TWIB: April 24 - April 30

With Mel Allen
Vol. I, Issue IV
Sunday, April 24 - Saturday, April 30, 1977

TWIB Notes
Sunday, April 24
Reggie Smith (.327, 5 HR, 12 RBI) of the Dodgers was already having a good day going into the ninth inning with four hits on the day, but he saves the best for last he hits a three-run bomb to propel Los Angeles to a 8-6 win over the Braves. Smith finishes scoring three runs and driving in four.

Minnesota breaks a seven-game losing streak behind the pitching of Geoff Zahn (2-2, 5.16 ERA) as he holds the Rangers to just one run and seven hits in a 8-1 victory. The Twins score seven runs in the final two innings as costly errors by C John Ellis (three in the game) and 3B Jimmy Sexton (his first) account for six unearned runs. Larry Hisle (.161, 11 RBI) breaks an 0-for-21 slump with three hits and Dan Ford (.379, 7 RBI) adds three more of his own in the win. Jim Fregosi (.286) has three of the seven Texas hits.

Detroit sweeps the Orioles in an afternoon doubleheader and picks up a half game on Toronto in the AL East as John Wockenfuss (.375, 2 HR, 6 RBI) has three hits and drives in three and Milt Wilcox (1-0, 3.09 ERA) goes eight innings in winning his first start of the year as the Tigers hold on to beat Baltimore in the first game, 5-4. Mark Fidrych (4-0, 2.06 ERA) wins his fourth straight in the second game as Steve Kemp (.382, 9 RBI) , Milt May (.237) and Lou Whitaker (.242, 3 RBI) have three hits apiece to lead Detroit to a 7-5 win.

Jim Essian (.235, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and Oscar Gamble (.333, 3 HR, 6 RBI) each hit home runs in the top of the 11th inning as the White Sox score five runs in the frame to beat Oakland 9-4. Jorge Orta (.267, 6 RBI) and Alan Bannister (.600, 1 RBI) have three hits apiece in the win. Athletics SS Bill Russell has three hits and is hitting .300 since being picked up on waivers last week. In the second game, Jerry Tabb (.250, 2 RBI) singles home Billy North in the eighth and Mike Torrez (2-2, 4.15 ERA) holds the Sox to three hits over eight innings to lead Oakland to a 3-2 win.

Toronto continues to work their magic as Gary Woods (.280, 8 RBI) doubles home Doug Ault in the bottom of the 11th inning and give the Blue Jays a 6-5 win over Boston. Carl Yastrzemski (.388, 14 RBI) and Jim Rice (.267) each have a trio of hits in the game for the Red Sox.

Cleveland 2B Duane Kuiper (.225, 1 HR, 5 RBI) hits the first home run of his major league career with a 391-foot shot to right-center field off Catfish Hunter (0-2) in the third inning of a 5-2 Tribe win against the Yankees. Ray Fosse (.267, 3 RBI) has three base hits and Dennis Eckersley (1-2, 5.53 ERA) strikes out six over eight innings to get the win. In the second game, Reggie Jackson (.368, 6 HR, 16 RBI) has three hits - including his league leading sixth home run - and Roy White (.269, 8 RBI) and Chris Chambliss (.222, 2 HR, 10 RBI) each drive in three runners as New York wins 13-5.

George Foster (.302, 3 HR, 8 RBI) hits a towering grand slam in the eight inning off of Chicago starter Steve Renko (1-2) to give Cincinnati a 8-4 win over the Cubs and their ninth victory in a row.

Milwaukee's Von Joshua (.205, 1 HR, 3 RBI) hits a two-run blast in the top of the 14th inning to lead the Brewers over California 6-4. Joshua has three hits on the day and Dan Thomas (.308) adds three more after coming into the game in the seventh. Jerry Remy (.356) has three hits for the Angels and steals his 16th base in the loss. A total of 10 stolen bases were successful between both teams combined.

37-year old Willie Stargell (.302, 3 HR, 8 RBI) hits two home runs in the second game of a doubleheader and five hits on the day as Pittsburgh sweeps both games against the Mets by scores of 2-1 and 7-4.

Injuries
- MR Lary Anderson is expected to miss about 4-5 weeks with a hyperextended elbow.
------------ Is placed on the 15-day disabled list.
------------ MR Cardell Camper contract purchased from Triple A Toledo.

Major Transactions
- SS Alan Bannister activated from the disabled list.
------------ SS Tim Nordbrook optioned to Triple A Iowa.


Monday, April 25
Jim Clancy (4-0, 2.01 ERA) keeps the Red Sox reeling as he strikes out nine over eight innings, allowing just five hits in a 2-0 win over Boston. Fergie Jenkins (1-3, 2.97 ERA) was almost as good, allowing five hits of his own, striking out six and giving up just one earned run.

Backed by three hits each from Bruce Bochte (.323, 3 RBI) and Joe Rudi (.319, 5 RBI), Angels starter Gary Ross (4-0, 1.50 ERA) cruised to a 10-0 victory over Oakland. Ross strikes out six and allows just five hits over his eight innings of work.

San Diego C Bob Stinson (.280, 2 HR, 11 RBI) ended this five-hour, 16-inning affair in grand fashion, hitting a walk-off grand slam off of Dodgers reliever Mike Garman (0-1) to give the Padres a 8-4 triumph. Bill Almon (.231) and Gene Richards (.262, 5 RBI) each have four hits for San Diego while SS Roy Landestoy (.200) does the same for the Dodgers. Davey Lopes (.364, 13 RBI) adds his three hits to the Los Angeles total as well.

Al Bumbry (.340, 6 RBI) hits a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning to score Larry Harlow and give Baltimore a 3-2 win over the Yankees. Orioles starter Dennis Martinez (2.08 ERA) strikes out 10 in 8 2/3 innings but fails to get a decision.

Atlanta starter Andy Messersmith (3-1, 2.18 ERA) gives up 10 hits but only one earned run to lead the Braves past Cincinnati 3-1 and snapping the Reds' nine game winning streak. Messersmith strikes out four and walks two in his eight innings of work.

Injuries
- 3B Doug Rader is day-to-day for about 6 days with a strained Achilles tendon.

Contract Signings
- SP Wayne Twitchell signed a 3-year extension worth a total of $528,000.
------------ He will earn $176,000 a year through 1980.

Major Transactions
- LF Ron Pruitt recalled from Triple A Toledo.
------------ RF Charlie Spikes optioned to Triple A Toledo.


Tuesday, April 26
Ron Guidry (2-1, 1.95 ERA) gives up three hits - two by Ken Singleton (.353) - and struck out six to lead the Yankees to a 4-0 shutout of Baltimore. Jim Palmer (3.24 ERA) goes the distance for the Orioles, allowing six hits and five strikeouts, but drops to 0-4 on the year.

Oakland starter Doc Medich (4-0, 2.20 ERA) throws a five-hit shutout and the Athletics attacked previously unhittable Frank Tanana (3-1) for six runs as Oakland beats the Angels, 6-0. Medich struck out six and walked none while Mitchell Page (.356, 4 HR, 13 RBI) drives in four runs on three hits to lead the Athletics offensive assault.

The Cubs hit four home runs, but can not stop the St. Louis hit parade as the Cards pound out 20 hits, the game-clincher being a home run by Keith Hernandez (.203, 1 HR, 8 RBI) in the 11th inning - the only Cardinals home run in the game - to lead St. Louis to a 9-7 victory. Hernandez has four hits, scores three runs and has three runs batted in while Gary Templeton (.267), Ted Simmons (.288, 10 RBI) and Buddy Bell (.258, 4 RBI) have three hits apiece. Chicago RF Bobby Mercer (.298, 2 HR, 6 RBI) drives in three runs and 3B Steve Ontiveros (.333, 2 HR, 9 RBI) goes a perfect 4-for-4, including a game typing home run in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings.

Detroit's Phil Mankowski (.291, 3 HR, 10 RBI) has five hits, his last being a walk-off blast to right-center field off Chris Knapp (0-1) in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Tigers a 7-6 win over Chicago. Lou Whitaker (.271) has three hits and Ben Oglivie (.277, 16 RBI) has three runs batted in for Detroit. White Sox Pinch-hitter Lamar Johnson (.294, 2 HR, 4 RBI) tied the game up in the ninth with a solo shot to send the game into extra innings.

Pedro Garcia (.308) replaced an injured Ron Fairly in the sixth inning, then delivered three hits (two doubles) and scored three runs in helping Toronto score four times in the top of the 11th inning and down the Indians, 6-2. Blue Jays starter Steve Hargen (3.41 ERA) scatters eight hits and two runs in eight innings, but gets the no decision while C Alan Ashby (.279, 8 RBI) has three hits and three runs batted in the win.

After scoring two runs in the ninth to force extra innings, Cincinnati scores to open the 10th frame on a Ken Griffey (8 RBI) sacrifice fly, however the Braves would come storming back. An error by 3B Pete Rose (his third) gives Atlanta and extra out, they hit three consecutive singles to score two runs, the last being hit by Rowland Office (.340, 8 RBI). Braves starter Jamie Easterly gives up just two hits and strikes out five over seven innings to lower his ERA to a nice 9.56. Griffey pinch hit for Johnny Bench in the ninth and stayed in to catch the final two innings.

Mariners' Rick Jones (2-2, 3.68 ERA) and Enrique Romo (5 SV, 9.00 ERA) combine to hold Minnesota to four hits - two by Butch Wynegar (.296) - and sends the Twins to their eighth loss in nine games with a 4-0 victory. Doug Collins (.357) cracks four singles for the winning team.

Ron Cey (.273, 2 HR, 5 RBI) has three hits, including a two-run blast in the top of the ninth to send the game into extras and pitcher Al Downing (1.000, 2 RBI) hits a two-run single in the 12th inning to give Los Angeles a 5-3 win over the Padres. San Diego's Dave Winfield plays three innings at 2B for the first time in his career after coming in as a pinch-hitter.

Injuries
- 1B Ron Fairly is day-to-day for about 1 week with a swollen eye.
- SP John Urrea is expected to miss about 7-8 months with a torn back muscle.
------------ Is placed on the 60-day disabled list.
------------ 2B Ken Oberkfell (.294, 1 HR, 6 RBI) contract purchased from Triple A New Orleans.
- CF Elliott Maddox is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a scratched cornea.
------------ Is placed on the 15-day disabled list.
------------ CF Tom Shopay (.177, 2 HR, 10 RBI) recalled from Triple A Rochester.

Major Transactions
- SP Francisco Barrios activated from the disabled list.
------------ SP Mike Krukow (1-1, 1.62 ERA) optioned to Triple A Iowa.


Wednesday, April 27
Richie Zisk (.203, 5 HR, 13 RBI) hits two home runs and drives in five while Oscar Gamble (.324, 4 HR, 9 RBI) scores three runs and drives in three more on three hits as the White Sox crush Detroit by a 11-1 score. Starter Ken Brett (2-3, 3.05 ERA) goes the distance for Chicago, giving up a run on seven hits.

Boston starter Reggie Cleveland (3-1, 4.82 ERA) holds the Brewers to four hits in 8 1/3 innings while Butch Hobson (.242) and Carl Yastrzemski (.410) lead the offense with three hits apiece to lead the Red Sox to a 4-0 shutout over Milwaukee.

St. Louis takes advantage of a Steve Ontiveros error (his first) in the eighth to scrap together a run on an RBI-single by Keith Hernandez (.222, 9 RBI) to beat the Cubs, 1-0. Eric Rasmussen (3-2, 1.72 ERA) goes seven innings for the win, allowing four hits and Bill Bonham (0-2, 3.28 ERA) was equally tough for Chicago - giving up six hits and one unearned run. Jerry Mumphrey (.259) has three of the Cardinals seven hits while Bill Buckner (.290) hits half of the six hits from Chicago.

Pittsburgh wins its sixth consecutive game in memorable fashion as Bill Robinson (.323, 2 HR, 8 RBI) hits a three-run walk-off home run off of Phillies closer Gene Garber (0-2, 1 BS, 10.39 ERA) for a 7-6 Pirates victory. Omar Moreno (.224, 6 RBI) and Willie Stargell (.333, 10 RBI) each have three hits for the Pirates while Mike Schmidt (.321, 2 HR, 7 RBI) scores two runs and drives in two more on his three hit day for the Phillies.

Gary Matthews (.315, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and Jeff Burroughs (.224, 3 HR, 11 RBI) hit back-to-back home runs off Fred Norman (3-1) in the eighth inning to give Atlanta a 6-4 win and a three-game sweep over the Reds. Ken Griffey (.397) scores a four hit day for Cincinnati while Burroughs has three hits for the Braves.

Los Angeles reliever Doug Lewallyn walks pinch-hitter Pete LaCock with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 13th inning to give the Padres a 3-2 win. San Diego starter Bob Shirley (2.36 ERA) goes 7 1/3 and gives up two runs on just four hits and 3B Mike Ivie (.328, 4 RBI) goes a perfect 4-for-4 to lead the offense.

Trades
- Trades 25-year old LF Jerry Hairston ($100,000 over 1 year - Arbitration Eligible)
1977 Stats: .000 (0-2) / 0 R / 0 2B /0 HR / 0 RBI / 2 BB /0 K / .500 OBP / .000 SLG
1976 Stats: .227 / 20 R / 2 2B / 2 3B / 0 HR / 10 RBI / .352 OBP / .277 SLG

and 23-year old Double A RF Geoffrey Gardner (Minor League Contract)
1977 Stats: .296 (21-71) / 8 R / 3 2B /1 3B / 0 HR / 9 RBI / 6 BB / K / .500 OBP / .000 SLG

- Trades 32-year old SP Stan Bahnsen ($258,000 over 1 year)
1977 Stats: 0-3 / 6.11 ERA / 17.2 IP / 12 ER / 6 BB / 13 K / 1.70 WHIP / .333 OAVG
1976 Stats: 8-7 / 3.34 ERA / 143.0 IP / 53 ER / 43 BB / 82 K / 1/17 WHIP / .229 OAVG

and 23-year old Double A MR Steve McCatty (Minor League Contract)
1977 Stats: 1-0 / 2.89 ERA / 9.1 IP / 3 ER / 4 BB / 4 K / 1.39 WHIP / .265 OAVG

Injuries
- CF Cesar Cedeno is day-to-day for about 4 days with a strep throat.
- LF Johnny Grubb is day-to-day for about 4 days with a fractured finger.

Major Transactions
- SP Stan Bahnsen placed on the active roster (from trade).
------------ RF Gene Clines (.231, 0 HR, 9 RBI) recalled from Triple A Iowa.
------------ MR Chris Knapp (0-1, 6.35 ERA) was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
- LF Jerry Hairston placed on the active roster (from trade).
------------ SP Rick Langford (3-2, 1.31 ERA) recalled from Triple A San Jose.
------------ RF Sheldon Mallory (.337, 6 HR, 18 RBI) contract purchased from Triple A San Jose.
------------ RF Tony Armas (.227, 1 HR, 1 RBI) was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
------------ CF Larry Murray (.162, 0 HR, 3 RBI) optioned to Triple A San Jose.


Thursday, April 28
The Dodgers used a 17-hit attack led by rookie SS Rafael Landestoy (.230), who went 5-for-6 with two doubles to lead Los Angeles to a 10-1 demolishing of the Padres. Rick Monday (.323, 3 HR, 10 RBI) comes within a double of hitting the cycle to go along with his three runs batted in and Reggie Smith (.308, 17 RBI) drives in three runs of his own. Dodgers starter Rick Rhoden (2-1, 3.41 ERA) cruised to a complete game win, allowing seven hits and the one earned run while striking out three.

Minnesota hits three consecutive singles in the bottom of the 10th inning off of Mariners closer Enrique Romo (1-3, 9.00 ERA), the game-winner being hit by Mike Cubbage (.348, 2 HR, 8 RBI) as the Twins beat Seattle 4-3. Cubbage sent the game into extras in the eighth with his second home run of the season - en route to him driving in three of Minnesota's four runs.

Injuries
- MR Butch Metzger is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a strained back muscle.
------------ Is placed on the 15-day disabled list.
------------ MR Victor Bernal (1-0, 2 SV, 1.17 ERA) recalled from Triple A Hawaii.


Friday, April 29
Pat Zachry (3.07 ERA) runs his record to 5-0 as he holds the Cubs to just two hits and strikes out 11 in Cincinnati's 2-0 win. George Foster (.333, 12 RBI) gets three hits in three at-bats to lead the Reds offense.

Philadelphia beats the Giants 6-0 on a two-hitter by Jim Lonborg (2-1, 2.25 ERA). Lonborg strikes out six while facing just 31 batters and 3B Mike Schmidt (.351, 3 HR, 11 RBI) hits a grand slam in the seventh as part of his three hit day to lock the game up.

Vida Blue (2-2, 2.61 ERA) strikes out 11 as he five-hits the Red Sox in a 6-0 Athletics victory. CF Billy North (.212) hits four singles and steals two bases in the win.

The Yankees manage only three hits off of Seattle starter Stan Thomas (2-3, 4.22 ERA) through eight innings as they fall to the Mariners 2-0. Ed Figueroa (3-1, 1.71 ERA) goes the distance in the loss, giving up six hits and both earned runs.

Pittsburgh scores three run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at two against the Astros, then must score two more two innings later to win the game 4-3. CF Omar Moreno (.266, 7 RBI) makes his fourth hit of the game count, as he hits the game-winning single off Don Larson (0-1, 1 BS, 4.26 ERA). Frank Taveras (.265, 7 RBI) adds three hits and two runs batted in as the Pirates win their seventh consecutive game. Houston starter Mark Lemongello (4.63 ERA) goes 8 1/3 innings scattering seven hits and allowing one earned run before being replaced.

Wayne Garland (3-2, 2.36 ERA) throws a four-hit shutout and LF Ron Pruitt (.778, 2 RBI) collects four hits as Cleveland shuts out the Brewers, 7-0 before a crowd of 16, 897 at County Stadium.

In a day of shutouts, Cardinals starter Bob Forsch (3-1, 2.52 ERA) holds Atlanta to four hits through eight innings and Keith Hernandez (.254, 10 RBI) has a three hit day as St. Louis gets a 4-0 win over the Braves.

Texas scores six runs in the final two innings to ruin the White Sox debut of Stan Bahnsen (0-4) as the Rangers beat Chicago, 7-2. Gaylord Perry (4-1, 2.38 ERA) gets the win, giving up seven hits and striking out seven in throwing his third complete game of the year.

The Mets get to Rollie Fingers (1-1, 3 BS, 8.68 ERA), as they score three runs in the ninth to beat the Padres 6-4. Ed Kranepool (.271, 10 RBI) hits an RBI double and Mike Phillips (.276, 9 RBI) drives in two more with a double of his own in the crucial frame. Bill Almon (.245,5 RBI) does deliver a three hit day for San Diego in the loss.

Pat Kelly (.295, 6 HR, 14 RBI) hits two solo home runs, but it is not enough as California scraps together a run in the top of the 10th inning on an error my Scotty McGregor (1st), a Ron Jackson (.226) double and a Ike Hampton (.356, 9 RBI) sacrifice fly to give the Angels a 4-3 win over Baltimore.

Dan Stanhouse (3-1, 2.54 ERA) gives up three hits to the Dodgers - all of them by RF Reggie Smith (.329) - in leading the Expos to a 3-0 shutout of Los Angeles. Tommy John (0-3, 4.33 ERA) goes the distance in the loss.

Four Detroit errors lead to eight unearned runs, but it makes little difference as Minnesota crushes the Tigers 17-2. Rod Carew (.265, 9 RBI) and Larry Hisle (.182, 5 HR, 15 RBI) each have three hits and three runs batted in while C Glenn Borgmann (.158, 3 RBI) and Bob Randall (.238, 4 RBI) each drive in three runs of their own.

Contract Signings
- LF Pat Kelly signed a 4-year extension worth a total of $3,988,000.
------------ He will earn $997,000 a year through 1981.

Major Transactions
- MR Warren Brusstar activated from the disabled list.
------------ 1B Richie Hebner (.135, 0 HR, 4 RBI) was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
- SS Enzo Hernandez (.235, 3 HR, 17 RBI) recalled from Triple A Hawaii.
------------ 1B Pete LaCock (.158, 0 HR, 2 RBI) was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.


Saturday, April 30
Angels LF Joe Rudi (.333, 4 HR, 11 RBI) hits two home runs and a double to drive in six runs and lead California to a 10-4 win over the Orioles. Ike Hampton (.375), Bobby Grich (.324) and Ron Jackson (.258, 9 RBI) also have three hits as the Angels deliver 18 as a team. Baltimore's rookie 1B Eddie Murray (.253, 15 RBI) hits his first home run of the season in the fourth inning.

Gary Carter (.438, 4 HR, 14 RBI) hits a two-run blast in the eighth inning - his second of the game - to put the Expos ahead for good 4-2 over Los Angeles. Carter drives in four runners on the day, and pitcher Hal Dues (1-2, 7.20 ERA) gets his first win of the season scattering seven hits and two earned runs in eight innings.

Houston's Ken Forsch (2-1, 2.45 ERA) clamps down on the Pirates offense, allowing six hits and one earned run in the Astros 4-1 victory. The win breaks the seven game win streak of Pittsburgh who have lost just three games in the entire month of April. LF Terry Puhl (.345, 5 RBI) lead the Houston offense with three hits.

An error by Bill Melton (his third) with two-out in the bottom of the ninth allows Sixto Lezcano to score from third and give Miwaukee a 2-1 win over the Tribe. Bill Travers (1.33 ERA) gives up just three hits in eight innings of work but does not get the win. Dennis Eckersley (1-3, 4.46 ERA) again fails to get run support and loses another heartbreaker in the late innings.

Toronto continues their late-game heroics as Al Woods (.235, 6 RBI) hits an RBI single in the top of the eighth inning to give the Blue Jays a 3-2 win over Kansas City and running their record to 7-0 in one-run games.

Major Transactions
- SP Jeff Byrd activated from the disabled list.
------------ SP Jesse Jefferson (1-0, 2.12 ERA) optioned to Triple A Beloeil.
------------ SS Jim Mason (.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI) recalled from Triple A Beloeil.
------------ CF Gary Woods (.276, 1 HR, 10 RBI) optioned to Triple A Beloeil.



Players of the Week

American League Player of the Week:
RF Ben Oglivie - Detroit Tigers
He batted .450 (9-20), with 4 HR, 9 RBI and 2 runs scored.
1977 Stats: .277 / 10 R / 2 2B / 1 3B /5 HR / 17 RBI / 4 BB / 9 K / .319 OBP / .569 SLG

National League Player of the Week
LF Al Oliver - Pittsburgh Pirates
He batted .444 (12-27), with 2 HR, 8 RBI, and 4 runs scored.
1977 Stats: .431 / 9 R / 6 2B / 0 3B / 3 HR / 16 RBI / 4 BB /3 K / .468 OBP / .690 SLG



Players of the Month

American League Hitter of the Month (April):
CF Ruppert Jones - Seattle Mariners
He batted .310 (27-87), with 10 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 17 runs scored and a .417 OBP.

National League Hitter of the Month (April)
C Gary Carter - Montreal Expos
He batted .438 (28-64), with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 16 runs scored and a .500 OBP.


American League Pitcher of the Month (April):
SP Gary Ross - Califirnia Angels
He racked up a 5-0 record in 5 starts, posting a 1.80 ERA over 45 innings and striking out 23.

National League Hitter of the Month (April)
SP Pat Zachry - Cincinnati Reds
He had a 5-0 record in 5 starts, with a 3.07 ERA and had fanned 28 batters in 41 innings.


American League Rookie of the Month (April):
LF Mitchell Page - Oakland Athletics
He batted .337 (29-86), with 1 double, 2 triples, 5 HR, 15 RBI, and 13 runs scored.

National League Rookie of the Month (April)
LF Terry Puhl - Houston Astros
He batted .345 (19-55), with 1 double, 2 triples, 0 HR, 5 RBI, and 9 runs scored.