

Brooks and Braves split 4 game set

In a battle of cellar dwellers the Dodgers and Braves exchanged pleasantries, in an entertaining series that left neither team any closer to contention in their respective divisions.

GAME 1 - Ebbets
K.Johnson vs Barney
ATL, 6, BRO 4

Atlanta looked to be in the "catbird seat" with 3 runs in the 6th, but the Brooks answered back 2 innings later with a 3 run blast off of Pee Wee Reese's bat to tie it up.  Rookie Carl Erskine started the 9th in relief of Willie Ramsdell and never got an out.  After Joe Torre led off with a walk, Hammerin' Hank Aaron hit a 421 foot blast to put the Braves up for good.

 

GAME 2
Lemaster vs Branca
ATL 6, BRO 4 (11 inn)

It took 2 extra frames, but in the end the result was exactly the same as yesterday.  In the top of the 11th Dennis Menke hit a 2 runs shot off of reliever Hank Behrman, who up to that point had pitched 2 scoreless innings.

GAME 3 - Fulton Cty Stad.

Roe vs Schwall
BRO 13, ATL 6

The Braves welcomed the Brooks to Atlanta with 3 runs in the home half of the 1st.  Dodger fans watching at home on WOR-TV thought they were about to drop their 3rd straight until their hometown heroes erupted for 8 runs in the top of the 2nd.  Atlanta trotted out 6 pitchers in all as the Brooks scored 13 runs on 14 hits.  Roe would get the win, even though his pitching line (6IP/5ER) wasn't all that much to write home about.  Erv Palica was given the gift save for 3 innings of relief.  Second year 1st sacker Gil Hodges had himself a 4 hit day and Jackie had himself a 4 RBI day (on 3 hits).

GAME 4
Erskine vs Umbach
BRO 17, ATL 1

It took 5 pitches for the Braves starter Umbach to hurt his shoulder and leave the game.  That bit of bad luck would be a harbinger of things to come as the Brooks steamrolled across the Braves to easily win the second game of this twin bill to split the 4 game set.  Rookie Carl Erskine, who was the loser in relief in game 1, answered the call with a complete game win that came within 1 out of being a shutout.  Lots of hitting stars as Brooklyn racked up 20 safeties.  Leadoff man Jackie Robinson (5-7) and #2 guy Reese (3-6-1w) were on base all day.  Campy blasted a homer and knocked in 5 as everyone got a hit except for Oisk, who got the win.

No Moose-takes today !!! - Bucs Moose No-hits Reds

GAME 1 - Forbes Field

Pirates 2, Reds 0

Browning vs Moose

It took 130 pitches, but back in 1969 pitch counts were as relevant as crew cuts, for Bob Moose to toss a no hitter vs the Reds.  With light rain falling Moose had to battle both the elements and the 14-4 Cincy bats.  He conquered both.  Barry Larking led off the game with a walk and Jeff Reed worked one out with 2 gone in the 5th to reach base.  Larkin also got to first on a Jose Pagan error in the 5th, which coincidentally was the inning where Roberto Clemente hit a 2 run shot to score both himself and Carl Taylor.  #21's blast was all the help Moose would need until the 9th inning when he needed two great catches by Matty Alou against the ivy covered walls to rob extra base hits from Larkin and Paul O'Neill.  With Hartenstein and Gibbon warmed in the pen Moose got Eric Davis to ground out to Hebner at third to end the game and seal the deal.

GAME 2

Pirates 4, Reds 1

R.Robinson vs L.Walker

Following up on Bob Moose's no-no Luke Walker threw 145 pitches and gave up just 3 hits in a complete game victory.  Cincy, who entered the series 14-4, dropped their second in a row.  Hot hitting Todd Benzinger knocked in the Reds only run.  The Bucs got a long ball from banjo hitting Gene Alley and RBI's from Maz, Pops and Mateo at Forbes Field as mother nature offered up a light drizzle all night.

GAME 3 - Riverfront Stad.

Reds 4, Pirates 2

Ellis vs Rijo

After both teams exchanged two spots in the 1st both pitchers settled in nicely.  Then in the home half of the 4th Eric Davis hit a 2 run bomb to give the Reds their first lead in this 3 game set.  Rijo began to tire and didn't get out of the 6th inning, but swingman Scott Scudder fanned Patek with the bases loaded to get out of the jam.  Dibbs and Franco combined to get the final 6 outs as the home team won all 3 games in this series.

Boyer battles Bucs singlehandedly, but loses.

After taking the opener 7-5, the ’69 Pirates took the final two games of a three game set against the ’61 Cardinals.

Ken Boyer was 4 for 4 with 3 RBIs in the Cardinal win. Dock Ellis spun a complete game, striking out nine to top St. Louis 3-1 in game two.

The Pirates put together a 13 hit attack in the series finale in a 6-5 win. The Bucs were cruising to a 6-2 2win in the 9^th before Boyer came up big again, hitting a 3 run homer to tighten the game to the final 6-5 score. 

--Bike Mike--

80 Milwaukee win 2 of 3 from 88 Red Sox in a tightly contested series

GAME 1 in Milwaukee
Bill Travers vs Roger Clemens

Boston wins 5-4

WP: Roger Clemens (4-0) 9 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 7 K
LP: Bill Travers (0-1) 8 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 2 K
SV: None
HR: Jim Rice (2)

MVP: Jim Rice (BOS) 2-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 2B, 1 HR

Despite the fact that Bill Travers was my high school baseball coach for 3 years I felt like the pitching matchup favored Clemens in this one.  But the lanky lefty hung in with the Rocket until the 9th inning.  Travers' Brewers actually held a slim 2-1 lead until the Sox bat got going in the top of the 9th.  Larry Parrish and Rice doubled to tie the game.  Then Mike Greenwell worked a walk to drive Travers from the game.  Todd Benzinger hit a double to drive in pinch runner Kevin Romine and Greenwell to give the Sox a 2 run lead.  Jody Reed followed with another hit to push the lead to 5-2.  Clemens struggled in the 9th giving up a hit to Jim Gantner (2-4, R, 2 RBI), walking Cecil Cooper and allowing a big double to Gorman Thomas.  After a Sac Fly by Ben Oglivie drove home Cooper, Clemens was clinging to a 1 run lead with the tying run at 2nd base.  The Rocket was able to get Sixto Lezcano to pop out to shallow center to secure the win for Boston.

GAME 2 in Milwaukee

Moose Haas vs Bruce Hurst

Milwaukee wins 7-6 in 11 innings

WP: Reggie Cleveland (1-1) 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

LP: Wes Gardner (0-1) 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K

SV: None

HR: Sixto Lezcano (1)

MVP: Robin Yount (MIL) 5-6, 1 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B

Another game that Milwaukee was in control heading to the 9th, but this time the Brewers were able to keep Boston from taking the lead and then the Brew Crew eventually claimed victory in the 11th.  Milwaukee was up 6-3 heading to the last inning thanks to a big game from Yount and some uncharacteristic control problems from Boston starter Bruce Hurst (5.2 IP, 5 BB).  Paul Molitor did not have a hit but the Milwaukee lead off batter drew 3 walks and scored 3 big runs thanks in larger part to Yount hitting behind him.  The Sox stayed within striking distance of the Brewers thanks to a good effort out of the pen from Gardner who came in and shutdown the Brewers from the 7th through the 10th inning.  That allowed the Sox bats to break through for 3 big runs in the 9th off of Bob McClure to send the games to extras.  Boston had a chance to push across the go ahead run in that inning when Jim Rice singled home Wade Boggs with the tying run however Rick Cerone was gunned down at the plate by LF Ben Oglivie to end the inning and keep the game knotted at 6.  It would stay that way until the bottom of the 11th when Yount hit a 1 out double off the wall in left center of Gardner.  After an intentional pass to Cecil Cooper, Bob Stanley was brought in to try and work out of the trouble.  He got the 2nd out on a fly ball to left off the bat of Gorman Thomas, but it was a pinch hit from Jim Gantner that ended it and sent the Milwaukee fans home happy.


GAME 3 in Boston
Mike Caldwell vs Oil Can Boyd

Milwaukee wins 6-4 in 11 innings

WP: Jerry Augustine (1-0) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LP: Lee Smith (0-1) 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K
SV: John Flinn (1) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
HR: Ben Oglivie (3), Sixto Lezcano (2), Ellis Burks (3)

MVP: Sixto Lezcano (MIL) 2-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 2B, 1 HR

Another late inning lead blown by the Brewers but another extra inning win gave the series edge to the visitors.  Lee Smith had made quick work of the Brewers in the 10th inning so the Boston closer was left in to pitch a 2nd inning.  That proved to be a mistake as Oglivie and Lezcano went back to back to lead off the 11th to push the Brewers to victory.   Milwaukee had a balnced attack on the day with multi hit games from Molitor, Yount, Gantner , Oglivie and Lezcano.

Bronx Bombers take 3 of 4 from Motown

GAME 1 - Shea Stadium

Hunter vs Wilcox

Yankees 5, Tigers 1

With one out in the seventh-inning Lou Whitaker broke up Catfish Hunter's no-hit bid. One batter later Steve Kemp doubled Whitaker home for Detroit only run of the day. The Bronx bombers amassed five runs as catfish one easily. Chambliss, Munson and Piniella each had to head games with the latter knocking into runs

GAME 2

Morris vs Medich

Tigers 7, Yankees 0

Steve Kemp's two run shot in the top of the first broke the ice. Rusty Staub's double and Lance Parish's single added two more runs to steak Jack Morris to afford nothing lead before he even set foot on the mound.  Detroit added three more runs as Morris cruised to a nifty five it shut out

GAME 3

May vs Billingham

Yankees 8, Tigers 6 (10 inn)

In a seesaw battle at Tiger Stadium the Yankees and the Tigers exchanged leads numerous times. The Yankees rally back from a 5-1 deficit with four runs in the seventh to tie the game at 6-6. The game went extra innings and New York scored two runs in the top of the 10th on a Thurman Munson double. Dick Tidrow Who pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings and relief got the win Sparky Lyle came on in the bottom of the 10th to get the save. Yankee captain Munson had four RBIs on the day

GAME 4

Dobson vs Rozema

Yankees 7, Tigers 2

New York broke open a 2-2 tie with four runs in the top of the seventh. Roy white led off the ending with a solo bast and Ed Herrmann capped it off with a 3 run shot. Pat Dobson went 8 to get the win. For the second game in a row the tiger pen imploded. Dave Rozema gave up only one earned run and six but the pen let them down

Boyer blasts Braves

GAME 1
Spahn vs L.Jackson
STL 3, MLN 2

Spahnie was victimized by 2 unearned runs, which cost him the game in the end.  Larry Jackson grabbed the "W" with a 2 run complete game performance.

GAME 2
Buhl vs Simmons
STL 9, MLN 0

Curt Simmons tosses a 3 hit shutout as the Redbirds offense "Buhl's" its way to victory.  Ken Boyer (2-4) homered and knocked in / scored 2 runs.  Four cards had 2 hit games.

GAME 3
Broglio vs Willey
STL 15, MLN 3

Boyer (4-5) and the Redbirds continued their hot hitting (15 runs on 18 hits) to seal the series sweep.  Stan the Man returned to the lineup and went 2-4 with 2 runs punched in.  Broglio went 7 and gave up 3 for the win.

Jays take 3 of 4 from Tribe

Toronto's three lefty starter stymie the bats of the Indians, with one game going 15 innings before the Jays manage the win.  Jimmy Key threw a 4 hit shutout in the opener.

Pale Hose Washed Out by Halos

Game #1, August 21

CHICAGO  – Frank Tanana (2-1) yielded just 1 ER and 5 hits for a complete-game 6-1 winner for the Angels. The southpaw fanned 7 and walked 0 with a tidy 114-pitch efficiency. Carney Lansford and Joe Rudi (2 RBI) led the offense with 3 hits apiece.

Game #2, August 22

CHICAGO – Nolan Ryan and Ken Kravec matched goose eggs for 8 innings. The bullpens took over and tacked on 2 more scoreless frames. Lansford doubled in Ken Landreaux and Dave Chalk in the T11th to land this 2-0 contest in favor of the Halos. Dave LaRoche (1-0) yielded just 1 hit in 3 IP and earned the win. Ed Farmer (0-1) was tagged with the L

Game #3, August 23

ANAHEIM –  Bill Nahorodny’s double down the RF line plated Jim Morrison giving the White Sox a 5-4 victory in another 11-inning affair.  Rich Hinton (1-0) got the win with Mike Proly (1) adding the save. Al Fitzmorris suffered the loss in relief. Lyman Bostock led all batters with 3 hits.

GAME #4, August 24

ANAHEIM – Joe Rudi (1) blasted a 7^th-inning grand slam off a Proly to break open a tight game. The Halos would go on to win 8-3 with Dyar Miller (1-0) grabbing the W in relief and Steve Trout (0-2) taking the loss.

dem Bums sweep Friars in 3 nail biters.

GAME 1 - Jack Murphy Std
Roe vs Whitson
Dodgers 2, Padres 1

Coming into the series, Dem Bums had a 3 game losing streak hanging over their head to go along with a 1-5 record.  In what Brooklyn Eagle columnist Roger Kahn termed a "must win" game the Dodgers put the ball in the hands of crafty lefty Preacher Roe.  The Friars countered with Steady Eddie Whitson.  Both hurlers were stingy, with Roe being a bit more frugal.  The Brooks scored first with a 2 out / 2 run RBI single by Jackie Roosevelt Robinson.  Whitson would not give up another run, but Roe was in lock down mode until he gave up a solo blast to sophomore catcher Benito Santiago in the 8th.  The 9th saw Roe on the edge.  He was tiring as evidenced by the 3 consecutive warning track shots by Thon, Alomar and Gwynn that the spacious Jack Murphy Stadium kept inside the fences.

GAME 2
Hatten vs Hawkins
Dodgers 6, Padres 1

For 7 innings this game looked to be a carbon copy of game #1, which turned out to be a 2-1 contest.  Then in the top of the 8th dem Bums erupted for 4 runs off of future Padre broadcaster Mark Grant.  Captain Pee Wee Reese blasted a 3 run shot to make it 6-1 as Joe Hatten (7IP / 0 R) got the win.

GAME 3
Barney vs J.Jones
Dodgers 3, Padres 0

Rex Barney carried a no hit bid into the 8th inning, but ended up having to settle for a tidy complete game 2 hit shutout.  Carl Furillo's 3 run homer in the 6th broke a scoreless tie and gave the Barney all the runs he would need.

Twinkies and Brew Crew Split

Thanks to Marvin for the quick series.  Has to be tough to play with DH without a full time DH, but his pitching held us down pretty well.

Very tight games that saw 3 of the 4 games end on the home teams last at-bat.

Aug 21 – MIN 8-3 – Pedro Ramos vs Reggie Cleveland

Brewers score a run in the 8^th to get within a run, but the Twins get 4 in the 8^th with 3 hits, 2 walks and 2 errors.  Cecil Cooper and Don Money hit their first homers for MIL, while Harmon Killebrew hits his 1st for the Twins

Aug 22 – MIN 4-3 (10) – Camilo Pascual vs Moose Haas

Brewers take a 3-2 lead in the 9^th, but Bob McClure gives up a pinch double to Gardner to tie the game.  Twins get 3 singles in the 10^th to win the game.

Aug 23 – MIL 3-2 – Mike Caldwell vs Jack Kralick

Series shifts to Milwaukee and Kralick shuts down the Brewers thru 7 innings while Tuttle and Versalles hit solo homers.  In the 9^th, the Brewers get 4 singles & a walk to score 3 runs.  Cecil Cooper has the game winner.

Aug 24 – MIL 5-2 (10) – Larry Sorensen vs Jim Kaat

Once again the Twins take a lead late into the game only to see the bullpen give up the game.  Gorman Thomas hit an 8^th inning home run to tie the game at 2.  In the 10^th, Ben Oglivie hits a 3 run homer to send the fans home happy.
--submitted by John Clingan--

Phigtin's take 2 of 3 from Reds

Reds take the first game in 11 innings as Sabo leads off the 11th with a home run off reliever Steve Sabo.

Robin Roberts pitches a complete game as the Phillies romp to a 12 – 4 win to tie the series.  Eddie Waitkus and Del Ennis each knock in 3 runs.

Russ Meyer, who once commented that his best pitch was a long fly ball to center shut out the Reds 4 – 0 as the Phillies took the rubber game of the series.  Del Ennis homered with one on in the top of the first and Granny Hamner and Stan Lopata also singled as the Phillies tallied four times in the frame for the only runs in the game.

Jim Clouser

Phightin's and Cards battle it out in week #1

The Fightin’ Phillies took a hard fought series two games to one in the initial series for both teams.

Game one featured a pitching duel between Robin Roberts and Ray Sadecki.  The game was scoreless going into the 8th when Del Ennis hit a solo shot for the game’s only run.  Roberts went the distance for the Phillies.  Roberts went the distance yielding only four hits and Sadecki in his eight innings of work yielded only three.

Game two was tied at 2 – 2 going into the bottom of the eighth when the Cardinals erupted for three runs off Phillie reliever Ken Heintzelman.  Bill White lead off the bottom of the eighth with a double and Ken Boyer tripled in the tie-breaking run.  After a ground out plated Boyer and a walk to Musial, Taussig doubled to give the Cardinals their third run of the inning.  Larry Jackson went the first seven and two-thirds for the Cardinals and left with a 2 – 1 lead, but Bob Miller gave up a double to Richie Ashburn with two on to tie the game a two all.  Miller was the beneficiary of the three run Cardinal outburst in the bottom of the inning and picked up the win.  Lindy McDaniel came in and shut out the Phillies to pick up the save.

Game three was another tight game which featured Curt Simmons versus Curt Simmons won by the Phillies 4 – 3.  The Phillies jumped to an early 1 – 0 lead when leadoff hitter Eddie Waitkus (who was the inspiration for Roy Hobbs in The Natural as he was shot by a woman in a Chicago hotel) doubled and Ashburn followed with a single.  A sacrifice fly from Ennis gave the Phillies an early 1 – 0 lead.The Phillies extended their lead in the third when Granny Hamner doubled in Waitkus and Ashburn, but the Cardinals came back with two runs in their half of the frame on a clutch two-out single from Julian Javier. The Cardinals tied the game in the fourth on an error by pitcher Curt Simmons allowed Ken Boyer who had doubled to score.The Phillies tallied the winning run in the sixth on a Sacrifice Fly off the bat of Willie “Puddin’ Head” Jones driving in Stan Lopata who had lead off the frame with a double.Andy Hansen then shutout the Cards with one hit over the final three innings to give the Phillies a series win.

--Submitted by Jim Clouser--

88 Boston sweeps 89 Toronto

GAME 1 in Boston

89 Toronto (John Cerutti) vs 88 Boston (Roger Clemens)
Boston wins 3-2

WP: Roger Clemens (2-0) 7.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 9 K
LP: John Cerutti (0-1) 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 K
SV: Lee Smith (1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K

HR: Dwight Evans (1)
GAME MVP: Dwight Evans (BOS) 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR


Roger Clemens was dominant in his 2nd outing of the season and his first back in the Unites States.  Clemens held the Toronto bats down long enough for Dwight Evans and the offense to put 3 runs on the board.  Clemens seemed to tire a little in the 8th but Lee Smith came in and closed it out for his first save of the season.

GAME 2 in Boston
89 Toronto (Mike Flanagan) vs 88 Boston (Bruce Hurst)
Boston wins 11-2

WP: Bruce Hurst (1-0) 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 6 K
LP: Mike Flanagan (0-1) 5.1 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 0 K
SV: none

HR: George Bell (1), Jim Rice (1)

GAME MVP: Wade Boggs (BOS) 3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 2B

The Red Sox offense made this one an easy win for starter Bruce Hurst.  Wade Boggs, Larry Parrish (2-5, 2 RBI) and Marty Barrett (2-4, 2 R) all had multi-hits games for Boston.  Fred McGriff led the Blue Jay offense with 3 hits while Junior Felix, George Bell and Kelly Gruber each added 2 hits.

GAME 3 in Toronto
88 Boston (Oil Can Boyd) vs 89 Toronto (Todd Stottlemyre)
Boston wins 11-0

WP: Oil Can Boys (1-0) 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 K
LP: Todd Stottlemyre (0-1) 6.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 2 K
SV: none

HR: Mike Greenwell (1)
GAME MVP: Oil Can Boyd (BOS) 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 K, WIN

The Boston offense continued battering the Blue Jay pitchers.  They started early with 4 runs in the 1st highlighted by a grand slam by Mike Greenwell.  The Red Sox pitching did not need much help with Oil Can Boyd throwing 7 shut out innings followed by Tom Bolton closing the last 2 out to preserve the shutout. Wade Boggs and Ellis Burks each joined Greenwell with multi-RBI games.

GAME 4 in Toronto
88 Boston (Wes Gardner) vs 89 Toronto (Dave Stieb)
Boston wins 7-4 in 17 innings

WP: Mike Boddicker (1-0) 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 K
LP: Frank Wills (0-1) 1 H, 4 H, 3 R, 0 K
SV: none

HR: none

GAME MVP: Ellis Burks (BOS) 2-8, R, 3 RBI, 2B, 3 SB

A game that saw 35 runners left on base over 17 innings finally was won by Boston thanks to a big 2 RI double by Ellis Burks to drive in Marty Barrett and Wade Boggs.  Both bullpens worked in and out of trouble for most of the extra frames but it was Mike Boddicker that proved to be the star of the night.  The Sox regular starter found himself getting the call from the pen with Boston's bullpen tired from picking up starter Wes Gardner after just 4 innings.  Boddicker went 6 no hit innings to pick up the win and seal the series sweep for Boston.  Jim Rice (4-8, 2 RBI) and Dwight Evans (2-7, 2 RBI) provided the offense along side Burks.  George Bell had 3 doubles in a losing effort for the Jays.

Jays & Brew Crew split a pair in Mexico

Aug 10 – TOR 5, MIL 4   Dave Steib vs Moose Haas - Foro Sol Stadium, MEX

The Blue Jays built a 4-1 lead and led 5-2 in the 8^th but the Brewers were able to plate two runs against reliever Duane Ward.  Tom Henke came in the 9^th and got the last 2 outs for the save.  Fred McGriff had 2 doubles and Junior Felix knocked in 2 runs.  Dave Stieb allowed only 3 hits for 7 innings for the win.

Aug 11 – MIL 1, TOR 0  Mike Caldwell vs Jimmy Key

A solid pitching duel saw Mike Caldwell finish with a 3 hit shutout.   the top of the 8^th, Buck Martinez hit a leadoff double and Charlie Moore pinch ran for him.  Paul Molitor singled and Moore beat the throw home. Cecil Cooper singled one out later, but the Brewers manager chose not to send Molitor.  Everyone was shaking their head when Cooper was thrown out stealing with Stormin’ Gorman Thomas at bat.  Thomas grounded out on the next pitch.

Thanks to Robert for being flexible in getting these games in.  They were some close exciting games.

John/MIL80

Bombers/Pale Hose Split series as traded players get revenge on ex-mates

GAME 1 - Yokohama Std, Japan
Hunter vs Kravec
Yankees 5, White Sox 4

Free Agent signee Jim Catfish Hunter paid huge dividend by tossing 8 1/3 innings and giving up just 3 earned runs.  Catfish headed into the 9th with a 2 run lead, but ran out of gas thanks to an error by SS Chicken Stanley that would have been out number 3.  A series of walks and an RBI single by Chet Lemon spelled Hunter's end and Sparky Lyle's entrance.  Lyle enticed Lamaar Johnson to ground out to Nettles at 3rd to end the game and secure victory.  Walt "No Neck" Williams burned his old teammates by going 3 for 5 and scoring a run.  Chisox pen men Howard/Hoffman/Trout combined for almost 3 innings of scoreless relief to give the offense a chance to strike.

GAME 2

Wortham vs Medich
White Sox 8, Yankees 5

This game was just what the doctor ordered for the Pale Hose who banged out 8 runs on 15 hits and chased Doc Medich from the hill after 6 (8 runs).  Like Williams the day before, Rusty Torres victimized his ex-mates with 2 homers and 4 RBI.  Mike Squires (3-5) showed he has more than just a gold glove at 1st and Bannister (3-4) was ever the catalyst scoring 2 runs from the lead off spot.  Starting pitcher Rich Wortham gave up 3 in 6 1/3 as the Chisox and Bombers split their international series in Yokohama Japan

Royal Flush of Tribe in Puerto Rico

GAME 1 - Hiram Bithorn Std - Pueto Rico
McLish vs Saberhagen
Royals 5, Indians 4

KC chipped away at the Tribe's 4-1 lead to tie the score at 4-4 after 6.  In the bottom of the 8th Danny Tartabull led off with a walk and moved to third on a George Brett single.  After Bo Jackson struck out swinging the ever so clutch Frank White singled home Tartabull for what turned out to be the winning run.  White authored a perfect 4-4 day at the plate, which included 2 homers and 2 singles.  Saberhagen, who went 8.1 innings, got the win.  Jerry Gleaton, who got the final 2 outs got the save.  McLish took the loss.

GAME 2

Gubicza vs Grant
Royals 11, Indians 7

In a wild and wacky game that saw the lead change hands no fewer than 6 times, the Royals managed to survive for a quick 2 game international sweep.  The fans in Puerto Rico enjoyed every moment of the game.  No one received louder cheers than hometown boy Danny Tartabull, who was born in San Juan.  The game's big star was multi-sport athlete Bo Jackson (3-5, 3RBI), who knows how to hit homers (2).  Larry Doby (3-3) was perfect at the plate for the Tribe, who out hit the Royals 15-11.  Minnie Minos and Russ Nixon also had 3 hit days for Clev.

Opening Series - Played in Gocheok Dome South Korea

GAME 1: Boston wins 7-0

WP: Roger Clemens (1-0)

LP: Pedro Ramos (0-1)

SV: none

HR: Wade Boggs (1)

GM MVP: Roger Clemens (9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 10 K, WIN)

Roger Clemens is dominant from the start as the Twins bat were never able to figure out The Rocket. Wade Boggs hit a HR in the 1st inning and the Sox used a balanced attack with Boggs, Mike Greenwell and Dwight Evans all chipping in 2 hits.

 

 

GAME 2: Minnesota wins 6-2 in 15 innings

WP: Bill Pleis (1-0)

LP: Bob Stanley (0-1)

SV: Ted Sadowski (1)

HR: Earl Battey (1)

GM MVP: Camilo Pascual (8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 7 K)

The Red Sox scored 2 runs in the first inning but were shut down for the next 14 frames.  The Twins trailed for most of the game but tied the game in the 8th on an RBI single by CF Lenny Green (4-7 2 R, 1 RI).  Then the bullpens took over with both sides relief arms being near perfect from the 9th thru the 14th inning.   Wes Gardner kept the Sox in the game with 5 innings of 1 hit ball while the Twins leaned on 6 pitchers to navigate the extra innings.  Finally, the Twins broke through off Bob Stanley with 4 runs in the 15th.  Zoilo Versailles broke the tie with an RBI double and then Earl Battey followed with a 3 -run shot to give the Twins some breathing room.  Twins 3B Harmon Killebrew ties a MLB record for strikeouts by a batter in an extra-inning game with 6 K's in 7 AB's.  Almost as amazing as Killebrew's feat was the fact that despite batting in the middle of the Twins lineup, The Twins legendary bat never batted with a runner on base in any of his 7 at-bats.

--submitted by Peter Daly--

KOD24 - THEME: Mid season Managerial Changes

Burt Shotton & the man he replace Leo the Lip

KOD24 - Starting on 10/1/2016 features MLB teams from 1947-present that have had mid season managerial changes and finished with less than 90 wins.  We will have 22 franchises (12 AL / 10 NL) represented in this 24th installment of King of Diamonds Baseball.  The season will feature 40 games played h2h online with the AL starting a week earlier than the NL with 2 "international" games.  The 6 AL teams will head to exotic places like South Korea, Japan, Cuba, Mexico and Puerto Rico to play 2 games to kick off our season.  Should be a blast !