TDIB: June 1 - Rangers Keep Rolling

Wednesday, June 1 - Rangers Keep Rolling

The winning ways of the Texas Rangers continue as Bert Blyleven (7-2, 2.62 ERA) holds the powerful Boston lineup to four hits - two by 1B George Scott (.245, 18 RBI) - and one earned run while striking out nine as the Rangers win 4-1 at Arlington Stadium. Juan Beniquez (.229, 5 HR, 17 RBI) provides all of the offense Texas would need as he takes Red Sox starter Mike Paxton (3.50 ERA) deep in the third inning for a three-run home run. The win is the 11th in their last 12 games and puts Texas back in the lead in the AL West by a 1/2 game over California.

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to plummet as they drop their fifth straight contest, this one 7-1 to Joaquin Andujar (5-5, 3.31 ERA), who manages to deliver more hits (3) than he gives up to the entire Dodger lineup as he throws a complete game two-hitter. Andujar also drives in two runs in the victory and is hitting .321 in 28 at-bats on the year. Eight game winner Doug Rau (3.77 ERA) suffers his third loss, giving up seven earned runs in just over six innings of work.

Toronto rookie Jim Clancy (8-0, 2.76 ERA) runs his winning streak to eight games as he throws his first complete game of the season in a 6-1 win over the Royals at Exhibition Stadium. Clancy permits six hits and allows the one run while striking out four. Al Woods (.304, 19 RBI) and Dave McKay (.381, 4 RBI) each drive in a pair of runs to pace the offense. Jim Colborn (5-3) takes the loss for Kansas City.

Baltimore storms back from five runs down to tie the game going into the ninth inning, only to have Eric Soderholm (.217, 26 RBI) hit a one-out RBI single in the bottom of the frame to give the White Sox a 6-5 victory. Richie Zisk (.258) hits three singles and Oscar Gamble (.250, 22 RBI) drives in two runs on his sixth home run of the year for Chicago while Larry Harlow ( .269, 19 RBI) has three runs batted in for Baltimore in the loss.

Ed Ott (.288, 17 RBI) has four hits and drives in three runs to lead the Pirates to a 7-4 victory and a three game sweep over the hometown Philadelphia Phillies. Bruce Kison (6-3, 2.96 ERA) goes eight innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on seven Phillies hits. Tim McCarver (.274, 17 RBI) and Davey Johnson (.285) each had three hits for Philadelphia, with McCarver driving in two runs. The loss puts the Phillies a distant second in the division, six games behind the Pirates.

Minnesota starter Pete Redfern (1-8, 4.52 ERA) finally gets into the win column as he blanks the Yankees 1-0 by allowing just five hits through seven innings. Ed Figueroa (4-5, 2.12 ERA) is the complete game loser as he gives up just four hits, but a triple to Rod Carew (.277, 18 RBI) after a Butch Wynegar (.295) single brings in the only run of the game. Wynegar has two of the Twins four hits in the game. Gary Serum (5.54 ERA), Jeff Holly (3.13 ERA) and Tom Johnson (12 SV, 3.29 ERA) hold down the fort for Redfern.

An error by newly recalled SS Pepe Frias (his 1st) to lead off the 16th inninng would give the Mets the extra out they needed as Bruce Boisclair (.243, 7 RBI) collects his third hit of the game - a single that scores Leo Foster and gives New York a 4-3 win over the Expos. Both Montreal's Steve Rogers (3.08 ERA) and Tom Seaver (3.69 ERA) of the Mets pitched well in their no-decisions with Seaver striking out six batters while Rogers whiffed eight. Tony Perez (.230, 12 RBI) delivers two doubles and a single and Warren Cromartie (.307, 7 RBI) drives in two runs with his ninth double of the season in the losing effort.

The Indians quest for the division lead was put on hold with one swing of the bat as Steve Kemp (.286, 9 HR, 18 RBI) sent a pitch from Cleveland closer Dave LaRouche (2-3) into the right field seats in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Tigers a 4-3 triumph over the Tribe. Mark Fidrych (3.16 ERA) goes 10 innings in getting a no-decision, giving up three runs while allowing 10 hits and striking out five. Lou Whitaker (.267) strokes three base hits for the Detroit while Rick Manning (.246, 21 RBI) does the same for Cleveland along with two runs batted in.

Oakland's Earl Williams (.214, 3 HR, 9 RBI) breaks a 2-2 tie in the top of the ninth with a two-out solo home run, then watches in disbelief as the Mariners rally in the bottom of the inning as pinch hitter Joe Lis (.239, 12 RBI) doubles home Juan Bernhardt with nobody out off of closer Bob Lacey (0-2, 2 BS) to tie the game and pinch runner Tommy Helms tags up and scores the winning run on consecutive fly balls to give Seattle the 4-3 comeback victory. Seattle starter Byron McLaughlin (3.13 ERA) allows four hits over seven innings and Stan Thomas (3-5, 4.86 ERA) pitches the final two innings to get the win.

Other Scores
American League

No Other Games

National League

San Diego San Francisco

3 1

Atlanta Cincinnati

2 4

Chicago St. Louis

8 3

Injuries

SS Bud Harrelson is expected to miss about 1-2 weeks with a fractured hand. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. 3B Roy Staiger (.276, 3 HR, 31 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Tidewater. Staiger should get some at-bats against lefties. Maybe.

Contract Signings

SP Doc Medich (5-4, 3.36 ERA) signed a 3-year extension worth a total of $1,206,000. He will earn $402,000 a year through 1980.

Major Transactions

LF Bruce Bochte is activated from the disabled list. LF Gil Flores (.366, 1 HR, 8 RBI) optioned to Triple A Salt Lake City.

RF Charlie Spikes (.299, 3 HR, 12 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Toledo. RF John Lowenstein (.216, 5 RBI) optioned to Triple A Toledo. Spikes will perform routine corner outfield maintenence when needed.

SP Gary Wheelock (7-5, 2.87 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Sidney. MR Mike Kekich (0-1, 7.71 ERA) optioned to Triple A Sidney. Wheelock moves into the rotation as Stan Thomas gets the demotion to the bullpen.

C Kevin Pasley (.000, 3 AB) is designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers. C Johnny Oates (.500, 2 RBI, 2 AB - AAA) recalled from Triple A Albuquerque. Oates will assume the backup catching duties for Bob Boone. 1B Boog Powell (.091, 11 AB) is designated for assignment and placed on waivers (from active). LF Dusty Baker (.416, 5 HR, 28 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Albuquerque. Baker moves right into the starting LF spot in place of the platoon of Don Baylor, Vic Davalillo and Manny Mota.

SS Stan Papi (.162, 6 RBI) is designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers. SS Pepe Frias (.285, 3 HR, 25 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Denver. Frias enters the starting lineup as the new shortstop. 3B Larry Parrish (.258, 4 HR, 20 RBI) optioned to Triple A Denver. CF Sam Mejias (.259, 10 HR, 30 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Denver. Mejias will be backing up Del Unser in CF whenever Del needs a break from the metric system.

Short Season Single A
No Game Scheduled

TDIB: April 18 - Padres Streak Ends At Ten

Monday, April 18 - Padres Streak End At Ten

The winless streak is finally over at 10 for San Diego as Bob Shirley (1-0, 2.84 ERA) throws eight innings of shutout baseball, giving up just two hits while striking out five and the Padres beat Atlanta 6-1. Gary Sutherland (.160, 3 RBI) had two hits, including a two-run double in the fifth inning that gave San Diego a three run lead they would not give up. Phil Niekro (1-2) of the Braves allows five hits and strikes out nine, but six walks help contribute to six runs (four earned) in the loss. "It feels good to get this albatross off of our backs." manager John McNamera said afterward. "Now if we can just string a few wins together so we don't get left behind in the pennant race."

Tigers rookie LF Steve Kemp (.455) has three hits and Phil Mankowski (.250, 2 HR, 7 RBI) drives in four with a triple and a home run to lead Detroit to a 7-5 win over the Red Sox. Dwight Evans (.313) has three hits for Boston.

Nino Espinosa (2-0, 0.00 ERA) scatters nine hits over 8 1/3 innings and the Mets score three runs in the final two innings off of St. Louis reliever Clay Carroll (0-1) to beat the Cardinals, 3-0. Starter Pete Falcone (1.80 ERA) held New York to just four hits over seven innings before being replaced for a pinch-hitter.

Chris Chambliss (.235, 1 HR, 6 RBI) hits a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to brak a one-all tie and give the Yankees a 3-1 win over division leading Toronto. Chambliss and Reggie Jackson (.395) combine for six of New York's nine hits.

In an anticlimatic ending to an otherwise exciting game, Greg Gross (.192, 5 RBI) brings home Manny Trillo with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Cubs a 5-4 victory over Philadelphia. Chicago loads the bases with nobody out off of Phillies closer Gene Garber (0-1, 3.38 ERA) before the sacrific ends it.

Baltimore scores two runs in the bottom of the first inning then holds on to defeat the Tribe 2-1 and win their third consecutive game after losing thier first six. Scotty McGregor (1-0, 3.38 ERA) goes eight innings for his first win and Wayne Garland (1-2, 3.38 ERA) goes the distance for Cleveland in the loss.

Other Scores
American League

Minnesota Kansas City

2 5

Texas Seattle

1 5

National League

Los Angeles Cincinnati

5 3

Pittsburgh Montreal

9 5

Injuries

MR Terry Forster is day-to-day for about 2 days with a migrane. Having to move from the bullpen to the rotation would give me headache too.

Major Transactions

SS Bill Russell is claimed from Los Angeles and placed on the active roster. SS Matt Alexander (.143, 1 RBI) optioned to Triple A San Jose. Russell will take over as starting SS for Rodney Scott, who will move to 2B. Larry Lintz is the odd man out, taking his .429 average to the bench.

3B Tommy Helms (.000, 2 AB) is designated for assignment and placed on waivers. LF Mike Easler (.175, 1 RBI) recalled from Triple A Columbus. Easler will perform backup duties to the corner outfield spots.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (8-4) at Geneva Cubs (4-8)

Jamestown Geneva

2 3

W: Mike Champagne (2-2) L: Sandro Duarte (0-2)
HR – None
POG: Mike Champagne (GEN) 9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 7 K

Jeff Bradley (3.60 ERA) pitched beautifully for us, throwing eight shutout innings going into the ninth. Alas, he gave up two runs (one earned) without recording an out - I had to make the change. Unfortunately, I made the change to Sandro Duarte (2 BS, 4.61 ERA), who proceeded to finish things off by allowing three more hits - still without getting anyone out - and watching our great effort go down the tubes. Alfredo Aranda (.280) and Mark Hutchinson (.298) each have a pair of singles and Bob Foster (.235, 5 RBI) drives in two runs but a loss is a loss - and this one hurts.

TDIB: April 17 - Yaz Slam Crushes Tribe

Sunday, April 17 - Yaz Slam Crushes Tribe

Carl Yastrzemski (.481, 2 HR, 8 RBI) hits a ninth inning grand slam to help lead Boston over the Indians 8-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. Luis Tiant (2-1, 3.00 ERA) scatters nine hits, but gives up no runs over 7 2/3 innings and Bill Campbell (0.00 ERA) picks up his second save by getting the final four outs on 12 pitches. In game two, Yaz delivers again with two doubles and another key single as the Red Sox hold off the Tribe 9-6. Yaz scores two runs and drives in another while Jim Rice (.313, 9 RBI) gets drives in a pair of runners with a single and double. Rico Carty (.310, 2 HR, 9 RBI) hits a grand slam of his own and drives in five runners on the day in the loss.

Andy Hassler (2-0, 0.50 ERA) continues to pitch well, holding the Tigers to four hits and striking out five in a 5-0 win - ruining the return of Dennis Leonard (1-1) to Royals Stadium. Bob Molinaro steals three more bases off of Tigers C Milt May - giving him six in the last two days.

Mets starter Tom Seaver (1-1, 2.74 ERA) goes eight strong innings in beating Chicago 7-1 at Shea Stadium. Seaver gives up just three hits and a unearned run while striking out eight Cubs hitters. Mike Phillips (.214, 4 RBI) has three RBI, but also commits his fifth error of the season at third base.

Pat Kelly (.333, 6 RBI) hits a bases loaded, two-out double in the top of the 14th inning to give Baltimore a 6-4 win over the Rangers and an actual two game winning streak. Newly acquired C Darrell Porter (.433, 1 HR, 5 RBI) has three hits and three RBI for the Orioles, including his first home run of the season. Texas 3B Roy Howell (.216) connects on four hits in the loss.

Milwaukee SS Robin Yount (.314) has four hits - three of them doubles, his last coming in the bottom of the 16th inning to set up a game-winning single by Don Money (.414, 6 RBI) for a 9-8 victory over the Yankees. Cecil Cooper (.265) also has four hits for the Brewers and Jim Wohlford (.211, 5 RBI) drives in four runners for the home team. American League hitting leader Graig Nettles (.481) has three more hits for New York.

The Dodgers score three run in the top of the eigth inning to take the lead then hang on to defeat San Francisco, 7-6. Davy Lopes (.400, 7 RBI) has three hits for Los Angeles and Bob Boone (.296, 3 RBI) hits a key double with two runners on in the eighth.

Cincinnati's Gary Nolan (1-0, 1.62 ERA) outduels Randy Jones (0-3, 5.79 ERA) of the Padres as the Reds win 2-1. Jones pitches all nine innings, giving up four hits and both runs, but Nolan was a bit better, giving up two hits in eight innings and allowing one earned run.

Other Scores
American League

Toronto Chicago

1 3

Oakland Minnesota

5 4

Seattle California

2 5

National League

Pittsburgh St. Louis

5 3

Houston Atlanta

5 6

Philadelphia Montreal

7 5

Injuries

SP John Candelaria is expected to miss about 2 weeks with a dead arm. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. MR Tim Jones (1-0, 1 SV, 1.47 ERA - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Evansville. Jones will report to the bullpen while Terry Forster will make any starts if needed.

LF Jim Wohlford is expected to miss about 1 week with a fractured finger. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. LF Dick Davis (.390, 4 HR, 13 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Spokane. Davis will be in the outfield ... in between innings playing catch with the right fielder.

Short Season Single A
No Game Scheduled