TDIB: June 6 - Andujar Shuts Down Philly

Philadelphia's tailspin continues as Joaquin Andujar (6-5, 2.98 ERA) of the Astros shuts them out on just three hits to hand the Phillies their sixth loss in their last eight games. Andujar throws just 98 pitches in the win - 64 for strikes - while striking out just two. Houston catcher Joe Ferguson (.187, 17 RBI) leads the way as he hits his third home run of the year in the second off of Phillies starter Larry Christenson (3-6, 4.90 ERA) in the second inning, then later doubles and scores off Christenson in the seventh.

"I was just seeing the ball really well tonight." Fergurson said to reporters afterward. "Seriously though, if I can't hit against Larry Christenson, I don't belong in the bigs - everybody hits off that guy."

When Christenson heard of the comment, he shrugged and said, "I guess we'll see if he'll hit it when it goes in his ear."

Cesar Cedeno (.271, 3 HR, 23 RBI) hits a two-run home run in the sixth and Bob Watson (.297, 41 RBI) delivers an RBI-double in the eight inning as six of the Astros 11 hits were for extra bases.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Houston 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 5 11 0 Philadelphia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 WP: Joaquin Andujar (6-5, 2.98 ERA) LP: Larry Christenson (3-6, 4.90 ERA) SV: None POG: Joaquin Andujar 9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 K

Even with the loss, the Phillies remain in second place in the NL East, 6.5 games Pittsburgh for the division lead. Houston's win helps them keep pace with Cincinnati in the NL West. Greg Luzinski left the game in the fifth inning with an undisclosed rib injury.

Other Scores
American League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Chicago 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 Minnesota 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 WP: Mike Krukow (2-1, 1.09 ERA) LP: Pete Redfern (1-9, 4.08 ERA) SV: Lerrin LaGrow (8) POG: Mike Krukow 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 4 K

Pete Redfern throws a complete game three-hitter, but a fourth inning home run by Oscar Gamble (.255, 8 HR, 24 RBI) drives the White Sox to victory. Mike Krukow has allowed just three earned runs in 24.2 innings of work.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Boston 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 7 0 Kansas City 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 9 0 WP: Jim Colborn (6-3, 3.22 ERA) LP: Bill Campbell (0-4, 6.48 ERA) SV: None POG: Mike Paxton 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 K

Bill Campbell blows his fourth save as Hal McRae (.232, 25 RBI) hits a two-out, two-run double to right-center to score U.L. Washington and Willie Wilson for the game winner. The loss spoils a great start by Mike Paxton, who had his way with the Royals hitters.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Baltimore 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 6 8 1 Milwaukee 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 4 11 1 WP: Dennis Martinez (2-3, 5.05 ERA) LP: Moose Haas (2-8, 3.81 ERA) SV: Dyar Miller (6) POG: Darrell Porter 1-3, R, 3 RBI, HR

Moments after Milwaukee takes the lead on a bases loaded double by Robin Yount (.240, 20 RBI), Darrell Porter (.291, 5 HR, 26 RBI) gets it back for the Orioles with a three-run shot in the eighth for the game winner.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Cleveland 0 3 0 3 1 2 0 2 0 11 14 1 Oakland 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 1 WP: Jim Bibby (7-3, 4.82 ERA) LP: Mike Torrez (5-6, 5.69 ERA) SV: None POG: Jim Bibby 9 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K

Ray Fosse (.241, 14 RBI) hits three singles and a double and Johnny Grubb (.316, 16 RBI) drives in four runs as Cleveland takes over sole possession of the AL East. Pete LaCock (.220, 3 HR, 13 RBI) and Mitchell Page (.340, 9 HR, 29 RBI) each had solo homers for the A's.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Detroit 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 7 1 California 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 x 6 8 0 WP: Gary Ross (7-3, 3.51 ERA) LP: Mark Fidrych (7-4, 3.49 ERA) SV: Mickey Scott (12) POG: Tony Solaita 2-2, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 HR

California's Tony Solaita (.281, 10 HR, 27 RBI) and Ben Oglivie (.291, 12 HR, 40 RBI) of Detroit each hits two home runs but it is a seventh inning shot by Milt May (.272, 6 HR, 21 RBI) that proves to be the game-winner. Solaita drives in four runs on the day - Oglivie three.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E New York 0 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 6 8 0 Texas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 1 WP: Ed Figueroa (5-5, 2.01 ERA) LP: Bert Blyleven (7-3, 3.06 ERA) SV: None POG: Ed Figueroa 9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 K

Roy White (.247, 14 RBI) drives in three runs and scores in two more with a double and his second home run of the season. Craig Nettles (.285, 7 HR, 17 RBI) also hits a solo blast for New York while Juan Beniquez (.232) has two of the Rangers' five hits.

National League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Los Angeles 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 5 10 3 Chicago 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 WP: Doug Rau (9-3, 3.46 ERA) LP: Bill Bonham (7-3, 3.86 ERA) SV: Charlie Hough (11) POG: Doug Rau 8 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 K

Doug Rau gets his league-tying 9th win, Bob Boone (.310, 24 RBI) drives in two runs with a pair of doubles and Don Baylor (.264, 19 RBI) hits a two-RBI triple to lead LA past the Cubs.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Cincinnati 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 4 12 1 New York 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 WP: Fred Norman (9-2, 2.44 ERA) LP: Jerry Koosman (4-6, 4.54 ERA) SV: Rawly Eastwick (15) POG: Fred Norman 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 4 K

Dave Concepcion (.281, 19 RBI) hits two doubles and a triple, driving in two runs before leaving the game in the eighth with a finger injury. Fred Norman gets his ninth win, tying him for the league lead with fellow Red Pat Zachry and Doug Rau.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E San Francisco 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 7 13 1 Pittsburgh 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 5 13 1 WP: Ed Halicki (8-4, 3.86 ERA) LP: Bruce Kison (6-4, 3.14 ERA) SV: Gary Lavelle (14) POG: Bill Madlock 3-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, 3B, HR

Bill Madlock (.318, 8 HR, 36 RBI) delivers a two-run triple in the top of the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie and lead SF to a road win. Phil Garner (.291, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 30 SB) has three hits in the loss, including a three-run home run to tie the game in the sixth.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Atlanta 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 1 Montreal 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 WP: Andy Messersmith (6-6, 3.06 ERA) LP: Steve Rogers (5-6, 2.88 ERA) SV: Max Leon (11) POG: Andy Messersmith 8 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 7 K

In a duel of pitchers, Rowland Office (.276) scores the deciding run when Steve Rogers throws a pitch in the dirt - to pitcher Andy Messersmith - and it skips by catcher Gary Carter. Rogers goes the distance in the loss, allowing an earned run while striking out six.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E San Diego 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 7 2 St. Louis 0 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 8 13 0 WP: John Denny (5-4, 3.45 ERA) LP: Bob Shirley (3-4, 4.38 ERA) SV: None POG: John Denny 8.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 6 K

Jeff Davanon (.267, 4 SB) and Gary Templeton (.282, 16 RBI) have three hits apiece while Ted Simmons (.251, 24 RBI) and Bake McBride (.332, 26 RBI, 31 SB) each has two runs batted in to compliment the fine pitching performance of John Denny.

News

Have announced that they have set their team focus to Rebuilding.

RF Vic Davalillo (.237, 1 HR, 10 RBI) placed on the trading block.

Injuries

LF Gary Matthews (.258, 5 HR, 21 RBI) was injured running the bases. He is expected to miss about 12 months with a torn groin muscle. He is placed on the 60-day disabled list. RF Brian Asselstine (.333, 2 HR, 28 RBI - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Richmond. Asselstine will share time with Tom Paciorek in LF.

LF Greg Luzinski (.314, 7 HR, 30 RBI) was injured while diving for a catch. He is day-to-day for about 2 weeks with fractured ribs. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list.

SS Dave Concepcion (.281, 19 RBI) was injured during a collision at second base. He is day-today for about 5 days with a fractured finger.

CF Omar Moreno (.241, 1 HR, 15 RBI) is sick. He is day-to-day for about 4 days with a cold.

American League Player of the Week: May 29 - June 4
C John Ellis - Texas Rangers

Last Week 1977 Stats

AVG .500 .311

AB 16 106

H 8 33

R 5 15

2B 2 5

3B 0 0

HR 2 2

RBI 5 14

BB 1 6

K 1 14

OBP .529 .345

SLG 1.000 .415

National League Player of the Week: May 29 - June 4
1B Bob Watson - Houston Astros

Last Week 1977 Stats

AVG .433 .297

AB 30 209

H 13 62

R 3 30

2B 1 16

3B 0 0

HR 1 6

RBI 8 41

BB 0 13

K 1 17

OBP .433 .338

SLG .567 .459

Short Season Single A Update
No games scheduled.

TDIB: April 22 - Bull Runs Wild

Eric Rasmussen (2-2, 2.12 ERA) throws a three-hit shutout and Ted Simmons (.250, 2 HR, 6 RBI) has three hits and three runs batted in as St. Louis hands Philadelphia a 8-0 beating. Rasmussen strikes out six and walks just one and Buddy Bell (.244, 1 HR, 2 RBI) scores two runs on two singles and a home run for the Cards. Phillies starter Larry Christenson (0-2, 4.86 ERA) fails to make it out of the third inning as he allows six runs (five earned) on nine hits - finally being chased when the Cards score three runs from RBI's from Simmons, Jerry Mumphrey (2 RBI) and Jerry Davanon (.304, 3 RBI).

"I just didn't have my good stuff today." Christenson said afterward. "Everything I threw up there they were hitting them - HARD."

The game is also delayed by the ejection of Philadelphia left fielder Greg Luzinski who, after being called out on strikes, gets into a very animated and heated discussion with home plate umpire Dutch Rennert. The real fun begins after Luzinski gets ejected as he proceeds to disrobe at home plate in response - undressing down to a T-shirt and his boxer shorts before leaving the field.

The act will get Luzinski a two-game suspension from Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.

"Just two games? I guess I got off lucky. I'm not the prettiest dog in the pet shop." Luzinski said when he learned of the suspension.

Phillies manager Danny Ozark had his own take on the night.

"It was like the (expletive) Twilight Zone out there. Bull was taking his clothes off, Larry was tossing batting practice. Let's just say I hope it's something I don't see again in a very long time."



Houston defeats the Padres 7-0 behind the pitching of starter J.R. Richard (3-1, 2.59 ERA), who holds San Diego to just three hits through eight innings and strikes out eight. Randy Jones (6.29 ERA) drops to 0-4 this season for the Padres.


Dodgers starter Doug Rau (3-1, 3.81 ERA) scatters eight hits, but none do any damage as Atlanta fails to score a run and lose to Los Angeles 5-0. Rau strikes out five in the complete game shutout. Rowland Office (.368) continues to shine for the Braves - getting three more hits in the loss.


Pete Rose (.308, 11 RBI) has four hits - two doubles - and three runs batted in while Johnny Bench (.302, 13 RBI) adds three of his own as Cincinnati wins their seventh in a row with a 12-2 trashing of the Cubs. Rookie Steve Ontiveros (.302, 7 RBI) has three of Chicago's six hits and drove in both runs in the loss.


Yankees DH Lou Pinella (.291, 1 HR, 7 RBI) hits a three-run blast in the top of the ninth inning off of Indians reliever Lary Anderson to give New York a 5-3 win over the Tribe. Graig Nettles (.391) has another three-hit day to continue to lead the AL in hitting.


Minnesota loses their sixth straight game as starter Gary Serum (1-1, 6.43 ERA) walks six and throws two wild pitches while Mike Cubbage (3rd error) makes a key error that helps hand Texas a 6-2 win over the Twins.


Kansas City uses some timely hitting to squeak by the Mariners 6-5 to win their sixth straight contest. The Royals only have eight hits on the game but seemingly make each one count - the last being a two-run home run by John Mayberry (.216, 1 HR, 4 RBI). Seattle's DH Steve Braun (.269, 5 RBI) has three hits in the loss.


Al Oliver (.460, 16 RBI) has four hits, but none as important as the RBI-single he hits in the top of the 12th inning to bring home Ed Ott and give the Pirates a 4-3 victory over New York. Oliver has had an amazing April, going 23-for-50 to date with six doubles, three home runs and eight runs scored and is currently riding a 12-game hitting streak.


Other Scores
American League

Baltimore Detroit

3 6

Boston Toronto

4 9

Chicago Oakland

2 3

Milwaukee California

3 2

National League

San Francisco Montreal

3 5

Injuries

RF Tom Grieve is day-to-day for about 4 days with a damaged meniscus (knee).

Contract Signings

SS Freddie Patek (.300, 3 RBI) signed a 1-year extension. He will earn $140,000 a year through 1978.

Major Transactions

3B Dave Chalk claimed from Texas and placed on the active roster. SS Ron Washington (0 AB) is optioned to Triple A Albuquerque. Mr. Washington, we hardly knew ye. Chalk will back up 2B, SS and 3B.

C Bob Stinson claimed from Seattle and placed on the active roster. C Dave Roberts (.286, 2 RBI) is optioned to Triple A Hawaii. Stinson will taking over as the starting catcher. Gene Tenace will move over to 1B.

Short Season Single A
Auburn Phillies (9-7) at Jamestown (12-4)

Auburn Jamestown

3 4

W: Tommy Campbell (2-0) L: Gary Gerlach (0-2)
HR – None
POG: Daniel Cole (AUB) 2-4, 2 RBI

This was a rough game due Jeff Bradley (3.82 ERA) not having his best stuff on the hill today. In the top of the third, Cris Gallardo (.315) would double off Bradley to open the inning and later score on a groundout to put us in a 1-0 deficit. Two innings later, Bradley gives up four consecutive singles to give up a run, then a sacrifice fly for another to put us three runs down. We would fight back in the bottom of the sixth as Alfredo Aranda (.263, 8 RBI) walked and Bob Foster (.267, 6 RBI) sacrificed him to second. Mark Hutchinson (.333, 8 RBI) then singles Aranda home and after a Juan Madrigal flyout, Juan Rivera (.286) doubles doen the left field line to move Hutch to third - where he scores on a wild pitch from Auburn starter Cesar Garcia. The following inning, Foster hits a two-out single to bring home Dicky Hujibregts and tie things up. It would stay that way until the bottom of the ninth, when Jorge Camacho (.333) hits a one-out double and scores on an Aranda single to give us our fourth win in a row.

TDIB: April 21 - Henderson Leads Texas Rout

Texas RF Ken Henderson (.348, 1 HR, 3 RBI) has three hits and three runs batted in, Bert Campaneris (.173, 3 SB) has three hits and streal three bases, Juan Beniquez (.298, 6 SB) delivers three singles and Claudell Washington (.241, 11 RBI) drives in three more as they lead the Rangers on a 19-hit attack and a 13-2 rout of Minnesota. Every Texas starter in the opening lineup managed at least one hit and six hitters had two or more.

"It feels good to be able to coast once in awhile." Texas starter Nelson Briles (1-2) said afterward. Briles went seven innings giving up eight hits and one earned run while striking out four.

Minnesota starter Paul Thormodsgard (1-2) did not come out for the fourth inning as the Texas offense KO'd him for four runs in the third thanks to a solo home run by Washington and a two-run blast by Henderson. Thormodsgard allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits in his three innings and his replacements fared little better. Jim Shellenback gave up three earned runs in two innings and Jim Hughes allowed four runs in 2.1 innings of work - including home runs to Toby Harrah (.265, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and Bill Fahey (.333, 2 HR, 4 RBI).

Butch Wynegar (.317) has two singles and a double for the Twins in the loss.



Vern Ruhle (2-1, 2.70 ERA) pitches seven shutout innings, giving up five hits and striking out four before a rain delay forces his exit in a 3-2 Detroit victory over the Red Sox. Detroit survives a late rally as Bernie Carbo (.214, 1 HR, 3 RBI) hits a two-run, two-out home run off of Tigers closer John Hiller (2 SV, 3.00 ERA) in the ninth to pull Boston within one. Bob Montgomery (.286) then singles but Hiller gets George Scott to ground out to second to end the game. Five of Boston's eight hits are for extra bases.


California continues to win behind their fantastic pitching staff - this time Frank Tanana (3-0, 1.34 ERA) quiets the White Sox 5-2. Tanana goes eight innings giving up six hits and striking out six while allowing both earned runs. The Angels have their track shoes on as they steal seven bases off of Chicago catcher Jim Essian with Jerry Remy (.379, 15 SB) leading the way with three.


Toronto scores three times in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the Yankees 5-4 and take three of the four games at Yankee Stadium. Yankees starter Ron Guidry (2.89 ERA) strikes out nine over eight innings, but closer Sparky Lyle (0-1, 1 BS, 4.05 ERA) gives up four hits in the ninth - the last being a two-run double by Bob Bailor (.224, 5 RBI). Doug Ault (.346, 4 RBI) paces the division leading Blue Jays with three hits, while Mickey Rivers (.250, 4 RBI) does the same for New York.


Other Scores
American League

No Other Games

National League

No Games Scheduled

Trades

Texas trades 29-year-old RF Tom Grieve ($301,920 over 2 years) and 20-year old Double A 1B Jerry Kirk (Minor League Contract) to Seattle, getting 25-year-old SS Jimmy Sexton ($59,885 over 1 year) in return.

To Seattle:

Tom Grieve 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .255 .389

AB 546 18

H 139 7

R 57 3

2B 23 4

3B 3 0

HR 20 0

RBI 81 5

BB 35 2

K 119 1

OBP .301 .450

SLG .418 .611

Jerry Kirk 1977 Stats (AA)

AVG .214

AB 70

H 15

R 9

2B 2

3B 1

HR 0

RBI 8

BB 6

K 11

OBP .282

SLG .271

To Texas:

Jimmy Sexton 1977 Stats

AVG .273

AB 22

H 6

R 4

2B 2

3B 1

HR 0

RBI 0

BB 0

K 1

OBP .273

SLG .455

Contract Signings

CL Mark Littell (0-0, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA) signed a 2-year extension. He will earn $479,000 a year through 1979 for a total worth of $958,000.

SP Jim Colborn (1-1, 4.11 ERA) signed a 2-year extension. He will earn $113,000 a year through 1979 for a total worth of $226,000.

Major Transactions

SS Jimmy Sexton placed on the active roster (from trade). 3B Len Randle (.333, 3 AB) is optioned to Triple A Tucson. SP Tommy Boggs (2-2, 3.18 ERA - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Tucson. Sexton will back up Bert Campaneris at SS while Boggs joins the Rangers bullpen. Pothead Randle gets a trip to Tucson.

RF Tom Grieve placed on the actove roster (from trade). RF Carlos Lopez (.333, 1 RBI, 3 AB) is optioned to Triple A Sidney. 3B Tommy Helms claimed from Pittsburgh and placed on the active roster. Grieve will be handed the starting RF spot with Helms being an emergency infielder.

SS Roy Smalley is activated from the disabled list. SS Leo Gomez (.069, 1 RBI) is optioned to Triple A Tacoma.

Short Season Single A
Auburn Phillies (9-6) at Jamestown (11-4)

Auburn Jamestown

2 3

W: Juan Carlos Garcia (3-0) L: Reynaldo Aguilar (3-1)
HR – None
POG: Casey Williams (AUB) 2-4, R, RBI, 2 2B

In a game with two undefeated pitchers starting the day, we struck blood first as Juan Rivera (.273) and Paco Bruno (.243, 4 RBI) led off the bottom of the first inning with singles and Juan Madrigal (.286, 14 RBI) would score Rivera from second with a one-out single of his own. Auburn's star player Casey Williams (.462, 4 RBI) would tie the game up in the fourth with the first of two doubles after fouling off three full count pitches (bastard!). In the fifth, we managed to score twice without ever getting a hit as William Turner was hit by a pitch and Daron Hurley reached on an error. After a Rivera sacrifice bunt - yes, he can do it all - Auburn center fielder Larry Henderson flat out drops a Bruno fly ball that ends up scoring both Turner and Hurley and gives us a 3-1 lead. After Williams hits his second double to lead off the sixth, I took Juan Carlos Garcia (1.69 ERA) out and his replacement Darwin Marsh (1.08 ERA) greets me with a wild pitch on his first toss - moving Williams to third where he would score on a ground out. Marsh recovers and along with Brian Little (1 SV, 1.35 ERA) would leave Auburn hitless the rest of the way.

TDIB: June 5 - Rivers & Zeber Lead Yanks

Yankees CF Mickey Rivers (.258, 6 HR, 26 RBI) hits two home runs and drives in five RBI while George Zeber (.276, 18 RBI) knocks in three more as New York defeats the White Sox, 8-5.

After a two-run double by Zeber in the second, Rivers puts a capper on the six-run inning by hitting a grand slam off of Chicago starter Steve Stone (0-4, 4.13 ERA) while Zeber's sacrifice fly in the third would put the Yanks up by a 7-0 score. Starter Catfish Hunter (2-4, 4.71 ERA) cruises until the fifth inning, when Ralph Garr (.333, 18 RBI) doubles home Jack Brohamer (.270, 3 RBI) from first base to cut the New York lead to six runs however Rivers answers with a solo blast to right field the following inning. Hunter's struggles continue in the sixth as he gives up home runs to Oscar Gamble (.255, 7 HR, 23 RBI) and Richie Zisk (.255, 9 HR, 29 RBI) as part of a four run inning, but that would be as close as Chicago can get as New York leaves Comisky with a win.

"When you hit ahead of Reggie (Jackson) you are going to get some good pitches to swing at." Rivers said afterward, "I just wanted to make sure every swing counted."

Rivers is on pace to shatter his personal season best in home runs (8) and runs batted in (67), both set last year.


Pirates starter Odell Jones (4-0, 1.53 ERA) throws eight innings of five-hit baseball while striking out five and Kent Tekulve (1.19 ERA) earns his 14th save as Pittsburgh sneaks past the Cubs, 1-0. The story however, is one pitch from Cubs starter Steve Renko (6-4, 2.35 ERA) to Phil Garner (.281, 4 HR, 28 RBI) of the Pirates, who sends Renko deep in the second inning for the game's only score. Renko strikes out six and allows just one other hit in his fifth complete game of the season.

"It's a shame when one pitch beats you. I really wish I had that one back." Renko said afterward.


The Giants rack up 17 hits with George Thomasson (.286, 39 RBI) leading the way as he delivers three singles and his 11th home run of the year in a 10-4 San Francisco victory over the Braves. Thomasson scores twice and also drives home a pair while Bill Madlock (.312, 33 RBI) scores twice with three runs batted in on a single and a home run. Jack Clark (.318, 8 HR, 31 RBI) hits a pair of solo home runs, Darrell Evans (.291, 23 RBI) has two RBI on a pair of singles and Chris Speier (.221) hits two singles with two runs scored. Tom Paciorek (.317) has two singles and a double while Mickey Mahler drops to 0-6 with a 9.39 ERA in the Braves' loss.


Jay Johnstone (.314, 23 RBI) and Tom Hutton (.143, 3 RBI) hit key RBI singles in the top of the ninth inning off reliever Jason Todd (1-2) to break open a 3-3 tie and lead Philadelphia to a 6-3 win over the hometown Metsin game one of an afternoon doubleheader. Lee Lacy (.304, 32 RBI) has three hits, including a double and his sixth home run, while scoring twice and Greg Luzinski (.313, 7 HR, 30 RBI) drives in a pair and scores twice with a double and a home run as well. New York starter Craig Swan (2.74 ERA) allows just four hits and strikes out six over eight innings, but three earned runs from two home runs earn him a no-decision. John Sterns (.286, 5 HR, 23 RBI) delivers two singles and a solo home run in the loss.

In game two, Tom Seaver (4-5, 3.45 ERA) holds the Phillies to only three hits and one run while striking out eight in 8 2/3 innings en route to a 4-1 New York win. Lee Mazzilli (.230, 16 RBI) hits two singles and a double to lead the offense. Philadelphia will be without Lee Lacy (.304, 6 HR, 32 RBI) for close to a month with what doctors believe is a sprained wrist suffered in a collision with Mazzilli at second base.


Dan Dreissen (.275, 6 HR, 16 RBI) of the Reds hits two home runs and drives in three in the first two innings of a 6-2 win over Houston at Riverfront Stadium. Dreissen then proceeds to get free passes on his next three trips to the plate as Astros pitchers refuse to pitch to him. Jack Billingham (6-5, 3.59 ERA) goes eight innings for his second straight win, striking out six while giving up seven hits and two runs.


With a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the ninth, Blue Jays closer Pete Vukovich (3 BS) uncorks a pitch past catcher Alan Ashby to allow Oakland pinch runner Manny Sanguillen to score from third and send the game into extra frames. In the 12th, Otto Velez (.281) tags up from first base on a fly out to right with two outs and Doug Ault (.303, 18 RBI) singles him home one batter later with the first pitch he sees to give Toronto the 6-5 lead and eventual win. Velez scores two runs on the day, reaching base with a double and a triple. Ron Fairly (.286, 34 RBI) drives in two with his 10th home run of the season in the sixth inning, which was followed back-to-back by a shot from Al Woods (.286, 4 HR, 20 RBI). Mitchell Page (.342) and Glenn Adams (.305, 27 RBI) each have three hit days for Oakland in the loss with Adams hitting a double and driving in a pair. The game was the first for new Athletics skipper Rick Kirkpatrick.


Rico Carty (.290, 5 HR, 34 RBI) has a four-hit day, including a two-run blast off of Gary Wheelock in the first inning, but it was a single by Rick Manning (.244, 25 RBI) in the top of the 12th innings that scores Johnny Grubb from second and gives the Tribe a 5-4 victory over Seattle. The Mariners had tied up the game in the bottom of the ninth on a two-run triple by Larry Milbourne (.241, 6 RBI) off Indians closer Jim Kern (3 BS, 1.48 ERA). Seattle right fielder Carlos Lopez (.244, 15 RBI) has two singles and his second home run of the year in losing effort. Cleveland spot starter Rick Waits (2.96 ERA) goes seven-plus innings for the third time in as many starts, giving up six hits and two runs while striking out five.


Cardinals starter Pete Falcone (1-6, 3.72 ERA) wins his first game of the season with a 6-3 victory over Montreal, making Steve Stone (0-4) and Jon Matlack (0-8) as the only starters with no wins in nine or more starts. Falcone goes eight innings, allowing just five hits and two runs and helps his own effort with a single that scored the first two runs for St. Louis. Buddy Bell (.286, 16 RBI) drives in two runs with a pair of doubles to pace the Cardinals offense.


Brewers closer Bill Castro (1-1, 1.71 ERA) impodes in the bottom of the 12th inning as he loads the bases without recording an out before giving up a game-winning single to Bump Wills (.304, 26 RBI, 14 SB) to hand Texas a 6-5 win. Wills and Toby Harrah (.279) each hit four singles for the Rangers while every starter for Milwaukee has at least one hit. Of the 26 total hits between the two teams, 24 of them are singles.


Ben Oglivie (.286, 37 RBI, 5 SB) has four singles and a double en route to a five hit day and leading the Tigers to a 8-3 win over California. Ron LeFlore (.300, 21 RBI, 24 SB) hits two doubles and a single as LeFlore, Milt May (.270, 20 RBI) and Lou Whitaker (.254, 12 RBI) drive in two runs each. Dave Roberts (5-6, 4.43 ERA) gets the complete game win, giving up two earned runs and seven while striking out four. Angels catcher Andy Etchebarren (.321, 5 RBI) has three hits with a double in the Angels loss.


Oakland's search for a new manager ended today as the organization agreed to a 5-year contract with Rick Kirkpatrick that will give him a salary of $82,000. The 43-year-old Kirkpatrick was previously the coach for the Single A West Palm Beach Expos where he accumulated a 21-33 record this season. Rumors are circulating that former Athletics manager Jack McKeon has accepted the vacated West Palm Beach position.


Other Scores
American League

Baltimore Kansas City

1 2

Boston Minnesota

3 5

Detroit California

8 3

National League

San Diego Los Angeles

11 2

Injuries

SP Francisco Barrios (1-6, 6.56 ERA) is expected to miss about 1-2 weeks with back spasms.
He is placed on the 15-day disabled list.
SP Mike Krukow (5-3, 3.07 ERA - AAA) is recalled from Triple A Iowa.
Krukow takes Barrios' spot in the rotation and is scheduled to pitch tomorrow night.


MR Matt Keough (0-0, 12.79 ERA) is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a strained tricep.
He is placed on the 15-day disabled list.
C Tim Hosley (.214, 3 HR, 11 RBI - AAA) is recalled from Triple A San Jose.
Hosley will merely be there to keep the bullpen pranks to a minimum.


2B Lee Lacy (.304, 6 HR, 32 RBI) is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a fractured wrist.
He is placed on the 15-day disabled list.
3B Jim Morrison (.233, 6 HR, 32 RBI - AAA) is recalled from Triple A Oklahoma City.
Morrison will spell Mike Schmidt and possibly see some pinch at-bats.


Contract Signings

Rick Kirkpatrick signed a 5-year contract worth a total of $410,000 to be their new manager.
He will make $82,000 a year through 1981.


Major Transactions

LF Larry Hisle activated from the disabled list.
LF Bob Gorinski (.000, 0 AB, 2 G) optioned to Triple A Tacoma.


Short Season Single A Update
Salem defeats Teeswater 9-8 to win the NYP West Division in a one game playoff.