September 24, 2021
EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTHHank Thompson hit his 14th homer of the season, a two-run shot off loser Tom Hughes in the fourth, and Kirk McCaskill and three relievers held the Sounds at bay in this closely fought contest. McCaskill allowed one run over 6 1/3 and Jack Morris, Troy Percival and John Franco combined for 2 2/3 of scoreless relief. Ed Delahanty had two hits and drove in the lone Memphis run.
Orlando 7, Charlotte 6 (11 innings). The Orcas reclaim first place in dramatic fashion. With Orlando's Dock Ellis locked in a pitcher's duel with Noodles Hahn, the Orcas led 1-0 heading to the 8th. But Charlotte scored three in the top half of the inning. Orlando answered with two in the bottom half, and the game would go to extras tied 3-3. Charlotte struck for 3 runs in the top of the 11th, but Elmer Smith hit a 3-run shot, his 15th, to tie it, and two batters later Chipper Jones hit a walkoff single for another dramatic Orcas victory!
WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH
Phoenix 4, Los Angeles 2 (10 innings). Todd Helton hit a two-out, two-run walkoff homer in the bottom of the 10th off Gary Lavelle to give Phoenix a big victory over the Idols, as San Antonio - hot on their heels - was playing a doubleheader. Stephen Strasburg allowed two runs over seven and L.A.'s Ron Guidry allowed a pair over eight as both got no decisions.
San Antonio 3, New Orleans 2. Jim Bunning (14-11, 3.54) allowed two runs over 7 1/3 and Greg Holland picked up his 35th save as the Stallions beat the Knights in the first game of a double dip. Joe Gordon had three hits and drove in a pair for San Antonio. Joe Mauer had a pair of hits for New Orleans.
New Orleans 13, San Antonio 6. Ralph Kiner hit a pair of homers (16, 17) as part of a four-homer attack as the Knights battered Smoky Joe Wood, who has been a huge disappointment after being signed as a free agent following his Outstanding Pitcher earning 2020 season. Jason Giambi (18) and Elmer Flick (10) homered for the Stallions in the loss.
