D.C. fans bid a fond farewell to Frank Howard

9/28 - 9/30 - RFK Stadium - Washington, D.C

GAME 1 - Senators 2, Yankees 1
Bill Gogolewski (6-10, 2.59) and Stan Bahnsen (17-11, 3.60) locked up in a pitcher's duel with the Nats staking the hard luck Gogo to a 2-0 lead. Gogo began to tire in the 8th and yielded a run to the Bombers, but the outcome was never in doubt as Paul Lindblad came on board to notch his 17th save of the season, which is a very impressive number considering the Nats only won 57 games. Del Unser led off the game for the Nats with a solo shot to deep center. Both Frank Howard and Jeff Burroughs went 2 for 3, with Burroughs doubling home Don Mincher for Washington's second run of the game.

GAME 2 - Yankees 4, Senators 0
Mel Stottlemyre (21-7, 2.29) was brilliant in this 5 hit complete game shutout effort. Mel has been Cy Young "like" all season as the Bombers ace. Bobby Murcer, the undisputed team MVP went 4 for 4 to boost his average to .330, but veteran Felipe Alou was the true hitting star. Alou went 2 for 4 and drove in 2 runs, when he hit a 2 run shot, his 8th of the year, off of Washington Starter Shellenback. Rookie shortstop Jim Mason went 2 for 3 for the Nats in a losing effort.

GAME 3 - Yankees 9, Senators 0
The actual score was 6-1 Bombers, but the game never got completed since the D.C. fans jumped onto the field before the final out could be recorded, thus ending over 70 years of baseball in our nations's captial. All throughout the game fans were heard chanting "Bob Short sucks". In left field they hung a stuffed dummy with a T-shirt on that said "Short Changed". It was an emotional day for both the fans and the players. Dick Bosman started the game and went just 3 innings due to fatigue. Denny McClain came on board and pitched 4 and Casey Cox threw the final 2. The real story was the love fest between the fans and the players. Even the most hardened individuals became emotional in the the home half of the 8th when "the capital punisher" Frank Howard singled with one out. Howard, who has been the face of the Senator franchise since 1965 when he arrived in a trade for Claude Osteen, is also the most beloved Senator player. After reaching 1st, Howard turned to the dugout and saw Tom McCraw trotting outward first to pinch run. This change in the lineup was not a strategic one, as the Bombers were well in control of the game. The lineup switch was all about love and respect. As Hondo began strolling to the dugout the 15,000 fans who turned out for the game rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation for upwards of 5 minutes. Howard, the gentle giant, was overwhelmed by the moment. Even the usually corporate Yankees stood and applauded a man who has meant so much to baseball in our nation's capital. Lost in the shuffle was the fine performance the Bombers turned in and the fact that Howard had a 15 game hitting streak !

1971 Detroit at Clevland

Detroit came into Cleveland needing one victory or a Baltimore loss to clinch the division crown.  Scheduled to pitch in the two game set were Joe Coleman and Mickey Lolich.

 

Tuesday, September 28.  TheTigers roared out of the box, giving Joe Coleman a four run lead in the first.  Gates Brown, flirting with .400, tripled home two runs ad then scored ahead of Norm Cash's 45th homer of the season.  The Tigers picked up two more in the second and then exploded on the Indians for eight runs in the fith.  Aurelio Rodriguez hit a two run homer (17).  The Gater tripled with the bases loaded and scored on a Cash sacrifice fly.  Joe Coleman (27-4, 2.64) didnt give up a hit until the fifth and only three altogether.  Steve Hargan (4-9, 5.50) was completely ineffective as the Tigers clinched the American League East.  Tigers 15  Indians 0

 

Wednesday, September 29.  With the division clinched, Mickey Lolich was passed to save him for the first game of the playoffs. Les Cain instead was given an oppurtunity to even his record.  He was not able to do it.  The Tigers again struck in the first inning, courtesy of a Gates Brown three run homer (15).  That was to be the extent of the Tiger scoring.  The Indians stuck back in the fourth.  Kurt Bevacqua led off the inning with his 3rd homer.  Lou Camilli singled home another and Fred Stanley two more.   The Indians picked up another in the 7th on a Ted Uhlaender pinch hit single. Vince Colbert (13-3, 4.54) pitched five innings for the win.  Phil Hennigan pitched the last two for his 13th save.  Indians 5  Tigers 3  

 

I want to personally thank everyone who participated in this season.  Win or lose, I have never had more fun doing a baseball simulation.  Hope to see everyone in the next season.   
 

White Sox sweep Angels

The White Sox come into Los Angeles and take all 4 games from the punch
less Angels.

Game 1 - Chicago wins 1-0 behind the combined pitching of winner Wilber
Wood (23-12 2.16) who went 5 innings walked none and struck out 8 and
Vicente Romo (5-4 2.96) the last 4 to get his 4th save on the year. Bill
Melton (.290) hit his 42nd HR for the only run of the game. Tom Murphy (
15-13 3.43) took the loss.

Game 2 - Chicago wins this one 3-2.In this one Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo'
Forster (7-2 3.97) wins going 5.2 innings and giving up 2 runs. Magnuson
picks up his 1st save of the year. Andy Messersmith (14-19 2.70) was the
loser. Once again Bill Melton leads the offense going 2 for 4 with 2
more RBI's to add to his league leading total.

Game 3 - The Pale Hose win this one 4 -3 in a rain delayed 10 inning
game. Rich Hinton (3-2 5.40) wins in relief while Lloyd Allen (2-3
3.03) gets the loss.Carlos May (.260) and Walt 'No Neck' Williams both
go 2 for 5 to lead the Sox.

Game 4 - The White Sox complete the sweep winning 3-1. Wilber Wood
(24-12 2.14) goes 7 innings walking none and striking out 6 and Vicente
Rome gets his 5th save going the last 2. Rudy May ( 12-12 2.57) took the
loss. Bill Melton (.291) and Rich Riechardt (.287) each got 2 hits to
lead the Sox.

Nats lose 100th in Beantown

9/24 - 9/26 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA
GAME 1 - BOS 12, WAS 0
Just hours removed from the announcement that baseball in our Nation's Capital was doomed the Nats traveled up to Beantown and mailed in this stinker. On cue in the 4th inning the Gods of baseball opened up the heavens and began crying for the doomed Washington franchise. Lost in this pre-funeral was the fact that Boston hurler Roger Moret tossed a neat 4 hit shutout. It's hard to attribute his success to skill or just the good fortune of facing an opponent who threw in the white towel. On a side note Yaz went 3 for 4 and drove in 4 to add insult to injury for his former manager. This was the Senator's 100 loss.

GAME 2 - WAS 4, BOS 2
What a difference 24 hours makes. Former Detroit bad boy Denny McLain sent a message to the AL that he's not done yet. McLain (9-15, 3.91) went 7 innings and only gave up 2 runs. Paul Lindblad pitched the final 2 for his 16th save. For the second straight game rain delayed the action. Del Unser went 3 for 5 for the Nats. Jeff Burroughs hit his 4th of the year. The young man has off the chart potential, and I'm sure the good folks in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area will be the beneficiary of his talents. Sadly the good folks in D.C. will never get to see him mature before their own very eyes.

GAME 3 - WAS 13, BOS 4
Dick Bosman (7-22, 4.88) has had a miserable season to say the least, but for this one night in Beantown he was magical. Only mother nature, not the Bosox lineup could stop him. With the 3rd consecutive rain delayed game Bosman could only last 7 innings. Jackie Brown came in and threw balloons, but the game was out of reach and he was unable to inflict any damage to his team. Young Jeff Burroughs had 2 homers to up his season total to 6. Frank Howard came off the bench to hit his 27th as a pinch hitter for Bosman in the 8th. Veteran Don Mincher went 4 for 4 and had 2 RBI's. Burroughs had 6 RBI's. Yaz went 3 for 5 and hit his 13th homer in a losing cause as Boston lost it's 91st game of their disappointing campaign. young catching prospect Carlton Fisk went 2 for 5 and scored 2 runs.

1971 New York at Detroit

Friday  September 24.  New York comes into town for the second to last series of the season.  With the Tigers two games up on the Orioles in the loss column a sweep would clinch a tie for the division title.  The Yankees opened the scoring in the fourth inning on a Ron Blomberg sacrifice fly.  Norm Cash got the run right back when he slammed his 43rd homer of the season in the bottom of the 4th.  The Yankees took the lead again in the 6th on a Ron Hansen groundout, bt the Tigers struck for two in the bottom of the 6th when Aurelio Rodriguez singled home two runs.  Fred Scherman couldnt hold the lead though and the Yankees tied the game in the 8th.  Then Mel Stottlemyre led off the 9th with his 2nd homer of the season and made it stand up in the bottom of the ninth.  Stottlemyre won his 20th (20-7, 2.36)  while Scherman lost his 8th, (8-8, 2.56, 8 blown saves)  Yankees 4  Tigers 3 

 

Saturday, September 25.  The Tigers scored first in this contest when Mickey Stanley tripled home Eddie Brinkman in the second inning.  But in the third, back to back doubles by Bobby Murcer and Roy White produced two runs and a Yankee lead.  Norm Cash deliveed a three run home in the 5th (44) and an rbi single in the 6th.  Joe Coleman made it standup the rest o the way (26-4, 2.72).  Walks did in te Yankees, heir pitchers issuing 10, four of whom scored.  Mike Kekich took the loss (7-9, 3.91)  Tigers 5  Yankees 2.

 

Sunday  September 26.  With reports from cleveland that baltimore has dropped two of three to the Indians, the Tigers have clinched a tie for the division and could win the division with a in today.  And with Mickey Lolich taking te mound, the odds were good.  Lolich has only lost twice since August 1.  fritz peterson and Rusty Torres put a damper on anycelebraton in Motown however.  Torres slammed two homers (2,3) while Horace Clarke hit his first of the season.  Peterson (17-14, 2.46) shut down the Tigers on two hits and one walk.  Lolich lost for the 9th time this season  (32-9, 1.86)  It looks like the Tigers will have to clinch on the road in cleveland if they are to avod a playoff wth the Orioles.  Yankees 5  Tigers 0.      

White Sox take 2 of 3 from A's

Game 1 - Oakland takes the first game of a twin bill, winning 3-0 behind
the one hit gem by Chuck Dobson (10-13 3.63). He walked 1 and stuck out
3. Losing pitcher was Bart Johnson ( 9-5 3.44)

Game 2 - Chicago takes the second game 11 -6. Winning pitcher Dennis
O'Toole (1-0 0.00) went 2 innings in relief for the win. Daryle Knowles
(3-3 5.61) took the loss. The Sox offense was led by Bill Melton (.292)
who went 4 for 6 with 6 RBI's and hit his 41st HR of the year.

Game 3 - Chicago wins the rubber game 5-0 behind the 8 hit shutout
pitching of Tom Bradley (12-14 3.23). He walked 0 and struck out 8. Vida
Blue (21-10 1.97) took the loss.

MLB Owners officially ok the transfer of the Washington American League franchise to Arlington, Texas

In a near unanimous vote MLB owners agreed to allow Robert Short transfer his franchise from Washington D.C. to Arlington, Texas. Short has been quoted as saying that he lost $3 million over the past 3 seasons. He offered to sell the franchise to local interests for $12 million, but there were no takers for that ridiculously high price. In and 11th hour attempt to keep the team the D.C. Armory Board agreed to renegotiate the Senators lease on RFK stadium. Short's demands proved to be too excessive for the board and the franchise is now free to relocate. Senator players are just as heartbroken as the fans. Dick Bosman, who met his wife here in D.C. said, "this is like losing a loved one. I grew up here. We feel like the whole team has been traded. Short has announced that he will remain home in Minnesota and not attend the final 3 games vs New York next week.

In a related story: Dallas-Fort Worth syndicate offered Short a $7,500,000 bank loan at low interest, a stadium that will be expanded from 21,000 seats to 50,000, a $1,000,000 TV contract, and favorable cuts from food and parking concessions. When one Washington group, headed by Supermarket Magnate Joe Danzansky, countered with an offer of $7,900,000 last week, their bid was rejected by the team owners because it was too "thinly financed." The same charge could conceivably have been made against Short, a trucking and real estate millionaire who lives in Minneapolis, when he bought the club.

Sens take 2 of 3 from Tribe as only 1,500 fans show.

9/20/71 - RFK Stadium - WAS 4, CLE 3
Both teams entered this contest with one goal in mind: avoid 100 losses. For the first 6 innings we were treated to something that resembled a pitcher's duel. The reason I say that is that I'm not quite sure it wasn't an inept hitting duel instead. Cleveland scored 2 in the top of the 7th and looked to have broken it open, if one can call a 3-1 lead that. Washington surprisingly posted 2 in the bottom half of the inning to take starter Denny McLain off the hook. Phil Hennigan came on for Cleveland in relief of Alan Foster. Hennigan allowed a run in the 8th and Horacio Pina (5-2, 3.02) was the beneficiary with the win. Washington's run in the 8th came on 2 walks, a wild pitch and a single by pinch hitter Larry Biittner.

9/21/71 - RFK Stadium - WAS 6, CLE 4
Rich Hand was dominating the feeble Senator batters for 5 innings of shutout ball when the wheels started to fall off. Defending a 4 run lead that Dick Bosman spotted the Tribe Hand yielded a huge 3 run shot (406 feet) to the Capital Punisher, Frank Howard. Knowing that the Nats and Howard's days in our nation's capital are dwindling down to a presious few, the sparse crowd gave the big man a standing ovation that lasted 5 minutes. Once the game resumed the crowd just expected their soon to be gone Nats to go easy into the night. Steve Hargan (4-8, 5.08) came on in relief of hand and attempted to close the door. Pinch hitter Tommy McCraw fanned on 4 pitches, but Del Unser lined a clean single to center. Dave Nelson walked and up stepped veteran Don Mincher. With Frank Howard looming on deck Hargan had no choice but to pitch to Mincher, who lined his first offering into the right field bullpen to make it 6-4. Mincher was 2-2 with 2 walks on the day with a homer and 3 RBI's. Paul Linblad came on in the 9th to get his 15th save of the season.

9/22/71 - RFK Stadium - CLE 1, WAS 0 (10 inn)
Vince Colbert and Bill Gogolewski both posted goose eggs in regulation. Cleveland scored the lone run of the game on a booted ground ball by Toby Harrah with 2 out. Fred "Chicken" Stanley's routine grounder went through Harrah's wickets and on into left center field. Washington threatened in the bottom of the inning but Larry Biittner inexplicably decided to go from 1st to third and was thrown out by Ted Uhlaender to end the game. Colbert (12-3, 4.51) tossed a 10 inning shutout in front of 1,458 fans and about 53,000 empty seats. Washington will head up to Boston for 3 and then return for their final 3 games in D.C. vs the Bronx Bombers. Owner Bob Short officially announced that the franchise will be transferred to Dallas Texas next season.

G-men sweep 'Stros...move closer to clinching NL West

The Giants win an extra-innings thriller in Game 1, then send Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry to the mound, where each get their 20th win. The Giants take all three in Houston, have won their last eleven in a row, and are in the driver's seat for the division.
--submitted by Michael Hopcroft--

Braves take two from lowly Padres

Atlanta clobbered San Diego as they creamed the Socal team 11-1. Ralph Garr collected 4 hits and smacked his 9th homerun of the year in the contest. Kelley (10-7) went the distance.

In game two, Earl Williams smacked his 38th and 39th dingers of the year as the Bravos bested the Pad Squad 5-2. Pat Jarvis evened his record at 10-10 and Upshaw earned his 19th save as he pitched the final 2.2 innings to wrap it up.
--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

1971 Tigers at Red Sox

Tuesday September 17  with Lolich and Coleman pitching in the next two days, Tiger manager Tom Davis decided to start reliever Tom Timmermann.  It was not the right choice as Timmermann gave up six runs in four innings.  The Tigers opened the scoring in the first on a three run Norm Cash homer (41), matching his career high total from his storied 1961 season.  The Sahx got one back in the first on a Reggie Smith sacrifice fly, then added two more in the second on singles by Doug Griffin and the ageless Luis Aparicio.  But Cash wasnt done and he hit a two run homer (42) in the third.  Jim Northrup also went deep (27) in the inning.  But in the bottom of the third, Duane Josephson hit a three run homer (12) to tie the game.  The Sahx took the lead in the bottom of the sixth on a two run George Scott single.  Cash still wasnt done and in the ninth, after Al Kaline singled home one run and Mickey Stanley worked a two out walk, he hit a three run double to give the Tigers back the lead.  Fred Scherman got the win (8-7, 3.47).  Ron Perranoski earned his first save as a Tiger.  Ken Tatum took the loss (2-6, 5.02).  Tigers 10  Red Sox 8.

 

Wednesday, September 18.  The Tigers again opened the scoring in the first with a Bill Freehan sacrifice fly.  The Tigers got another run in the third on a Northrup sacrifice fly.  Billy Conigliaro led off the third with a homer (9).  The Tigers scored three times in the 6th on an Eddie Brinkman double, a Mickey Lolich squeeze and a Dick McAuliffe double.  In the 8th, Northrup led off with a homer (28), followed by an Aurelio Rodriguez home (16).  After two singles, Dick McAuliffe his a three run homer (22).  Lolich got the complete game win (32-8, 179). Mike Garman (0-2, 8.10) took the loss.  Tigers 11 Red Sox 4           

1971 Orioles at Tigers

In what is probably the most important regular season searies since the back to back double headers with California that closed out the 1967 season, leaving the Tigers a game short of the pennant, Baltimore came to detroit for a four game set trailing detroit by a game and a half but with two less losses.

 

Friday, September 17 (first game) Baltimore sent 8 players to the plate in the first inning getting four runs off Tiger starter Bill Denehy (2-5, 5.07).  The Orioes added another run in the second before Denehy settled down.  The five runs were enough for Dave McNally (21-5, 2.43) although he gave up a two run homer to Tony Taylor (3) in the 8th.  Orioles 5  Tigers 4

 

Friday. September 17, (second game)  Mike Kilkenney (4-8, 4.91) gave up two runs early including a solo homer to Brooks Robinson (15), then shut the door.  The Tigers tied the game in the 5th on a two run single by Gates Brown.  A pair of two run homers, one by Gates Brown (15) in the 7th and one by Jim Northrup (25) in the 8th gave the Tiers the winning margin.  Tom Timmermann pitched two innings in relief for his 11th save.  Jim Palmer (20-10, 2.34) somewhat unjustifiably was awarded the loss as the homers came off Dick Hall.  Tigers 6  Orioles 2

 

Saturday, September 18  With the Tiger's bullpen in tatters, it looked for a day of rest with Mickey Lolich taking the mound for the home team.  He would be opposed by Dave Leonhard. Lolich singled home the first run of the day in the fourth inning.  Jim Northrup added a 3 run homer (26) in the 5th then drove in three more with a bases loaded double in the 8th.  Lolich cruised to his 31st win and and 14th shutout (21-8, 1.73)  Leonhard took the loss (2-3, 4.53)  Tigers 8  Orioles 0

 

Sunday  September 19  The Orioles struck first in the thid inning with rbi singles by September call up Bobby Grich and Frank Robinson.  The Tigers came back in the fifth on singles by Bill freehan and Norm Cash.  Joe Coleman (25-4, 2.80) and Mike Cuellar (19-10, 3.05) held the two teams in check until the bottom of the 8th when Cash launched his 40th homer of the season.  Coleman had some troubles in the 9th but got the last out wih two Orioles on base.  Tigers 3  Orioles 2

G-men sweep Friars

GAME 1: SF 8 SD 4
This game was scoreless through six as Juan Marichal and Steve Arlin continued to wiggle out of trouble. Then the bullpens took over and ahh "Heck" broke loose. The Giants scored three in the seventh, only to be matched in the top of the eighth. The bottom of the eighth was where it fell apart for San Diego as ten men came to the plate for San Fransisco and five runs scored.

GAME 2: SF 7 SD 6 (11)
Willie McCovey hit two home runs in this game, including one in the first inning to give the Giants a 2-0 lead. The Padres got it back and the teams traded shots through the seventh. Then the bullpens shut down both teams and forced extra innings. In the top of the 11th, Bartons' RBI single put the Padres ahead 6-5, but the Giants came back with an RBI triple by Speier to tie the game. Willie Mays then hit a sacrifice fly to bring Speier home and give the Giants a hard-fought 7-6 win.

GAME 3: SF 4 SD 3 (10)
Another extra-inning thriller at Candlestick as the Padres put up a 2-spot in the top of the ninth to force extra innings. Willie Mays was again the hero, smacking an RBI single the the 10th for the win. Bobby Bonds hit his 33rd home run in this game.

The Giants continue their absurd roll. They have now won eight straight and eight of their last ten. Ironically, neither Marichal nor Gaylord Perry could get a decision as each bid for their 20th win. --submitted by Michael Hopcroft--

Dodgers sweep twin bill

GAME 3: Dodgers 3, Braves 0
Al Downing (15-11, 2.76) came up ace today in the first game of a twin bill. Downing scattered 6 hits as he tossed a much needed shutout vs Atlanta. Downing has struggled at times this season, but on a day when his team needed him to come up big he did. Dick Allen again was the Dodger offense, going 2 for 3 and hitting his 21st homer of the year.

GAME 4: Dodgers 9, Braves 3
In a matchup of respective aces who did not have their best stuff, Don Sutton (17-6, 2.90) bested Phil Niekro (23-8, 2.27) to lock down the series sweep for the Dodgers, who are now back in the pennant race. Atlanta, who had fought so hard and had played so well all season, virtually ended their bid for the post season. With the score 2-1 LA erupted for 6 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to take an 8-1 lead. Dick Allen hit his 3rd homer in 3 days and both Wes Parker and Bill Buckner had 3 hits each. Ralph Garr also had 3 and scored 2 runs to increase his average to .368 as he battles Chicago's Glenn Beckert and Montreal's Rusty Staub for the league lead.

Allen throws wrench into Braves plans

GAME 2: Dodgers 5, Braves 4
The Braves nibbled away against Bill Singer and scored solo runs every other inning to bring a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the 8th. Brave starter Jim Nash was removed for a pinch hitter (Dusty Baker) in the 7th and veteran Pat Jarvis (9-10, 3.97) was brought on in relief. With time running short in this game and in this season the Dodgers needed some sort of miracle. A 3 run 8th inning qualified as such. With 2 out in the 8th Willie Davis reached first thanks to a fielding error by Earl Williams, who was playing out of position (he's usually a catcher). Davis stole second and was immediately doubled home by Allen. Wes Parker was given an intentional pass to create a force at any base. Jarvis needed to get rookie catcher, Joe Ferguson out. He couldn't. Ferguson lined an opposite field hit to score both runners who were on the move, and just like that the game was now tied at 4. With Bill Singer long gone, Jose Pena (7-3, 1.63) was tasked with keeping the Braves at bay. Pena was more than up for the task as he tossed 1 2/3 innings of no run ball. Jarvis, who was still reeling from his 8th inning debacle was sent back out to the hill for the 9th. Feeling the game would go extra innings and knowing that Pena could go another 3 or 4 innings, the Dodger manager allowed his reliever to hit. Pena grounded one to Williams at 3rd, who again booted an easy chance to allow a runner to reach 1st. Maury Wills followed with a clean single to center and Bill Buckner bunted both runners up a base. Willie Davis was intentionally walked to load the bases and give the Braves a possible double play chance. Up stepped Dick Allen and for the second day in a row he delivered in a clutch spot. Obviously a bases loaded walk off walk is a little less dramatic than a walk off homer, but both did the trick. LA had now taken the first 2 games of the series, which helped them keep their slim post season aspirations alive.

Dodgers sweep Braves to get back into race

9/17 - 9/19 - Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
GAME 1: Dodgers 2, Braves 1
George Stone and Claude Osteen treated the late arriving crowd to a neat little pitcher's duel for 7 innings. Stone gave up 1 run in the 2nd when Tom Haller singled home Wes Parker. Osteen was tossing a shutout until the 8th, when pinch hitter Zoilo Versalles doubled to lead off the inning. Stone was lifted for a pinch hitter, Tommy Aaron, who was given an intentional pass. Ralph Garr, who is leading the senior circuit in hitting, bunted both runners over. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out newly acquired Hoyt Wilhem was brought in to face the right handed hitting Felix Millian who lifted a medium range fly ball to right to score Versalles and tie the game at 1. Cecil Upshaw came on in relief of Stone and proceeded to get the Dodgers out in order in the 8th. Wilhelm did the same to the Braves in the 9th. Dick Allen led off the 9th and crushed Upshaw's first offering deep into the California night for his 20th homer of the season. The enigmatic one was greeted by his Dodger teammates at the plate to celebrate the victory.

Gary Gentry tosses a No-hitter vs Phils

When you pitch for the Mets you need to practically toss a no-no or at a minimum a shutout every time out just to give yourself a chance to win. Gentry, known as that "other fireballer" from Texas was flat out on today as he fanned 8 Phils and walking just 3 (he usually walks more). There was no score in the game until the Mets scored a solo run in the the bottom of the 6th inning to break the scoreless deadlock. Utility man Teddy Martinez singled home Ed Kranepool off of Phils starter Champion. The Mets added that all important insurance run in the 7th when Kranepool tripled home Wayne Garrett with 2 outs. With the tension mounting at Shea in the top of the 9th, Gentry amped up his game and fanned the first 2 batters (Stone & Bowa) and sawed off McCarver's bat to get the final out. Timmy grounded weakly to Martinez at second to end it and give Gentry his much deserved no hit shutout game !

You can see the boxscore by clicking here

P.S. - I forgot to post this during the disk that it actually occurred on, because I was traveling while on VAC. Still important info to share !

Braves split pair with Astros

Game 1- Astros take game 1 3-0....Phil Niekro (23-7 2.07) is the victim
of 4 Brave errors while Jack Billingham (12-12 2.85) throws a 2 hit
shutout while walking only one.

Game 2- Braves win this one 6-5....Cecil Upshaw (5-5 4.25) gets the win
in relief while Fred Gladding (4-5 2.92 gets the loss. D. Evans (.264)
led the offense for the Braves going 2 for 3 with 3 RBI's and smacked
his 20th HR of the season

1971 Detroit at Baltimore

Monday, September 13 (first game)  Dave  McNally (20-5, 2.36) was virtually unhittable while Mike Kilkenny (3-8, 5.10) wasnt.  Merv Rettenmund (15) and Boog Powell (20) each had two run homers in the 4th.  Frank Robinson (26) had a two run shot in the 7th.  Detroit's lone score was a three run homer by Norm Cash (36) off McNally in the 8th.  Orioles go one half game up on the Tigers.  Orioles 9  Tigers 3

 

Monday, September 13 (second game)  The Tigers played longball off Pat Dobson (17-8, 2.83), scoring all thir runs off homers  Dick McAuliffe (21) had a solo shot in the 3rd.  Gates Brown also went sol in the fourth (10) then had a three run homer in the 8th (11).  Joe Niekro (9-4, 3.44) threw three hit shutout ball for 7 innings before a rain delay in the tp of the 8th forced him to remain on the bench for the bottom of the 8th.  The o's scored three times in the 8th to make the ninth interesting, but Fred Scherman slammed the door for his 19th save.  The Tigers again go half a game up on the Orioles though they remain percentage points behind. Tigers 5  Orioles 3

 

Tuesday, September 14.  McAuliffe led off the game with a triple and scored on the Gater's single.  Jim Northup had a three run homer (23) in the fourth off starter and loser Jim Palmer (20-9, 2.36.  Cash added a two run shot in the 9th (37).  Oh, yes, Mickey Lolich threw his 13th shutout of the season, allowing three hits, walking one and striking out nine.  Lolich is now 30-8 with a 1.78 era.  He has thrown a shutout in 7 of his last 10 games.  Detroit goes a game and a half up on the Orioles and take a .003 win pecentage lead.  Tigers 6  Orioles 0