A Royals Look-in..from the beginning again

[RoyalsBlue]

05.08.1969 – OFF DAY
NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Phillies 2 vs Astros 1
WP – G. Jackson (5-2)
LP – L. Dierker (1-5)

Don Money’s two out single scored Johnny Callison with the game-winner in the day’s only game.

Grant Jackson notched his fifth win of the season by holding the Astros to a mere four hits on the day.

CONTRACT NEWS
Detroit has inked Denny McLain to an extension that will keep the pitcher in Motown for 3 more years.

Washington and pitcher Jim Hannon have agreed to a 1 year extension.

Eddie Fisher and the Oakland Athletics have signed an extension keeping the reliever in the Bay Area for another 3 seasons.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.09.1969
SP – KC: B. Butler (2-1 4.18) BAL: N. Briles (4-1 0.88)
GAME #029 @ Baltimore W 3-2
WP – B. Butler (3-1) LP – N. Briles (4-2) SV – M. Drabowsky (3)
HR – KC: B. Butler (1), E. Kirkpatrick (8)

Taking on the AL April pitcher of the month? No problem says the Royals as they hand Nelson Briles only his second loss on the season. Not only did Bill Butler pitch well, but he also knocked his first homer on the season as he did it all in the victory. Ed Kirkpatrick also hit a homerun in support of Butler. Moe Drabowsky came in and put out the fire after Butler faltered in the ninth, cementing the win for the suddenly surging Royals.

Pat Kelly went 1 for 4 and pushed his hit streak to 10 games.

POG – Kansas City’s Bill Butler – 8.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 106 pitches, 1 for 4, 1 HR, 1 RBI

“Got a little hairy in the ninth,” joked Butler in the clubhouse afterwards. “That’s what we’ve got Moe for, to bail the starters out late and that’s what he did today.”

“Tell Butler he needs to concentrate on pitching,” smirked Ed Kirkpatrick when told that the pitcher’s homer outdistanced his. “Let the batters worry about the offense. It was good to see him go yard though.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Twins 4 @ Tigers 2
WP – J. Perry (5-0)
LP – D. McLain (3-3)
SV – R. Perranoski (3)
HR – MIN: H. Killebrew (4), T. Oliva (7)

Back to back games with homers keeps Oliva’s hitting streak alive at 11 games.

Senators 7 @ Pilots 3
WP – C. Cox (1-3)
LP – G. Brabender (0-5)
HR – WAS: F. Howard 2 (7)

Indians 3 vs White Sox 1
WP – S. McDowell (2-5)
LP – W. Wood (1-1)
SV – P. Hennigan (4)
HR – CHI: B. Bradford (3)

Yankees 6 @ Athletics 3
WP – A. Downing (4-2)
LP – C. Dobson (3-4)
SV – J. Aker (2)
HR – NY: B. Murcer (4)

Dick Green’s hit streak ends at 14 in the loss to New York.

Red Sox 6 @ Angels 0
WP – R. Culp (4-2)
LP – J. McGlothlin (2-5)
HR – BOS: C. Yastrzemski (9)

The Angels lost the game but they were able to keep Reggie Smith from extending his hit streak, holding him hitless for the first time after 25 games.

“Well it had to end sometime,” said the Boston slugger. “We got the win, though, and that is what’s important. We’re trying to get to the World Series, not get individual accolades.”

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Giants 7 @ Cubs 2
WP – B. Bolin (5-1)
LP – B. Hands (2-5)
SV – M. McCormick (2)
HR – CHI: B. Williams (7)

San Francsico’s Frank Baker went 2 for 5 keeping his hit streak alive at 10 games.

Phillies 3 vs Braves 1
WP – R. Wise (5-1)
LP – P. Niekro (3-3)
SV – T. Farrell (2)
HR – PHI: J. Briggs (4), L. Reams (1)

Felix Millan keeps his hit streak alive at 14 with a first inning single in the loss to Philadelphia.

Dodgers 2 @ Pirates 1 (11 inn)
WP – B. Singer (4-0)
LP – T. Dukes (1-2)
SV – J. Brewer (3)
HR – LA: W. Davis (3)

Willie Davis homered in the eleventh to propel the Dodgers to victory.

Astros 5 @ Mets 0
WP – T. Griffin (3-2)
LP – N. Ryan (2-3)
SV – B. Watkins (1)
HR – HOU: J. Herrera (3)

Nolan Ryan only gave up 1 run in 8 eight innings while striking out 11, but the one run was enough to get the loss.

Expos 3 vs Reds 0
WP – P. Dobson (2-4)
LP – J. Maloney (2-4)
SV – S. Shea (3)
HR – MON: R. Staub (2)

Tony Perez went 1 for 4 stretching his hit streak to 10 games in the loss to Montreal.

Padres 6 @ Cardinals 5
WP – J. Podres (2-1)
LP – B. Gibson (3-4)
SV – L. Everitt (3)
HR – STL: L. Cardenas (3)

CONTRACT NEWS
Joe Horlen and the White Sox have agreed to a two year extension.

INJURY NEWS
Cleveland Indians – CF Jose Cardenal – bruised wrist – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.10.1969
SP – KC: D. Drago (1-0 0.00) BAL: D. McNally (3-3 5.61)
GAME #030 @ Baltimore W 5-2
WP – D. Drago (2-0) LP – D. McNally (3-4)
HR – KC: P. Kelly (3)

Don’t look now, but these expansion Royals are playing some of the best ball in the American League having won eight of their last ten. Pat Kelly continues to be red hot as well, pushing his team leading hit streak to 11 games by going 3 for 5 with a homerun. Paul Schaal and Joe Foy also picked up a couple of hits on the day as the Royals took game two of this weekend series.

Dick Drago continues to make the front office and manager Carlos Ramirez look brilliant with his second complete game since being recalled from the minors.

POG – Kansas City’s Dick Drago – 9 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 103 pitches

“So far, so good,” retorted Dick Drago when asked to describe his pitching since being recalled. “I’ve felt really good and been able to keep the ball down. Ed (Kirkpatrick) called a great game today and I didn’t have to shake him off once. When I don’t have to adjust and can just pitch, it’s going to be good day.”

“We’ll see how long it goes,” joked Pat Kelly when queried about his hitting streak. “I’m just able to see the ball really well right now. I’ll enjoy it however long it goes.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
White Sox 10 @ Indians 6
WP – W. Wood (2-1)
LP – S. Hargan (2-2)
HR – CHI: L. Aparicio (2) CLE: J. Cardenal (2)

Athletics 3 vs Yankees 2 (10 inn)
WP – P. Lindblad (3-0)
LP – S. Hamilton (0-4)
HR – NY: J. Pepitone (7) OAK: J. Tartabull (1)

Jose Tartabull picked a great time to blast his first homer of the season, giving the Athletics the win in extra innings.

Tigers 4 vs Twins 3
WP – M. Lolich (5-0)
LP – A. Worthington (1-2)
SV – D. McMahon (3)
HR – DET: I. Brown (2), N. Cash (4), W. Horton (9)

Homers by Ike Brown and Willie Horton in the eighth gave a much needed win to the slumping Tigers and kept them in first place in the AL East.

Minnesota’s Tony Oliva got a third inning single to keep his hit streak going at 12 games.

Senators 8 @ Pilots 2
WP – B. Moore (2-1)
LP – M. Pattin (2-4)
HR – WAS: F. Howard (8), K. Suarez (3)

Angels 7 vs Red Sox 0
WP – R. May (2-2)
LP – L. Stange (4-3)
HR – CAL: J. Fregosi (2)

Jerry Moses got his hit streak to 10 games with a first inning single in a losing effort.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Expos 4 vs Reds 1
WP – S. Renko (1-0)
LP – J. Fisher (1-4)
SV – D. McGinn (5)
HR – MON: J. Edwards (2)

Tony Perez got two hits in the loss to extend his hit streak to 11 games.

Astros 4 @ Mets 0
WP – D. Wilson (1-2)
LP – J. McAndrew (3-2)
HR – HOU: J. Wynn (6)

New York’s Art Shamsky pushes his hit streak to 10 games with a sixth inning single.

Pirates 4 vs Dodgers 3
WP – B. Veale (4-3)
LP – D. Sutton (3-4)
SV – L. Marone (6)
HR – LA: A. Kosco (3)

Cubs 3 vs Giants 0
WP – K. Holtzman (3-3)
LP – R. Bryant (0-2)
SV – H. Aguirre (2)

San Francisco’s Frank Baker goes 0 for 3 and sees his hit streak end at 10 games.

Braves 9 @ Phillies 5
WP – P. Jarvis (5-1)
LP – J. James (1-3)
HR – ATL: T. Francona (3), T. McCarver (2) PHI: J. Briggs (5), J. Callison (3), E. Hendricks (3)

Felix Millan improves his hit streak to 15 games with a 2 for 5 day in the win againt Philly.

Padres 4 @ Cardinals 1
WP – D. Selma (2-3)
LP – S. Carlton (4-3)
SV – L. Everitt (4)

CONTRACT NEWS
Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a 3 year extension rumored to be worth a total over four million dollars.

The Minnesota Twins and pitcher Jim Perry have come to agreement on a four year extension. No financial terms were disclosed.

Woodie Held and the Chicago White Sox have agreed upon a 1 year extension.

INJURY NEWS
Atlanta Braves – OF Rico Carty – blurred vision – 2 weeks

TRADING BLOCK
The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively shopping 1B Ken Boyer. Considering he’s hitting a solid .269 with 4 HR and 22 RBI, this is a bit of a surprise. Of course, the fact that he’s 37 could indicate that this kind of production probably won’t continue.

[ruffdermis]

Amazing turn around for the boys in blue. Ed Kirkpatrick is a stud, if he can play CF AND Catcher. With 2-3 k's/9, its pretty obvious Drago is getting pretty lucky.

[RoyalsBlue]

Originally Posted by ruffdermis

Amazing turn around for the boys in blue. Ed Kirkpatrick is a stud, if he can play CF AND Catcher. With 2-3 k's/9, its pretty obvious Drago is getting pretty lucky.

Thanks Ruff! Yeah, I was surprised when I looked at the lineups to see that he's the starter half the time at catcher. And Drago's definitely got to up the k's a bit, but I don't think he's a long term solution as a starter anyway. I picture Drago as a middle relief/spot start type, but he sure is giving them a boost in the short term.

Thanks for reading!

[RoyalsBlue]

05.11.1969
SP – KC: B. Miller (1-2 3.55) BAL: J. Palmer (1-4 4.01)
GAME #031 @ Baltimore L 2-1
WP – J. Palmer (2-4) LP – B. Miller (1-3)
HR – BAL: M. Rettenmund (2)

It was a well pitched game by both sides, but Jim Palmer got the best of Bob Miller in this matchup. The Royals led into the seventh on a Hawk Taylor two out rbi single, but lost the lead when Merv Rettenmund blasted a two run homer into the left field stands. KC was unable to scratch out any more runs against Palmer and the O’s salvaged the final game of the series.

Pat Kelly’s hit streak came to an end at 11 after going hitless against Palmer. On the injury front, Tom Tresh will be out for about 3 weeks after suffering from an inguinal hernia.

POG – Baltimore’s Jim Palmer – 9 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K, 130 pitches

“I only made one mistake,” grumbled Bob Miller afterwards. “And I paid for it dearly. That ball got out of Memorial Stadium like it was launched on a rocket.”

“Maybe I can get another one started,” smiled Pat Kelly when asked if he was disappointed on going hitless. “I don’t think that old Joe DiMaggio’s record is in any danger from me anyhow.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
White Sox 5 @ Indians 3
WP – T. John (4-2)
LP – M. Paul (2-3)

Tigers 6 vs Twins 0
WP – E. Wilson (2-4)
LP – T. Hall (1-4)
HR – DET: W. Horton (10), A. Kaline (7), C. Laboy (5), D. McAuliffe (6), M. Stanley (6)

Earl Wilson shut down the Twins on 4 hits and kept Tony Oliva hitless in the process, ending his 12 game hitting streak.

Senators 10 @ Pilots 4
WP – D. Bosman (4-1)
LP – G. Timberlake (1-4)
SV – D. Baldwin (2)
HR – WAS: B. Allen (1), M. Epstein 2 (12), F. Howard (9)

Not only did Mike Epstein hit 2 homers but he had a total of 5 hits on the day. “I just try to be quick to the ball,” answered Epstein about his approach. “I let it travel a little farther so I get a better look at it.”

Yankees 2 @ Athletics 0
WP – S. Bahnsen (4-1)
LP – J. Nash (2-1)

Stan Bahnsen scattered 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3 in this complete game shutout.

Red Sox 7 @ Angels 2
WP – J. Lonborg (4-2)
LP – C. Wright (0-2)

Jerry Moses keeps his hit streak active at 11 games after a fifth inning single.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Mets 10 vs Astros 3 – Game 1
WP – J. Koosman (2-2)
LP – D. Lemaster (3-4)
HR – NY: R. Swoboda 2 (2)

Mets 5 vs Astros 0 – Game 2
WP – G. Gentry (3-3)
LP – J. Billingham (3-1)
HR – NY: A. Shamsky (6)

Art Shamsky’s fifth inning homer in the nightcap extended his hitting streak to 11 games after sitting out the opener.

Expos 6 vs Reds 3
WP – J. Robertson (5-1)
LP – J. Merritt (1-7)
SV – S. Shea (4)
HR – MON: M. Jones 2 (3), R. Staub (3)

Tony Perez sees his hit streak stopped at 11 games in the loss to Montreal.

Phillies 2 vs Braves 1
WP – B. Champion (2-3)
LP – G. Stone (2-4)
SV – T. Farrell (3)

Felix Millan keeps his hit streak alive at 16 with a second inning single.

Dodgers 4 @ Pirates 3
WP – C. Osteen (4-2)
LP – D. Ellis (4-2)

Cardinals 9 vs Padres 2
WP – M. Torrez (4-3)
LP – D. Roberts (2-3)
HR – STL: O. Cepeda 2 (2)

Giants 15 @ Cubs 9
WP – R. Herbel (1-1)
LP – T. Abernathy (1-1)
HR – SF: W. McCovey (7) CHI: R. Santo (2)

CONTRACT NEWS
Center fielder Jimmy Wynn and the Houston Astros have finalized a deal that will extend his stay in the lone star state for 3 more years.

INJURY NEWS
Kansas City Royals – SS Tom Tresh – inguinal hernia – 3 weeks
Chicago Cubs – P Joe Niekro – tender shoulder – 2 weeks
Montreal Expos – SS Maury Wills – dislocated finger – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Oakland Athletics – Reggie Jackson: .550/.654/1.300, 1 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 5 RBI, 8 R

NL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cincinnati Reds – Lee May: .421/.500/.684, 2 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R

05.12.1969 – OFF DAY
OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Yankees 4 @ Pilots 3
WP – F. Peterson (4-3)
LP – S. Blass (1-5)

Senators 13 @ Angels 3
WP – J. Coleman (4-3)
LP – A. Messersmith (3-2)
HR – CAL: J. Fregosi (3), R. Reichardt (3)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cubs 8 vs Padres 3
WP – F. Jenkins (4-3)
LP – S. Arlin (4-4)
HR – SD: J. French (2) CHI: E. Banks (4)

Pirates 3 vs Giants 0
WP – J. Bunning (5-2)
LP – J. Marichal (4-2)
SV – L. Marone (7)

Dodgers 7 @ Cardinals 1
WP – A. Foster (4-1)
LP – J. Reuss (2-5)
HR – STL: B. Johnson (2)

INJURY NEWS
California Angels – P Hoyt Wilhelm – dead arm syndrome – 3 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.13.1969
SP – CLE: S. Siebert (0-3 6.53) KC: M. Hedlund (1-2 3.00)
GAME #032 vs Cleveland L 7-3 (10 inn)
WP – V. Romo (1-0) LP – J. Rooker (1-2)
HR – CLE: D. Sims (3)

The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but they could only push across one more run while Cleveland scored 7 to win the series opener. Lou Piniella paced the KC offense with his 3 hits and 2 rbi’s, but they just couldn’t keep up with the Cleveland bats, punctuated by Duke Sims’ tenth inning grand slam that clinched the game.

POG – Cleveland’s Duke Sims – 1 for 5, 1 HR(GS), 4 RBI, 1 R

“It felt good when I hit it,” laughed Cleveland’s Duke Sims when asked about his tenth inning grand slam. “It’s a good thing I pulled it down the line or it might not have gone out.”

“You just have to shake it off and come back tomorrow,” replied Jim Rooker when asked how to recover from surrendering a game-clinching grand slam. “A pitcher has to have a short memory whether he succeeds or fails, but particularly with failure.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Yankees 4 @ Pilots 3 (11 inn)
WP – S. Hamilton (1-4)
LP – S. Lockwood (1-3)

The Yanks rookie John Ellis came through with the game winning rbi on a fielder’s choice in the eleventh.

Tigers 7 vs White Sox 1
WP – J. Sparma (2-2)
LP – D. Osinski (0-1)

Orioles 5 @ Twins 4 (12 inn)
WP – E. Watt (1-2)
LP – R. Perranoski (1-2)
HR – BAL: P. Blair (3)

Frank Robinson’s run scoring single in the twelfth gave the O’s the win, but his hit streak had already been extended to 10 with his single in the third.

Red Sox 8 @ Athletics 4
WP – L. Stange (5-3)
LP – B. Odom (3-2)
HR – BOS: J. Lahoud 2 (4) OAK: R. Jackson 2 (10)

Boston’s Jerry Moses and Oakland’s Bert Campaneris extended their hit streaks tonight, to 12 and 10 respectively.

Angels 4 vs Senators 2
WP – T. Murphy (1-3)
LP – J. Hannan (2-3)
SV – V. Geishert (2)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (13), K. McMullen (4)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cubs 4 vs Padres 0
WP – J. Decker (2-1)
LP – M. Corkins (0-3)
SV – R. Nye (1)

Four Chicago hurlers combined for a four hit shutout of the Padres, highlighted by starter and winner Joe Decker’s 7 innings and 8 strikeouts.

Mets 2 vs Braves 1
WP – B. Johnson (3-1)
LP – R. Reed (1-4)
HR – NY: E. Kranepool (5)

Atlanta’s Felix Millan (16) and New York’s Art Shamsky (11) both saw their hit streaks come to an end tonight.

Giants 7 @ Pirates 2
WP – R. Sadecki (4-0)
LP – L. Walker (2-1)

Phillies 4 vs Reds 3
WP – G. Jackson (6-2)
LP – J. O’Donoghue (1-1)
SV – A. Raffo (4)
HR – PHI: L. Hisle (2)

Grant Jackson becomes the major league's first six game winner.

Expos 6 vs Astros 3
WP – B. Stoneman (4-2)
LP – L. Dierker (1-6)
SV – D. McGinn (6)
HR – MON: T. Cline (1), M. Wills (1)

Dodgers 5 @ Cardinals 0
WP – D. Drysdale (2-2)
LP – J. Ellis (1-1)

Don Drysdale scattered 6 hits, walked 1 and struck out 2 in his complete game shut out of the Redbirds.

INJURY NEWS
Houston Astros – P Larry Dierker – torn back muscle – 2 months

[RoyalsBlue]

05.14.1969
SP – CLE: S. McDowell (2-5 4.53) KC: R. Nelson (2-2 2.43)
GAME #033 vs Cleveland W 14-3
WP – R. Nelson (3-2) LP – S. McDowell (2-6)

This game was a laugher as the Royals pounded out 18 hits on their way to a 14-3 win. The only KC starter without a hit was shortstop Jackie Hernandez. Lou Piniella and Juan Rios paced the offensive outburst with 3 hits and 3 rbi’s apiece. Paul Schaal knocked in another 3 runs with his 2 hit day.

POG – Kansas City’s Lou Piniella – 3 for 6, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R

“It helped when we got that six run sixth,” answered Roger Nelson. “That gave me a whole lot of room for error. Before that, I was kind of pitching out of trouble a bit.”

“I’m tired of answering questions about my lineup,” grumped Carlos Ramirez after being asked about putting Joe Foy in centerfield. “I know what these guys can do a lot better than any of you in the media.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Pilots 2 vs Yankees 0 (13 inn)
WP – D. Segui (1-2)
LP – J. Aker (1-1)
HR – SEA: J. Kennedy (1)

John Kennedy’s two run blast gave the Pilots the win in the thirteenth.

Tigers 3 vs White Sox 2
WP – D. McLain (4-3)
LP – G. Peters (2-2)
HR – CHI: G. Peters (2)

Orioles 6 @ Twins 1
WP – N. Briles (5-2)
LP – J. Perry (5-1)
HR – BAL: B. Powell (9), F. Robinson (7) MIN: R. Reese (4)

Frank Robinson’s fifth inning homer keeps his hit streak alive at 11.

Athletics 3 vs Red Sox 0
WP – C. Dobson (4-4)
LP – R. Culp (4-3)
HR – OAK: S. Bando (4)

Jerry Moses’ fifth inning single kept his hit streak going at 13 games in a losing effort, but Oakland’s Bert Campaneris sees his streak end at 10.

Chuck Dobson only allowed 5 hits while shutting out the Sox.

Angels 3 vs Senators 2
WP – S. Kealey (1-0)
LP – C. Cox (1-4)
SV – P. Borbon (1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cubs 11 vs Padres 2
WP – B. Hands (3-5)
LP – J. Podres (2-2)
HR – CHI: E. Banks (5), R. Hundley (1)

Mets 3 vs Braves 2
WP – C. Koonce (1-0)
LP – C. Upshaw (3-2)
HR – NY: N. Ryan (1)

Ken Boswell tripled in Tommie Agee with the game winner in the bottom of the ninth.

Pirates 9 vs Giants 2
WP – B. Moose (4-3)
LP – B. Bolin (5-2)
HR – PIT: W. Stargell (4)

Astros 9 @ Expos 3
WP – T. Griffin (4-2)
LP – P. Dobson (2-5)
HR – HOU: C. Blefary (3), N. Miller (1), J. Morgan (5)

Curt Blefary keyed the Houston attack with 4 hits in 5 at bats. “I felt real good in the batter’s box today,” said the 25 year old catcher after his hot day.

Phillies 4 vs Reds 1
WP – R. Wise (6-1)
LP – J. Maloney (2-5)
SV – A. Raffo (5)
HR – PHI: J. Briggs (6)

Rick Wise joins teammate Grant Jackson as a six game winner in the majors.

Dodgers 11 @ Cardinals 3
WP – B. Singer (5-0)
LP – B. Gibson (3-5)
HR – LA: R. Fairly (5), T. Sizemore (1)

INJURY NEWS
California Angels – P Jim McGlothlin – back spasms – 2 weeks
Baltimore Orioles – 3B Brooks Robinson – fractured hand – 7 weeks
San Diego Padres – P Leon Everitt – tender elbow – 2 weeks

CONTRACT NEWS
Joe Moeller and the Dodgers have come to an agreement that will keep the reliever in Los Angeles for the next 2 years

[RoyalsBlue]

05.15.1969
SP – CLE: S. Hargan (2-2 4.12) KC: D. Drago (2-0 0.50)
GAME #034 vs Cleveland W 10-4
WP – D. Drago (3-0) LP – S. Hargan (2-3)
HR – CLE: D. Nelson (2), D. Sims (4) KC: M. Fiore (6), E. Kirkpatrick (9)

The Royals jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and piled on for a 10-4 victory in the series finale. Pat Kelly was seen running around the bases with 3 hits and scoring 4 runs. Ed Kirkpatrick kicked in with a couple hits, one homer and 2 rbi’s. Mike Fiore only had one hit but it was a 2-run homer to go along with his 4 rbi’s.

If not for a couple of eighth inning homers, Dick Drago would have had yet another spectacular start since being called up. Drago’s worst line so far, 9 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, and 6 K was more than enough to get the win.

POG – Kansas City’s Mike Fiore – 1 for 3, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB

“Runs are what this game is all about,” cackled Pat Kelly, who scored 4 times on the day. “Getting your own and keeping the opponents from scoring any. I love to score runs, it’s just so much fun crossing home plate.”

“Guess I was good enough today,” smirked Ed Kirkpatrick, who homered in the game. “Course, we weren’t playing the Tigers either. You figure it out.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
White Sox 2 @ Tigers 1
WP – P. Edmondson (2-2)
LP – M. Lolich (5-1)
HR – CHI: D. Pavletich (1)

Orioles 10 @ Twins 3
WP – D. McNally (4-4)
LP – D. Boswell (2-2)
HR – BAL: D. Buford (2), B. Floyd (2) MIN: B. Allison 2 (2)

Frank Robinson got a fifth inning single to extend his hit streak to 12 games.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Mets 7 vs Braves 3
WP – J. McAndrew (4-2)
LP – P. Jarvis (5-2)
SV – J. Dilauro (2)
HR – ATL: H. Aaron (8) NY: K. Collins (1), A. Shamsky (7)

Phillies 6 vs Reds 5
WP – C. Short (1-5)
LP – J. Fisher (1-5)
SV – B. Wilson (2)
HR – CIN: A. Johnson (5) PHI: J. Briggs (7), L. Hisle 2 (4)

INJURY NEWS
Chicago White Sox – 3B Bill Melton – strained rib cage muscle – 1 week

TRADING BLOCK
Cleveland has placed 32 year old and former all-star pitcher Stan Williams on the block. Don’t know what kind of interest the middle reliever will draw since he’s been rocked in his few outings this season and walked more men (11) than innings pitched (10.1).

1969 Draft Pool Released
As always the first year draft pool has some very interesting names to pore over. Some of the more notable position players are: Ken Singleton, Jeff Burroughs, Greg Luzinski, Jose Cruz, Cesar Cedeno and Bobby Grich just to name a few. Notable pitchers are: Bert Blyleven, Ken Forsch, Charlie Hough, Al Hrabosky and Paul Splittorff.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.16.1969
SP – BAL: J. Palmer (2-4 3.56) KC: B. Miller (1-3 3.40)
GAME #035 vs Baltimore W 5-3
WP – B. Miller (2-3) LP – J. Palmer (2-5) SV – M. Drabowsky (4)
HR – BAL: F. Robinson (8)

Frank Robinson gave the Orioles an early lead with his eighth homer on the season and extending his hit streak to 13 games. However, the Royals were able to recover and get 5 runs off of O’s hurler Jim Palmer, highlighted by Lou Piniella’s 2 rbi’s and Pat Kelly’s 4 for 4 day.

Bob Miller had another solid pitching performance and Moe Drabowsky, while a little shaky in the ninth, did get the save.

POG – Kansas City’s Bob Miller – 8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HRA, 91 pitches

“I used my defense tonight,” answered Bob Miller when asked about only having 1 strikeout. “Got them to pound the ball into the ground and most of them went towards the infielders. Strikeouts get all the glory, but groundouts can be just as effective.”

“It’s about time I helped this team out,” said a sheepish Joe Foy who picked up two hits raising his average to .217. “Maybe this will get me going for a little bit.

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Yankees 5 vs Angels 4
WP – M. Stottlemyre (4-2)
LP – P. Borbon (0-1)

Red Sox 10 vs Pilots 1
WP – J. Lonborg (5-2)
LP – M. Pattin (2-5)
HR – BOS: J. Pagan (1), R. Petrocelli (9), C. Yastrzemski (10)

Boston got the win, but Jerry Moses took the collar in five at bats to halt his hit streak at 13 games.

Indians 1 vs Athletics 0 (12 inn)
WP – P. Hennigan (3-1)
LP – E. Fisher (0-2)
HR – CLE: D. Sims (5)

This was a fabulous pitcher’s duel that was decided on a twelfth inning bomb to right center by Duke Sims.

Twins 5 vs Tigers 3
WP – A. Worthington (2-2)
LP – E. Wilson (2-5)
HR – DET: N. Cash (5) MIN: H. Killebrew (5), T. Oliva (8)

Senators 9 @ White Sox 2
WP – D. Bosman (5-1)
LP – T. John (4-3)
HR – WAS: F. Howard (10), K. McMullen (5)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Mets 3 @ Reds 2
WP – J. Koosman (3-2)
LP – J. Merritt (1-8)
HR – CIN: D. Clendenon (2)

Phillies 4 vs Giants 3
WP – B. Wilson (1-1)
LP – G. Perry (1-6)
SV – A. Raffo (6)
HR – SF: W. McCovey (8)

Astros 4 vs Cubs 1
WP – D. Lemaster (4-4)
LP – K. Holtzman (3-4)

Expos 12 vs Braves 2
WP – J. Robertson (6-1)
LP – G. stone (2-5)
HR – ATL: H. Aaron (9), M. Lum (1) MON: R. Staub 2 (5)

Cardinals 4 @ Padres 1
WP – S. Carlton (5-3)
LP – D. Selma (2-4)
HR – STL: S. Carlton (1)

Pirates 4 @ Dodgers 3
WP – D. Ellis (5-2)
LP – D. Sutton (3-5)
SV – L. Marone (8)
HR – PIT: A. Oliver (5), C. Taylor (1)

CONTRACT NEWS
Claude Osteen and the Dodgers have come to an agreement that will keep the pitcher in Los Angeles for another four seasons. Total value of the contract is rumored to be nearly four million dollars. So far on the season Osteen is 4-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 61 innings.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.17.1969
TRADE NEWS
Trade between Chicago and Houston
White Sox get:
P Denny Lemaster: 4-4, 2.48, 65.1 IP, 54 H, 12 BB, 46 K, 4 HRA, 1.01 WHIP, .220 OAVG
Astros get:
3B Pete Ward: .293/.391/.360, 26 G, 75 AB, 22 H, 13 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 SB

SP – BAL: J. Hardin (2-1 3.38) KC: J. Rooker (1-2 4.94)
GAME #036 vs Baltimore L 11-2
WP – J. Hardin (3-1) LP – J. Rooker (1-3)
HR – KC: J. Rios (1)

Jim Rooker got the spot start today and boy was it an ugly one as he didn’t last through the fifth, allowing 9 runs on 11 hits. Frank Robinson’s hit streak continues at 14 after he ripped a couple of singles in support of O’s hurler Jim Hardin. Hardin scattered 8 hits and 2 runs as he kept the Royals at bay. The only highlights for the Royals were Pat Kelly and Hawk Taylor, who both banged out 2 hits.

POG – Baltimore’s Jim Hardin – 9 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HRA, 117 pitches

“I didn’t get the job done,” said a disconsolate Jim Rooker in the clubhouse. “Didn’t give us a chance today and that’s what really hurts. Put this loss on me cause that’s where it belongs.”

“He worked quick out there,” replied Orioles catcher Andy Etchebarren when asked about Hardin. “Mixed his pitches well and kept’em off balance. Jim looked as sharp as I’ve seen him tonight.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Indians 6 vs Athletics 4
WP – L. Tiant (3-0)
LP – R. Fingers (3-3)
HR – CLE: L. Tiant (1)

Yankees 6 vs Angels 1
WP – F. Peterson (5-3)
LP – A. Messersmith (3-3)
HR – NY: B. Murcer (5)

Pilots 4 @ Red Sox 0
WP – S. Blass (2-5)
LP – S. Lyle (0-1)
HR – SEA: M. Hegan (3)

Steve Blass scattered 9 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 in his complete game shutout of the Red Sox.

Twins 10 vs Tigers 2
WP – D. Chance (1-1)
LP – M. Kilkenny (2-1)
HR – DET: J. Northrup (7) MIN: H. Killebrew (6)

Senators 3 @ White Sox 2
WP – J. Coleman (5-3)
LP – G. Peters (2-3)
HR – CHI: E. Herrman (2)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Giants 10 @ Phillies 2
WP – J. Marichal (5-2)
LP – J. James (1-4)
HR – SF: J. Marichal (1), W. McCovey 2 (10)

Expos 4 vs Braves 0
WP – S. Renko (2-0)
LP – M. Pappas (2-2)
HR – MON: M. Jones (4)

Steve Renko handcuffed the Braves hitters today, only allowing 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3 in his complete game shutout. “That’s fun territory for me,” he told reporters afterwards. “I had good balance and mechanics and was able to keep the ball down. When I do that, good things happen.”

Mets 12 @ Reds 7
WP – G. Gentry (4-3)
LP – T. Cloninger (2-3)
HR – NY: G. Gentry (1), E. Kranepool (6) CIN: A. Johnson (6), T. Perez (3)

Cubs 5 @ Astros 2
WP – F. Jenkins (5-3)
LP – D. Wilson (1-3)
HR – CHI: B. Williams (8)

Cardinals 5 @ Padres 3
WP – M. Torrez (5-3)
LP – S. Arlin (4-5)
SV – C. Taylor (2)
HR – STL: V. Pinson (1)

Pirates 6 @ Dodgers 5
WP – B. Veale (5-3)
LP – C. Osteen (4-3)
SV – L. Marone (9)

The Dodgers scored twice in the bottom of the ninth, but Lou Marone got the final out to preserve the Pittsburgh win.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.18.1969
SP – BAL: M. Cuellar (2-3 3.65) KC: M. Hedlund (1-2 3.19)
GAME #037 vs Baltimore L 7-3
WP – M. Cuellar (3-3) LP – M. Hedlund (1-3)
HR – BAL: B. Powell 2 (11), C. Salmon (3) KC: P. Kelly (4)

Second verse, same as the first as the O’s jumped out to an early lead and the Royals just couldn’t catch up. Boog Powell jumpstarted the Baltimore offense with a pair of homers and Mike Cuellar kept the KC offense down to 3 runs on 8 hits. Frank Robinson’s sixth inning single pushed his hit streak to 15 games.

Joe Foy and Jerry Adair also picked up two hits apiece, but Pat Kelly’s three hits and two rbi’s paced what little offense the Royals could muster. Kelly continues to be hot for the Royals as he’s hitting .443 so far in May.

POG – Baltimore’s Boog Powell – 2 for 3, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB

“We just couldn’t really get started against him,” said Joe Foy about Orioles pitcher Mike Cuellar. “Hey, they’re professionals too, and sometimes you just get beat.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Angels 3 @ Yankees 2 – Game 1
WP – C. Wright (1-2)
LP – S. Bahnsen (4-2)
SV – K. Tatum (3)

Angels 8 @ Yankees 2 – Game 2
WP – T. Murphy (2-3)
LP – B. Burbach (1-3)

Senators 18 @ White Sox 11 – Game 1
WP – B. Moore (3-1)
LP – B. Wynne (1-1)
HR – WAS: B. Allen (2), M. Epstein (14), F. Howard 2 (12) CHI: L. Aparicio (2), W. Held (2), G. Hopkins (3)

Mike Esptein hit for the cycle going 5 for 5 (his second five hit game of the season) with 7 rbi’s while teammate Frank Howard went 3 for 5 with 2 homers and 6 rbi’s to lead the Senators to the win in the opener.

White Sox 9 vs Senators 1 – Game 2
WP – P. Edmondson (3-2)
LP – J. Hannan (2-4)
SV – B. Locker (3)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (15)

Athletics 6 @ Indians 2
WP – B. Odom (4-2)
LP – S. Siebert (0-4)
HR – OAK: R. Monday (4), J. Tartabull (2)

Red Sox 5 vs Pilots 3
WP – L. Stange (6-3)
LP – G. Timberlake (1-5)
SV – D. Ellsworth (1)
HR – BOS: R. Petrocelli (10), R. Smith (9)

Tigers 4 @ Twins 3
WP – J. Sparma (3-2)
LP – J. Kaat (5-2)
SV – T. Timmermann (4)
HR – DET: J. Northrup 2 (9) MIN: R. Reese (5)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Phillies 13 vs Giants 1
WP – G. Jackson (7-2)
LP – R. Bryant (0-3)
HR – PHI: J. Callison (4), T. Taylor (2)

Reds 3 vs Mets 2
WP – G. Arrigo (5-1)
LP – B. Johnson (3-2)
SV – W. Granger (6)
HR – NY: A. Shamsky (8) CIN: A. Johnson (7)

Braves 5 @ Expos 0
WP – R. Reed (2-4)
LP – B. Stoneman (4-3)

Astros 8 vs Cubs 1
WP – J. Billingham (4-1)
LP – B. Hands (3-6)
HR – CHI: E. Banks (6) HOU: C. Blefary (4)

Cardinals 3 @ Padres 0
WP – B. Gibson (4-5)
LP – D. Roberts (2-4)
HR – STL: J. Torre (2)

Redbird hurler Bob Gibson shut down San Diego today as he dazzled the expansion Padres with a 3 hit shutout, striking out 9 and walking only 1.

Dodgers 5 vs Pirates 0
WP – A. Foster (5-1)
LP – J. Bunning (5-3)

Willie Davis knocked a fifth inning single that gave him a 10 game hit streak.

CONTRACT NEWS
Bill Singer and Los Angeles have come to an agreement on a 2 year agreement that will keep the hurler in Dodger blue. In 6 starts this year, Singer is 5-0 with a 1.57 ERA in 46 innings.

TRADE NEWS
Trade between Boston and St. Louis
Red Sox get:
29 year old P Dave Giusti: 10 G, 0-0, 5.12 ERA, 19.1 IP, 21 H, 7 BB, 6 K, 1.45 WHIP, .280 OAVG
22 yeard old P Garry Hill: 3 G, 2-1, 4.50 ERA, 20 IP, 16 H, 6 BB, 0 K, 1.10 WHIP, .222 OAVG
Cardinals get:
31 year old 1B George Thomas: .216/.280/.257, 26 G, 74 AB, 7 R, 16 H, 3 2B, 6 RBI, 6 BB, 14 K, 1 SB

Red Sox get younger in the deal while dealing away a feeble hitter in Thomas. At first glance, Boston definitely got the better end of this deal. Hopefully a change of scenery for Thomas will help him out.

INJURY NEWS
Chicago White Sox – P Danny Murphy – tender elbow – 2 weeks
Philadelphia Phillies – P Turk Farrell – back spasms – 7 weeks
(otherwise known as the Mike Sweeney injury – whoops, sorry that hasn’t happened yet!)

[RoyalsBlue]

05.19.1969 – OFF DAY
AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Washington Senators 1B Mike Epstein: .455/.586/.955, 8 R, 2 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB

NL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
San Francisco Giants 1B Willie McCovey: .320/.414/.840, 6 R, 1 2B, 4 HR, 8 RBI

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Expos 3 vs Braves 2 (14 inn)
WP – D.McGinn (2-0)
LP – K. Johnson (1-1)
HR – ATL: T. McCarver (3)

Ron Brand’s two out double scored Bob Bailey with the winning run in the fourteenth.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.20.1969
SP – KC: R. Nelson (1-3 5.79) CLE: S. McDowell (2-6 5.60)
GAME #038 @ Cleveland W 6-4 (16 inn)
WP – B. Miller (3-3) LP – V. Romo (1-1)
HR – KC: J. Rooker (1) CLE: D. Sims (6)

It took the Royals 16 long innings, their entire bullpen plus a usual starter in relief in order to grab the victory. Jim Rooker, making another spot start, homered early in the game to help KC get even with the Indians. It was a key 2 rbi single from the unlikely bat of Jerry Adair that gave the Royals the win.

People have to be wondering what Carlos Ramirez was thinking however, by having his closer Moe Drabowsky pitch 6.2 innings. Obviously the bullpen was already empty at the time since Rooker made the start and Galen Cisco, Tommie Sisk, and Tom Burgmeier had already been used. In fact, Rooker didn’t even make it through 5. Still, he had to know that Moe shouldn’t have been hung out like that. Drabowsky took one for the team, but what kind of effect will that have on him and the team?

POG – Kansas City’s Moe Drabowsky – 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K, 89 pitches

“I’m exhausted,” said the clearly tired Drabowsky, whose right arm was encased in ice. “But the bullpen was empty by the time I came in. I’m just glad we won the game.”

“I wish things would have worked out differently,” replied Carlos Ramirez when asked about leaving his closer in so long. “I talked with Moe every inning after his second, making sure he was still able to go. He pitched his guts out for us tonight.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Angels 7 @ Red Sox 5 (11 inn)
WP – K. Tatum (1-2)
LP – D. Ellsworth (0-1)
SV – V. Geishert (3)
HR – CAL: G. Brunet (1), T. Egan (1), W. Llenas (1), R. Reichardt (4) BOS: T. Conigliaro (1), R. Petrocelli (11), R. Smith (10)

Reggie Smith and Rico Petrocelli went yard back to back in the sixth to no avail for the Sox.

Yankees 2 vs Athletics 1
WP – A. Downing (5-2)
LP – C. Dobson (4-5)
HR – OAK: C. Dobson (1) NY: J. Pepitone (8)

Senators 4 vs Pilots 3
WP – C. Cox (2-4)
LP – G. Brabender (0-6)
SV – J. Dukes (4)
HR – SEA: S. Whitaker (3) WAS: B. Allen (3), F. Howard (13)

Tigers 5 @ White Sox 4
WP – D. McLain (5-3)
LP – D. Lemaster (0-1)
HR – DET: C. Laboy (6), D. McAuliffe (7) CHI: E. Hermann (3), C. May (5)

Orioles 5 vs Twins 4
WP – M. Lopez (1-0)
LP – J. Grzenda (0-2)
HR – BAL: B. Floyd (3)

Frank Robinson picked up 2 hits to stretch his hit streak to 16 games, but it was his single in the ninth that scored Andy Etchebarren that he preferred this day. “The hit streak’s nice, but you can’t beat a game winning hit,” said the high spirited Robinson in the clubhouse.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Reds 4 vs Phillies 3
WP – J. Maloney (3-5)
LP – A. Raffo (2-2)
HR – CIN: D. Clendenon (3)

Donn Clendenon was the hero of the day for the Reds as he crushed a 3 run pinch-hit homer to win the game for Cincy.

Astros 8 vs Expos 0
WP – T. Griffin (5-2)
LP – M. Wegener (1-4)
HR – HOU: D. Menke (2)

Pirates 9 @ Padres 0
WP – B. Moose (5-3)
LP – J. Podres (2-3)
HR – PIT: R. Clemente (3), B. Moose (1)

Bob Moose knocked in the only run he’d need for his complete game shutout of the Padres. He allowed 5 hits and walked 3 while striking out 8.

Cardinals 3 @ Giants 1
WP – J. Ellis (2-1)
LP – B. Bolin (5-3)
SV – J. Hoerner (5)
HR – STL: L. Cardenas (4), W. Mays (6) SF: W. McCovey (11)

Cubs 7 @ Dodgers 5
WP – R. Nye (1-0)
LP – B. Singer (5-1)
SV – G. Ross (2)
HR – LA: W. Crawford (6)

Willie Davis tripled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games for LA.

CONTRACT NEWS
Steve Carlton and the Cardinals have come to an an agreement on a 3 year extension that will keep the southpaw in St. Louis. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Baltimore and Woodie Fryman have agreed to a 1 year extension. Fryman is 2-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 5 games, striking out 21 in 37.2 innings.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.21.1969
SP – KC: B. Miller (3-3 3.18) CLE: M. Paul (2-3 4.05)
GAME #039 @ Cleveland L 7-4
WP – M. Paul (3-3) LP – T. Sisk (0-1) SV – P. Hennigan (5)
HR – KC: J. Hernandez (1) CLE: L. Klimchock (2)

Bob Miller takes his second loss in as many days and he really didn’t last long in this one after finishing the 16 inning marathon game last night. Roger Nelson, who originally was scheduled to start this game, is still struggling with a minor knee injury and was held out as a precaution.

POG – Cleveland’s Lou Klimchock – 1 for 3, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R

“We’re being cautious with Roger,” answered Royals team doctor Lou Howard. “He’s been having a little discomfort in his knee, so we’re letting him rest it a bit. He will probably make his next scheduled start.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Pilots 7 @ Senators 6
WP – D. Baney (2-1)
LP – D. Bosman (5-2)
SV – D. Segui (1)
HR – SEA: G. Goossen (1) WAS: E. Stroud (4)

Yankees 5 vs Athletics 3
WP – M. Stottlemyre (5-2)
LP – E. Sprague (2-1)
HR – NY: J. Lyttle (1), B. Murcer (6)

Red Sox 3 vs Angels 2
WP – R. Jarvis (1-0)
LP – K. Tatum (1-3)
HR – BOS: R. Smith (11)

Reggie Smith crushed a two out fastball 420 feet for a 3 run game-winning homer in the bottom of the ninth.

White Sox 8 vs Tigers 5
WP – T. John (5-3)
LP – B. Reed (0-1)
SV – B. Wynne (1)
HR – DET: W. Horton (11) CHI: B. Bradford (4), C. May (6)

Orioles 2 vs Twins 1
WP – J. Palmer (3-5)
LP – T. Hall (1-5)

Frank Robinson’s third inning single kept his hit streak going a 17 games, but the player of the game was Jim Palmer. Palmer scattered 7 hits and 1 run while going the distance.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Giants 4 vs Cardinals 3
WP – G. Perry (2-6)
LP – J. Hoerner (0-1)

It wasn’t the prettiest way to score the game winner but Dave Marshall will certainly take the fielder’s choice that scored Jim Davenport in the bottom of the ninth.

Phillies 5 @ Reds 3
WP – J. Boozer (1-0)
LP – J. Merritt (1-9)
SV – J. Johnson (2)

Mets 4 @ Braves 2
WP – N. Ryan (3-3)
LP – G. Stone (2-6)
SV – J. Dilauro (3)
HR – NY: T. Agee (4), R. Swoboda (3)

Expos 10 @ Astros 8
WP – M. Grant (2-0)
LP – S. Guinn (1-1)
SV – D. McGinn (7)
HR – MON: B. Bailey (4), R. Staub (6) HOU: J. Morgan (6)

Padres 7 vs Pirates 3
WP – D. Selma (3-4)
LP – D. Ellis (5-3)
SV – F. Reberger (1)

Cubs 4 @ Dodgers 3 (14 inn)
WP – G. Ross (1-0)
LP – J. Moeller (2-1)
HR – CHI: B. Williams (9)

Willie Davis picked up two hits to push his hit streak to 12 games, but it was the Cubs who won the game on Billy Williams’ ninth homer on the season.

CONTRACT NEWS
Rusty Staub and the Montreal Expos have agreed to a 3 year extension keeping him in Canada. This season Staub is hitting .348 with 5 HR and 13 RBI.

INJURY NEWS
Atlanta Braves – P George Stone – herniated disc – 3 months
Atlanta Braves – P Claude Raymond – back spasms – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.22.1969
SP – KC: R. Nelson (3-2 2.70) CLE: S. Hargan (2-3 4.36)
GAME #040 @ Cleveland W 8-2
WP – R. Nelson (4-2) LP – S. Hargan (2-4)
HR – KC: E. Kirkpatrick (10)

It was a close game into the seventh inning until the Royals exploded for 5 runs highlighted by Roger Nelson’s two run double. Ed Kirkpatrick picked up a couple hits along with a homer and two rbi’s. Pat Kelly also picked up another couple of hits, raising his average to .365.

Nelson pitched a really good game, especially when you factor in his knee isn’t quite up to speed, going 8 strong innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 4.

POG – Kansas City’s Ed Kirkpatrick – 2 for 4, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB

“It felt alright out there,” said Roger Nelson when queried about his knee, which had delayed this start by a couple of days. The only time I really worried was when I hit that double and had to accelerate around first.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Angels 4 @ Red Sox 2
WP – A. Messersmith (4-3)
LP – G. Hill (2-2)
SV – V. Geishert (4)
HR – CAL: A. Messersmith (1)

Senators 6 vs Pilots 2
WP – J. Coleman (6-3)
LP – S. Blass (2-6)
HR – WAS: F. Howard (14)

Orioles 5 vs Twins 1
WP – D. McNally (5-4)
LP – D. Boswell (2-3)

Frank Robinson picked up a couple more hits extending his streak to 18 games in the win over Minnesota.

Tigers 5 @ White Sox 4
WP – T. Timmermann (3-0)
LP – J. Nyman (0-1)
HR – DET: E. Wilson (1) CHI: B. Bradford (5), A. Bravo (1), G. Hopkins (4)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Giants 9 vs Cardinals 3
WP – J. Marichal (6-2)
LP – M. Torrez (5-4)
HR – SF: W. Comer (3), D. Dietz (4), W. McCovey (12)

Mets 8 @ Braves 1
WP – J. Koosman (4-2)
LP – P. Jarvis (5-3)
HR – NY: C. Jones (3)

A fourth inning rbi single by Ken Boswell extended his hit streak to 10 games.

Expos 6 @ Astros 5
WP – M. Grant (3-0)
LP – J. Ray (1-2)
SV – D. McGinn (8)
HR – MON: G. Sutherland (1) HOU: J. Wynn (7)

Pirates 8 @ Padres 0
WP – B. Veale (6-3)
LP – A. Santorini (2-3)

Bob Veale struck out 8 and walked 1 while only allowing 4 hits in a dazzling complete game shutout.

Dodgers 9 vs Cubs 3
WP – C. Osteen (5-3)
LP – J. Niekro (2-5)
HR – CHI: J. Niekro (1) LA: C. Osteen (2)

Willie Davis drew the collar in a zero for five night that stopped his hit streak at 12.

INJURY NEWS
Houston Astros – P Don Wilson – dead arm syndrome – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.23.1969
SP – KC: M. Hedlund (1-3 3.40) WAS: B. Moore (3-1 2.81)
GAME #041 @ Washington W 3-0
WP – M. Hedlund (2-3) LP – B. Moore (3-2) SV – G. Cisco (1)

The Royals jumped out in front with a pair of runs in the first inning on a sacrifice fly from Mike Fiore and an rbi double from Scott Northey. These two runs were more than enough for Mike Hedlund as he went 7 shutout innings. Tom Burgmeier, Jim Rooker and Galen Cisco combined to pitch two scoreless innings to complete the victory.

Offensively, Pat Kelly picked up another hit to give himself a second 10 game hitting streak.

POG – Kansas City’s Mike Hedlund – 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K, 104 pitches

“Hedlund kept us off balance,” said Washington skipper Mario Valencia. “I don’t think we had a hard shot off him all night.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Twins 6 @ Yankees 4 (10 inn)
WP – R. Perranoski (2-2)
LP – F. Talbot (0-1)
HR – MIN: H. Killebrew (7)

Angels 9 @ Tigers 3
WP – C. Wright (2-2)
LP – J. Sparma (3-3)
HR – CAL: R. Repoz (1) DET: A. Kaline (8)

Indians 6 vs Pilots 3
WP – S. Siebert (1-4)
LP – G. Timberlake (1-6)
SV – P. Hennigan (6)
HR – CLE: B. Alyea (6), R. Hunt (2), D. Nelson (3)

Red Sox 10 @ White Sox 2
WP – M. Nagy (2-3)
LP – B. Wynne (1-2)
HR – BOS: K. Harrelson (4), R. Petrocelli (12)

Orioles 8 vs Athletics 2
WP – M. Cuellar (4-3)
LP – B. Odom (4-3)
HR – BAL: B. Powell (12), F. Robinson (9)

Frank Robinson went 2 for 3 with a homer and 3 rbi’s while extending his hit streak to 19 games.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Phillies 7 @ Braves 4
WP – G. Jackson (8-2)
LP – R. Reed (2-5)
SV – A. Raffo (7)
HR – PHI: D. Allen 2 (6)

Grant Jackson becomes the major league’s first 8 game winner.

Astros 4 vs Mets 3 (11 inn)
WP – J. Ray (2-2)
LP – T. McGraw (0-2)
HR – NY: E. Kranepool (7) HOU: D. Menke (3)

Ken Boswell slapped a couple basehits that extended his hitting streak to 11 games, but it was Denis Menke’s solo shot for Houston that won the game in the eleventh.

Expos 9 @ Reds 5
WP – B. Stoneman (5-3)
LP – J. Fisher (1-6)
HR – MON: B. Bailey (5) CIN: J. Bench (4), L. May (8)

Padres 6 vs Cubs 5
WP – F. Reberger (1-0)
LP – H. Aguirre (1-2)
HR – SD: O. Brown (1), N. Colbert (9), J. French (3)

Nate Colbert came through with a clutch two out, two run homer in the bottom of the ninth to vault the Padres to victory.

Giants 6 vs Pirates 1
WP – R. Bryant (1-3)
LP – J. Bunning (5-4)
HR – PIT: R. Clemente (4) SF: T. Fuentes (1), W. McCovey (13)

Dodgers 9 vs Cardinals 1
WP – A. Foster (6-1)
LP – B. Gibson (4-6)

INJURY NEWS
St. Louis Cardinals – P Bob Gibson – tender shoulder – 2 weeks
Cleveland Indians – OF Jose Cardenal – sore knee – 2 weeks

TRADING BLOCK
St. Louis is shopping around to see if anyone is interested in 1B Orlando Cepeda. Odds are that not many teams will be clamoring for a first baseman hitting .171 with 2 homers and 9 rbi’s almost two months into the season. Reports from St. Louis indicate that Cha Cha is extremely angry at this development, although efforts to reach him for comment have not been successful.

The Senators are looking for potential trade partners for pitcher Camilo Pascual, who’s been playing for Washington’s AAA affiliate, Lexington Valiants. His season stats are 6 G, 1-0, 2 SV, 3.38 ERA, 5.1 IP, 10 HA, 1 BB, 4 K.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.24.1969
SP – KC: D.Drago (3-0 1.67) WAS: J. Hannan (2-4 4.99)
GAME #042 @ Washington L 2-1
WP – D. Kelley (2-1) LP – D. Drago (3-1) SV – J. Dukes (5)
HR – WAS: K. McMullen (6)

Another well pitched game from Dick Drago, only this time the KC offense was almost completely shut down in the 2-1 loss. Drago only allowed two hits in eight innings, while walking three and striking out the same. Offensively the Royals could only muster 6 hits against the Senators and Pat Kelly saw his hit streak stopped at 10 games after getting the goose-egg in four at bats. Mike Epstein’s rbi double in the eighth was the deciding blow in the game for Washington.

POG – Washington’s Jim Hannan – 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 101 pitches

“Tip your hat to him,” answered Paul Schaal, who went zero for three, when asked about Hannan. “He threw a lot of different stuff at us today, threw changeups in fastball counts and got us to get ourselves out.”

“I’m getting pretty darn tired of it,” was the testy reply from Ed Kirkpatrick about being pinch-hit for. “I’m one of the best hitters on this team and he wants to take me out? If I’m such a bad hitter, why do I lead the team in homers and rbi’s?”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Tigers 6 vs Angels 5
WP – D. Radatz (3-0)
LP – V. Geishert (0-1)
HR – CAL: J. Fregosi (4), W. Llenas (2), D. Stuart (1) DET: N. Cash (6), M. Stanley (7)

Mickey Stanley crushed a solo shot over 420 feet to left center with one out in the ninth to life the Tigers to victory.

Yankees 4 vs Twins 3
WP – S. Bahnsen (5-2)
LP – D. Chance (1-2)
SV – S. Hamilton (4)
HR – NY: F. Fernandez (1), B. Murcer (7)

Bobby Murcer’s first inning homer extended his hit streak to 10 games.

Red Sox 2 @ White Sox 1
WP – R. Jarvis (2-0)
LP – D. Lemaster (0-2)
SV – D. Giusti (1)
HR – BOS: R. Jarvis (1)

Indians 8 vs Pilots 2
WP – L. Tiant (4-0)
LP – S. Lockwood (1-4)
HR – CLE: L. Maye (5)

Orioles 8 vs Athletics 2
WP – J. Hardin (4-1)
LP – R. Fingers (3-4)
HR – OAK: S. Bando (5) BAL: J. Hardin (1), B. Powell (13), F. Robinson (10)

Frank Robinson goes 3 for 4 with a solo homer and 2 rbi’s as he pushes his hit streak to 20 games.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cardinals 7 @ Dodgers 6
WP – J. Reuss (3-5)
LP – R. Lamb (3-1)
SV – J. Hoerner (6)
HR – LA: B. Russell (4)

Pirates 8 @ Giants 3
WP – L. Walker (3-1)
LP – M. McCormick (1-2)
HR – PIT: R. Clemente (5), A. Oliver (6)

Cubs 7 @ Padres 5
WP – J. Decker (3-1)
LP – D. Roberts (2-5)
SV – G. Ross (3)
HR – CHI: E. Banks (7), B. Williams (10)

Reds 5 vs Expos 3
WP – G. Arrigo (6-1)
LP – P. Dobson (2-6)
HR – MON: R. Hermoso (1) CIN: L. May (9)

Phillies 3 @ Braves 1
WP – J. James (2-4)
LP – P. Niekro (3-4)
SV – A. Raffo (8)
HR – PHI: D. Allen (7), D. Johnson (3)

Mets 8 @ Astros 6 (10 inn)
WP – T. McGraw (1-2)
LP – B. Watkins (1-2)
HR – NY: T. Agee (5), E. Kranepool (8), A. Shamsky (9)

New York’s Ken Boswell kept his hit streak alive at 12 with a first inning single but it was Ed Kranepool’s 2 run homer that gave the Mets the win in the tenth.

INJURY NEWS
Boston Red Sox – P Lee Stange – tender shoulder – 2 weeks
Cincinnati Reds – C Johnny Bench – strained calf – DTD for 2 weeks

CONTRACT NEWS
The Mets and Al Jackson have agreed to an extension that will keep the reliever in the orange and blue for one more season.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.25.1969
SP – KC: J. Rooker (1-3 5.91) WAS: C. Cox (2-4 3.49)
GAME #043 @ Washington W 6-4
WP – J. Rooker (2-3) LP – C. Cox (2-5) SV – T.Burgmeier (1)
HR – KC: J. Foy (2), J. Rooker (2)

The difference in this game was the Royals 5 run outburst in the fifth inning highlighted by pitcher Jim Rooker’s solo homer and Joe Foy’s two run homer. Lou Piniella and Paul Schaal also added run scoring singles and the Senators just couldn’t quite catch back up.

Rooker went 7.2 innings and allowed 4 runs, 3 of them earned, while walking 1 and striking out 5. Tom Burgmeier finished up the final 1.1 innings for his first save of the season, taking the place of Moe Drabowsky, who still wasn’t available after his recent 6 plus inning stint.

POG – Kansas City’s Joe Foy – 2 for 5, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R

“All I’m going to say is that we’ve talked about it,” said Royals skipper Carlos Ramirez, when asked again about Ed Kirkpatrick, who expressed his displeasure with being pinch hit for in yesterday’s game. “He’s not real happy with what I told him, but he’s not the manager. I am and he’ll either deal with it or not. I don’t really care.”

Ed Kirkpatrick and the rest of the Royals active roster were not available, per instructions from Carlos Ramirez.

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Yankees 5 vs Twins 2 – Game 1
WP – A. Downing (6-2)
LP – J. Perry (5-2)
SV – J. Aker (3)
HR – MIN: R. Carew (1), H. Killebrew (8) NY: J. Ellis (4)

Bobby Murcer kept his hit streak going at 11 games with a sixth inning single.

Twins 7 @ Yankees 1 – Game 2
WP – T. Hall (2-5)
LP – M. Stottlemyre (5-3)

Murcer extends his streak to 12 with a second inning single in the Yanks loss in the nightcap.

Tigers 6 vs Angels 5 (11 inn)
WP – D. McMahon (1-1)
LP – K. Tatum (1-4)
HR – DET: W. Horton (12), J. Price (1)

Jim Northrup walked with the bases loaded to score Dick McAuliffe with the game-winner in the bottom of the eleventh.

Indians 3 vs Pilots 1
WP – S. McDowell (3-6)
LP – G. Brabender (0-7)
HR – CLE: B. Alyea (7), R. Fosse (1)

Athletics 3 @ Orioles 2
WP – C. Dobson (5-5)
LP – N. Briles (5-3)
HR – OAK: D. Green (2)

It took Frank Robinson until the ninth, but he finally extended his hit streak to 21 with a double in a losing cause.

White Sox 3 vs Red Sox 1
WP – D. Osinski (1-1)
LP – R. Culp (4-4)
SV – B. Locker (4)
HR – BOS: R. Petrocelli (13)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Padres 6 vs Cubs 4 – Game 1
WP – J. Podres (3-3)
LP – F. Jenkins (5-4)
SV – M. Corkins (1)
HR – SD: N. Colbert (10), A. Ferrara (1)

Cubs 1 @ Padres 0 – Game 2
WP – K. Holtzman (4-4)
LP – D. Selma (3-5)
SV – H. Aguirre (3)

Giants 5 vs Pirates 4 – Game 1
WP – B. Bolin (6-3)
LP – T. Dukes (1-3)
HR – PIT: W. Stargell (5)

The Giants get the win on a passed ball from Tom Dukes that allowed Ken Henderson to score in the bottom of the ninth.

Pirates 4 @ Giants 3 (14 inn) – Game 2
WP – R. Taylor (1-1)
LP – J. Gibbon (0-1)
HR – PIT: J. May (1)

A sac fly from Jerry May scored Dave Cash with the eventual winning run in the fourteenth as the Bucs gained a split in their doubleheader with San Fran.

Reds 3 vs Expos 2 (14 inn)
WP – G. Culver (1-0)
LP – H. Reed (1-2)
HR – CIN: J. Bench (5), C. Carroll (2)

Braves 5 vs Phillies 0
WP – M. Pappas (3-2)
LP – R. Wise (6-2)
HR – ATL: M. Lum (2), M. Pappas (1)

Mets 4 @ Astros 2
WP – C. Koonce (2-0)
LP – S. Guinn (1-2)
SV – J. Dilauro (4)
HR – NY: A. Shamsky (10)

New York’s Ken Boswell pushed hit hit streak to 13 games while Houston’s Denis Menke sees his streak reach 10.

Dodgers 6 vs Cardinals 2
WP – B. Singer (6-1)
LP – J. Ellis (2-2)
HR – STL: T. Tischinski (2)

INJURY NEWS
Pittsburgh Pirates – P Bob Moose – damaged meniscus – DTD 2 weeks