1966 WORLD SERIES: GAME TWO
LEMASTER TOSSES SHUTOUT
Denny Lemaster pitched a complete game 5-hit shutout to lead the Cleveland Indians to a 2-0 victory in Game Two of the World Series. Lemaster fanned 6 and walked just two (Frank Robinson both times) in keeping the Reds in check all day. Cincinnati pitcher Jim Maloney was nearly as good, allowing 5 hits while striking out 8 but one of the hits Maloney surrendered was a 2-run homer from Tribe rookie Tommie Agee. The victory puts Cleveland up 2 games to none in the series.
Maloney was perfect through 3 innings but allowed a lead off walk to Carlos Ramirez of the Indians to start the fourth inning. With one out Tommie Agee made the first hit Maloney allowed all game a big one, as he ripped a 1-0 pitch 385 feet into the left field stands to put the Indians ahead 2-0, a hit that would prove to be the difference in the game.
The Reds threatened in the top of the 5th as Tony Perez hit a lead-off double for just the second Cincinnati hit on the day. Perez would move to third on a Ken McMullan ground out but advanced no further thanks to a sensational defensive play by Indians shortstop Larry Brown on a grounder to end the inning. Cincinnati had another chance in the seventh inning as Vada Pinson led off with a single but he tried to go from 1st to third on a Ken McMullan base hit to right field only to be gunned out by a laser throw from Cleveland outfielder Bob Allison.
Vada Pinson returned the favour for the Reds in the bottom of the 7th as his perfect throw home nailed Max Alvis at the plate and prevented the Indians from taking a 3-0 lead on a sacrifice fly attempt. Cincinnati had one last ditched attempt to tie the game in the ninth inning when Jim Wynn hit a one out single. Pinson followed with a towering fly ball to right field but Tommie Agee caught it at the wall. Tony Perez then ended the game with a ground out to second base.
Tomorrow is a travel day as the series shifts to Cincinnati for Game Three on Saturday.