Amazin's take 4 of 5 from Bombers to win "Plus" World Series

OCT 9 Game 1 pitted NYM Jerry Koosman(13-3) verus Fritz Peterson(18-14). Lead by the arm of Koosman and the bat of Donn Clendenon the Mets took game 1 9-0. Clendenon went 5-5 with 3 doubles and a homerun and Koosman pitched 7 shutout innings. Mets scored 2 runs in the first inning and never looked back rbi groundout play Cleon Jones and a rbi single by Ken Singleton started the rout.Mets scored 1 in the fourth on a rbi single by Jerry Grote then the Mets scored 3 in the 5th aided by an error by Gene"stick "Michaels. Clendenon, Aspromonte and Grote delivered rbi hits. Clenedenon hit his 13th hr in the 7th a solo shot and Ken Singleton hit his 20th a two run shot in the 9th to cap off the scoring. Kossman picked up his 14th win and Peterson took the lose his 15th.

OCT 11 Game 2 pitted the Mets Gary Gentry against the Yanks Mel Stottlemyre. Tommie Agee led off the game with his 20th hr of the season which was more than enough for starter Gary Gentry who went the distance yielding only 2 hits. The Mets broke it open in the sixth when Ed Kranepool hit a 3 run hr his 15th of the season followed by Ken Singleton hitting his 21st hr of the season.The mets capped off the scoring with 3 more runs in the 9th, n a rbi single by Buddy Harrelson, a sf by Cleon Jones and a rbi double by Kranepool. Gentry picked up the win his 15th and Mel Stottlemyre took the lose his 8th of the season.

Oct 12 Game 3 pitted Mets Tom Seaver verus Yanks Stan Bahnsen. Mets Took the lead in the second inning on a rbi single by Tommie Agee. The Yankees would tied the game with their first run of the series when Hanson and michaels both singled and hanson came home on an error by Bob Aspromonte in the top of the 5th. The mets Struck for 2 in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead. Tom Seaver who the has not gotten much run support lately took it upon himself and had a 2 run single to give the mets a 3-1 Lead. Seaver held the 2 run until the top of the 8th when Yankees catcher Thurman Munson hit his 6th hr of the season to cut the Mets lead to 1. After giving up a lead off single in the 9th and a stolen base Seaver got ex-mets Ron Swoboda to strikeout to en the game, giving the Mets a 3-0 lead in the series.

Oct 13 Game 4 pitted the Mets Ray Sadecki against the Yanks Steve Kline. It was a pitchers duel for the first 3 innings of the game. The Yanks struck for 3 runs in the the top of the 4th giving them their first lead of the series. Rbi single by Roy White and John Ellis, then an rbi groundout by Phil Hanson gave the Yanks a 3-0 lead. The Mets would respond in the bottom of the 4th on a rbi single by Jerry Grote. That was all Steve Kline would give up for the rest of the game. The Yankees put the game away when Roy White hit his 21st hr a 2-run shot in the top of the 9th. Kline got the win and Sadecki took the loss. The Mets still lead the series 3-1.

Oct 14 Game 5 was a rematch of game 1 starters Jerry Koosman and Fritz Peterson. It was a wet damp day at Shea. Mets took the early lead when Ken Singleton hit his 22nd hr off Peterson in the bottom of the second. that was more than enough for the Mets pitchers on that day. After a 35 minute rain delay in the 4th which hurt both starters. The Mets scord again in the 5th on a rbi suicide squeeze by Buddy Harrelson to give the Mets and 2-0 lead. the rain delay force Koosman out after six inings only giving up 1 hit to the Yankees. Tug Mcgraw came on and went the final 3 innings giving up 1 hit over them for the save. In the bottom of the 8th for good measures Ken Singleton hit his 2nd hr of the game his 23rd of the season to cap the scoring. Koosman got the win and peterson took the loss.

The pitching MVP for the series was Jerry Koosman who was 2-0 with an ERA of 0.00 in 13 innings of pitching and the hitting MVP was Ken Singleton who slugged 4 hrs in the series.
--submitted by Howie Fortel--

Tigers Win Series in 5 !

[San Francisco, CA - Michael Hopcroft reporting]
GAME 1 DET 3 SFG 2
Mickey Lolich and Gaylord Perry locked horns in the series opener. Bobby Bonds led off the game with a home run, only to be answered in the third with an RBI groundout by Bill Freehan and a two-out RBI single by Aurellio Rodriguez. The Giants got the run back in the fifth off a Willie Mays solo shot, only to have Dick Dietz give up a passed ball with the bases loaded to plate Bill Freehan for what turned out to be the winning run. Both pitchers completed the game, with Lolich showing his form by striking out nine.

GAME 2 DET 8 SFG 4
Juan Marichal took the mound against Joe Coleman in the second game at Tiger Stadium. Marichal wasn't on his stuff initially, giving up two runs in each of the second and third innings. Bill Dietz his a three-RBI double in the fourth, followed up by an RBI grounder by Marichal – in an inning when Coleman gave up five walks. The game continued as a tie until the bottom of the eighth. That's when things finally fell apart for Marichal, giving up four hits including a two-RBI double by Jim Nothrup, followed by an Aurellio Rodriguez two-run shot. The Giants got a lead-off walk in the ninth, but ended up stranding him on a fly to left and two strikeouts by reliever Timmerman, and the teams headed to San Francisco with the Tigers holding a 2-0 lead in the series.

GAME 3 SFG 10 DET 8
It was a slug fest in Candlestick for game three. The teams traded shots in the first three innings, with back-to-back home runs by Tony Taylor and Al Kaline in the top of the first answered by a two-RBI double by Dick Deitz in the Giants third. With both teams forced to go deep into their bullpens, the Giants pulled in front with a six-run seventh. The Tigers answered with three in the eighth to pull within a run, but Bobby Bonds smacked an insurance home run in the ninth and Jerry Johnson held the Tigers scoreless in the ninth to preserve the win for San Francisco.

GAME 4 DET 7 SFG 2
Mickey Lolich was brave to come to the mound on three days rest, but Gaylord Perry needed an extra day. So the Giants called on Steve Stone to start Game 4. But Stone was clearly out of his depth, giving up six runs in the first three innings. The Tigers cruised from there as Lolich gave up only five hits. The Giants pick up a run in the second and one in the ninth, but by then it was too late; the Giants were forced to go to their pen after the fifth and the game was no real contest. The Tigers took a 3-1 lead going into the critical game 5.

GAME 5 DET 5 SFG 3
Gaylord Perry was at full strength to pitch the critical Game 5 against Mike Kilkenny for the Tigers, who only lasted three and two-thirds innings but did not give up a run. Nobody crossed the plate until a two-run homer by Willie Mays in the bottom of the fifth. The Tigers answered with their own two-run shot by Jim Northrup in the sixth. The Giants took the lead on an RBI double by Ken Henderson in the seventh, but the Tigers exploded in the ninth, scoring three runs off Perry highlighted by a Ed Brinkman two run triple. Dick Dietz hit a two-out single in the ninth but was stranded when Al Gallagher popped out to the shortstop. The Tigers took the series and the world championship four games to one, capping off a campaign that saw them gain 107 regular-season wins. Special congrats to their manager Tom Davis, who had an incredible year piloting his club.

Mets clinch +/- pennant as Kooz no hits Reds in game 2

Riverfront Stadium - Cincinnati, OH
GAME 1 - Mets 5, Reds 4
New York's Gary Gentry was cruising along protecting a 4-1 lead until the Reds exploded on him in the 8th for 3 runs and chased him from the game. The game remained tied at 4 until Tommy Agee hit a bomb off of Wayne Granger to make it 5-4. Tug McGraw, who got the win pitched 2 scoreless innings in relief to shut down the Reds and capture game 1.

GAME 2 - Mets 5, Reds 0
Cincinnati has performed poorly vs southpaws all season. Quite an anomaly for a lineup that is all righty. Jerry Koosman took full advantage of that and tossed an off the charts no hitter. Koosman second inning walk of George Foster accounted for the only Red baserunner of the day. Don Clendenon was the offense as he homered and doubled and knocked in 4 of the Mets 5 runs.

Shea Stadium - Flushing, NY
GAME 3 - Reds 4, Mets 1
With their season on the line the Reds put their trust in lefty Ross Grimsley, who had the unenviable task of facing Cy Young hopeful Tom Seaver. The Mets jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the bottom of first when Agee led off the game with a homer. For Seaver one run usually is more than enough, but not on this day when he did not have his best stuff. The Reds scored 2 in the second and probably could have had more if Tommy Helms didn't hit into a run scoring DP. Tony Perez homered in the 4th and Bench did the same in the 7th to put the game away and give cincy life.

GAME 4 - Mets 4, Red 2
Jim Merritt started the game for the Reds, but was on a tight leash. After 2 innings he was gone. All hands were on deck for the Reds and all hands surrendered runs. Meanwhile Ray Sadecki was able to go the distance for the Mets and only yield 2 runs on 3 hits. Cleon Jones hit a huge 2 run shot in the first to start the Mets on their way. Aspromonte doubled home Clendenon in the 3rd and Jones doubled home his Mobile, Alabama neighbor Agee in the 7th to put it away and clinch the pennant for the Amazin's, who will now face the Yankees in a subway series.

1971 +/- ALDC New York Yankees vs Kansas City Royals

Game 1 Fritz Petereson starts for the Yankees and Dick Drego for the Royals. Ron Blomberg opened the scoring in the 4th with a HR. It stayed that way til the 7th when Thurman Munson hit a 2 run homer to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead. But the Royals finally got to Peterson in the 9th. Amos Otis opened the 9th with a double, followed by a Lou Pinella single to make it 3-1. Paul Schaal followed with a single and Bob Oliver hit a sac fly to cut it to 3-2 with the tying run on first, but Peterson got the next 2 out for the Yankees win. Fritz Peterson got the win, Dick Drago suffered the loss. Yankees 3 Royals 2 Yankees lead 1 game to none

Game 2 Yankee ace Mel Stottlemyre faced Royals Mike Hedland. It was a true pitching duel. There was no scoring through 8 innings with each team managing only 2 hits each. In the bottom of the 9th, with 2 outs, Ron Bloomberg hit a single off Al Fitzmorris. Felipe Alou also singled to send Bloomberg to 3rd. Ron Hansen then singled the winning run. Mel Stottlemyre goes all the way with a 2 hit shutout for the win. Al Fitzmorris suffered the loss. Royal starter Mike Hedland went 7 innings giving up only 2 hits.

Yankees 1 Royals 0 Yankees lead 2 games to none

Game 3 The Yankees go with Steve Kline against Royals Paul Splittorff. The Royals get their first lead of the series in the 2nd when Paul Splittorff grounds out, but Paul Schaal scored on the play. The Royals add another run in the 5th when Freddy Patek triples and Lou Piniella singles him in to make it 2-0. Splittorff is cruising at this point giving up only 1 hit through 8 innings. But, Gene Michaels singles to lead off the 9th. The Royals then bring in Ted Abernathy to try to finish out the game. The Yankees send up Felipe Alou to pinch hit and he hits a single, sending Michaels to third. Horace Clarke hits a perfect double play ball to Bobby Knoop, but goes right underneath his glove, letting Michaels score to make it 2-1. Munson grounds out to shortstop advancing both runners, the tying run to 3rd and the go ahead run at second. The Royals decide to intentally walk Bobby Murcer, to face Roy White with the bases loaded. White hits a single to tie the score. Ron Swoboda then comes up with the bases loaded. Ted Abernathy is so rattled, he hits Swoboda, scoring the go ahead run. Ron Hanson then ground to first base, but the Royals couldn't turn the DP, and Murcer scored to make it 4-2. The Royal go down in the 9th and the Yankees make a great comeback to win the series. Steve Kline gets the win. Ted Abernathy suffers the loss.

Yankees 4 Royals 2 Yankees win the series 3 games to 0
--submitted by Jim Halperin--

1971 Playoffs Tigers and White Sox

Game 1 Sunday Oct 1, at Detroit.  Two of the best lefthanders in the business met in game 1 and through five innigs, kept each other off the scoreboard.  Walt Williams opened the game with a double but Mickey Lolich immediately settled down and struck out the side.  Meanwhle Wilbur Wood did not allow a hit until the fifth inning.  The Tigers broke through in the sixth.  With one out, Tony Taylor singled, Al Kaline walked and Bill Freehan singled to load the bases.  Wood struck out AL homerun champ Norm Cash, but walked Willie Horton to force in a run.  The Tigers added two more in the 7th on a Kaline double.  The White Sox got on the board in the 8th on back to back doubles by Rich McKinny and Rick Reichardt and a single by Bill Melton.  But they could do no further damage and the Tigers took Game 1.  Loloch was the wnner (33-9, 1.870, striking out 12 and walking none.  Wood took the loss (24-13, 2.16)  Tigers 3  White Sox 2 

 

Game 2, Monday Oct. 2, at Detroit.  Gates Brown started the scoring in the 3rd with a two run homer (16).  The White Sox came right back in the 4th on a two run double by Lee Richard and a single by pinchhitter Tony Muser.  In th bottom of the 4th, the Tigers regained the lead on another two run homer by Brown (17).  They would add a solo run in the 5th and then in the 6th, Brown struck again, this time a solo blast (18). Brown who was sparingly used prior to Horton's late August injury, has hit 11 homers since Sept 1.and battted .405 in 66 plate appearances.  "I'm just glad I could contribute,." said the man signed by Tiger uber-scout Bill Lajoie while playig in the Ohio penal league.  Freehan would add a two run homer in the 6th (33) and another in the 8th (34).  Joe Coleman got the win (28-4, 2.61).  Vincente Romo took the loss (5-5, 3.44).  Fred Scherman earned his league leading 31st save by entering the gae in the 8th with one out and the bases loaded and inducing pinchhitter Rich Morales to hit into a double play.  Tiers 10  White Sox 4. 

 

Game 3, Wednesday Oct 4, at Chicago.  With their backs against the wall, th Sox opted to send out Wood on two days rest.  The Tigers responded with Les Cain, though Lolich reported he was ready to go.  Whether it was the fact that they had just seen Wood two days earlier or they just wanted to end the series fast, the Tigers sent 7 plyers to the plate before Wood could record an out.  Mickey Stanley led off with a triple and scored when Melton botched Taylor's ground ball.  It would the first of five errors on the day for the Sox.  Wood hit Kaline and then Freehan, Cash and Horton singled.  After Wood got an out, Eddie Brinkman singled and Les Cain drove home two with a double.  That was all for Wood.  Taylor would add a two run single and the Tigers took an 8-0 lead to the bottom of the first.  The Sox came back on a two run homer by Reichardt (18) and a solo shot by Melton (43).  They would add two more in the second, but that was as close as they would get.  The Tigers picked up five runs in the 4th including a pinchhit grand slam by Jim Northrup (29).  After a 41 minute rain delay in the bottom of the 4th, Cain departed and Mike Kilkenney took over. In the 5th the beat down turned into a rout as the Tigers had nine hits including 4 doubles and scored 8 more runs.  Cash capped the Tiger scoring in the 7th with his own grand slam (46).  Every Tiger who batted had at least one hit, Taylor had 4 hits and 5 rbis, Cash had 5 hits and 7 rbis.  KilKenney got the win (5-8, 4.91).  Wood took the loss (24-14, 2.34)  Tigers 25  White Sox 7

 

The Tigers go on to meet the Giants in the World Series

NLCS: Giants sweep Bucs to advance to Series

Game 1: SF 6 PIT 5
The Giants opened the NLCS at home, but it was the Pirates who came out firing. A two-run homer from Hebner in the third, a bases-loaded walk by Gaylord Perry to Steve Blass, and an RBI double by Al Oliver gave the Bucs a 5-1 lead by the top of the fifth. But the fifth was when the Giants started to come back, when Willie Mays hit a two-run homer off Blass. Ken Henderson followed up with an RBI single in the sixth cutting the lead to 5-4. The San Francisco bullpen shut down the Pirates past the seventh, and Chris Speier his a two-RBI double in the eight to put San Francisco ahead for good. Don McMahon ended up getting the Giants win.

Game 2: SF 3 PIT 2 (10)
A pitcher's duel in Game 2 saw Juan Marichal, coming off three days rest, give up a two-run shot to Willie Stargell in the 2nd. But that was all he would give up, scattering five hits and striking out seven. The Giants would tie the game in the seventh when Marichal aided his own cause with a home run. From then on both pitchers battened down the hatches, the game went into extra frames, and the question was whose bullpen would blink first. It was Giusti, who faced his first batter in the tenth -- Dick Dietz -- who promptly smacked a solo shot to break the tie and give the Giants a 2-0 series lead going into Pittsburgh

Game 3: SFG 6 PIT 4
The scene shifted to Three Rivers for a pressure-filled game 3. With their backs to the wall, Pittsburgh started Bob Johnson against the Giants' John Cumberland. And for the early part of the game everything was going the way of the Bucs: Stargell and Mazeroski his solo shots and Juan Hernandez followed up a wild pitch with an RBI single. But the roof caved in in the seventh inning when Bobby Bonds hit a three-run blast to cap off a four-run Giants inning. With the game tied at four, the question became who would strike next. It was Willie McCovey, with a two-run shot with nobody out in the top of the ninth to give San Francisco a 6-4 lead. Al Oliver hit a solo shot in the bottom of the inning, but Bob Robertson lined out to Mays and the series was over. --submitted by Michael Hopcroft--

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   

1971 Cubs at Cardinals

Friday, September 3. The drama usally supplied in a Bill Hands start was missing today as the Cards struck for two runs in the first, including Joe Torre's 17th homer.  Buts the Cubs scored five times after two were gone in the third, capitalizing on two Cardinal outfield errors.  Ted Sizemore (1) led off the third with a homer and the Cards pushed another across on a Ted Simmons groundout.  The Cards took the lead wit two in the fifth only to see the Cubs tie it at 6 in he 6th.  Glenn Beckert's two out single in the 8th produced the wining run.  Phil Regan got the win (7-8, 5.40)  Ray Newman got his first major league save.  Reggie Cleveland (9-15, 4.47) was the loser.    Cubs 7   Cardinals 6

 

Saturday, September 4.  Milt Pappas (12-13, 3.34) continued his string of good outings.  He has now pitched at least 7 innings in 8 of his last nine starts. The Cubs hit Cardinal starter Steve Carlton (13-18, 4.13) hard in the first, scoring 5 times.  Billy Williams (26) hit a solo shot in the seond while Joe Hague (12) had a two run homer for the hometown Cards.  Cubs 6 Cardinals 3

 

Sunday, September 5.  Jim Hickman singled home a run in the first, hit a three run homer (20) in the third and a solo shot (21) in the 7th on his way to a five rbi day. Jerry Reuss (9-17, 5.25) was the victim of those five and two others as Ferguson Jenkins (23-8, 2.35) won despite not having his best stuff.  Cubs 7 Cardinals 4   

Notable Sept 1st Call-ups

Dusty Baker

Ron Cey

Terry Crowley

Don Baylor

Disk #47 TWIB Notes

8/30
Tony Perez hit 2 hr's against SD and had 4 RBI
Doug Rader hit his 15th HR as Hou beat LA 5-1
Billy Williams went 4-5 for the Cubs, but the Expos won in 11
Nelson Briles (9-3, 4.40) tossed a 10 inning shutout over PHI for PIT
Ollie Brown went 3-4 as the Padres upset the Reds 3-2

8/31
Mike Lum goes 4-4, but the Braves lose to the Giants 9-6
Jim Nettles hits a walk off grand slam in the 10th as Min defeats the Chisox 9-5
Joe Coleman won his 20th (20-4, 2.94) 5-3 over Cle.
Dave May goes 3-3 as MIL edges KC 3-2
Joe Pepitone goes 2-4 and records 14 put outs at 1st as the Cubs beat the 'Spos 5-2.
Tommie Agee goes 3-4 as the Mets blow out the Cards 14-7
Rick Monday clouts 2 homers and has 5 RBI's as the A's win 7-6 over the Angels in 13.
Johnny Bench hits his 27th homer as the Reds outlast the Padres 7-4
Mike Kekich shuts out the Nats 2-0
Norm Cash hits his 33rd HR as Detroit clobbers Cle 5-1

9/1
Hank Aaron hits 2 homers (42 and 43), but the Braves lose to the Giants 9-6 in the 12th.
Bill Melton hits his 38th homer to pace the Chisox to a 3-2 win over MIN.
Lew Krausse fans 9 Royals, but loses 2-1 as MIL can't capitalize on 8 hits.
Maury Wills goes 4-6 as the Dodgers defeat the Astros 3-2 in 13.
Fergie Jenkins wins his 22nd (22-8, 2.20) 3-1 over Montreal.
Tom Terrific fans 12 Cards, to out duel Gibson and notch his 21st victory.
Andy Messersmith and Allen combine to shutout Oakland 2-0
Clemente, Stargell and Clines go 3-4 as Pittsburgh crushes PHI 6-2.
Dave Roberts tosses a tidy 4 hit shutout for SD over CIN
Ron Blomberg goes 3-3 to increase his avg to .420 as the bombers beat the nats by 1.

9/2
Mickey Lolich fans 10 Indians in a 8-2 victory to increase his record to 28-7, 1.84
Joe Lahoud goes 3-4 and hits his 13 homer, but Boston still loses to Pat Dobson (16-7, 2.80) 4-3.
Jerry May goes 3-4 & hits a walk off homer in the 10th as KC tops MIL 4-2.
Jim Brewer notches his league leading 22nd save as the Dodgers defeat HOU 5-2.
Jim Shellenback and Lindblad combine to shutout the Bombers 1-0. Bernie Allen goes 2-3 for the Nats.

1971 Indians at Tigers

Tuesday August 31 (first game)  The Tigers started fast with a two run homer by Gates Brown (7) in the first.  After the Indians countered with 2 in the third to pull within one, Bill Freehan clubbed a two run shot in the 4th (28).  Joe Coleman (20-4, 2.94) settled down and became the second Tiger hurled to reach 20 wins.  He needed relief help from Fred Scherman in the ninth (15 saves).  Ed Farmer (1-5, 4.63) took the loss.  Tigers 5  Indians 3

 

Tuesday August  31 (second game)  Dick McAuliffe led of the first with 19th homer and Norm Cash followed moments later with a two run shot (33).  Joe Niekro went 6 strong innings (8-4, 3.57) to get the win.  Tom Timmermann wen three innings fo the save (9).  Vince Colbert was the loser (8-3, 5.37)  Tigers 5  Indians 1

 

Wednesday September 1.  The Indians scored first in the third on an rbi triple by Eddie Leon and a Freehan passed ball.  Freehan mde up for his gaff with a three run homer in the 4th (29).  There stood matters until Kurt Bevacqua tied the game in the top of the 8th with his 2nd hoer of the season.  Starter Les Cain went to the bench and the Tigers pulled a double switch, sending Jim Northrup to left and batting in the ninth position and Tom Timmermann coming in to pitch.  Northrup made a winner out of Timmerman (7-2, 2.43) when, batting second in the bottom of the 8th he hit his 22nd homer of the season.  Phil Hennigan (2-6, 3.58) took the loss.

Tigers 4  Indians 3

 

Thursday, September 2.  Mickey Lolich was not as sharp as he has been this season and yielded up 9 base hits to the Indians, including three to Roy Fosse, one of which was Fosse's 13th homer of the season. But on this date, he didnt need to be sharp.  Cash hit a two run homer (34) in the first.  Mcauliffe homered (20) in a two run 5th.  The Tigers added two more in the 6th and then Al Kaline capped the scoring with a two run shot (18) in the 8th.  Lolich throws his 17th complete game out of his last 19 starts, 18 of which he has thrown 9 innings.  Mickey only needs two more wins to reach 30 (28-7, 1.84)  Steve Dunning (2-14,  5.26)   Tigers 8  Indians  2 

1971 Expos at Cubs

Monday, August 30.  It took eleven innings to decide this game.  In the 11th, Bob Bailey tripled and was singled home by pinchhitter Jim Gosger.  Jim Britton got the win (1-3, 5.22)  Strohmayer had the save (3).  Phile Regan took the loss (6-8, 5.76)  Expos 4  Cubs 3

 

Tuesday August 21 (first game).  Carl Morton was denied his chance for a 20th win (19-14, 3.85)  Ron santo's three run homer (14) in the 6th accounted for all the runs the Cubs would need. Ron Fairly had a solo shot late (14).  Milt Pappas got the win (11-13, 3.35)  Phile Regan notched his 7th save.  Cubs 5 Expos 2

 

Tuesday August 31 (second game)  Ken Holtzman (10-12, 5.31) was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in th sixth, but by then the Cubs were comfortably ahead.  Don Kessinger had hit a three run homer in the 5th (4) to give the Cubbuies the lead.  Strohmayer (4-8, 4.38) took the loss.  Regan got his 8th save.

 

Wednesday, September 1 Chris Cannizzaro staked Ferguson Jenkins to a two run lead with a two run homer (4 in the second.  Fergie made it stand up (22-8, 2.20).  Bill Stoneman (10-16, 3.27) was the loser.   

Cubs 3   Expos 1 

 

Thursday September 2.  Ernie McAnally (5-8, 4.76) held the Cubs at bay while the Expos thumped Juan Pizarro (6-3, 4.00).  Bailey and Ron Woods each had two rbis.  Expos 5 Cubs 3 

A's sweep twin bill vs Sens

8/29/71 - Oakland Coliseum - OAK 5, WAS 1 (Game 1)
When your back is up against the wall and you need to halt a skid it never hurts to call on your Cy Young candidate, one Mr. Vida Blue (20-8, 1.71). Blue was purely outstanding as he went the distance and yielded only 2 hits. Unfortunately for him one of those hits was a solo shot by Frank Howard in the 4th, otherwise Mr. Blue would have had himself a shutout. Not so surprising was the return of Oakland's offense coincided with the return of Reggie Jackson to the starting lineup. Jackson was 2 for 4 in his return and the rest of the A's fed off of his presence. Mike Epstein had 2 RBI's and Sal Bando was 3 for 3.

8/29/71 - Oakland Coliseum - OAK 4, WAS 1 (Game 2)
Denny Mclain (7-13, 3.74) and Catfish Hunter (13-12, 3.45) dueled for 7 innings in the nightcap until Gene Tenace hit a 2 run shot in the 8th to make it 4-1 and virtually put the game out of reach. Tenace also homered in the 6th to break a 1-1 stalemate. Hunter scattered 6 hits over 9 innings in a complete game effort to raise his record 1 game over .500. Washington's lone run came in the 4th when Dick Billings singled home rookie Jeff Burroughs who had doubled with one out. That gave Washington a 1-0 lead that they would nurse until the bottom of the 5th, when Hunter would knock in Monday with a sac fly to left. That run was unearned. After the game McLain was visibly upset when he met the media. At 7-13, McLain has seen his comeback season slip away from him as he has begun to fall further and further into the depths of mediocrity.
--series was played h2h online by Bill Keller (A's) and Marc Weiss (Senators)--