A Royals Look-in..from the beginning again

[RoyalsBlue]

05.26.1969 – OFF DAY
AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Washington Senators – LF Frank Howard: .385/.452/.885, 1 2B, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 4 BB

NL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Montreal Expos – 3B Bob Bailey: .400/.438/.700, 3 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 2 BB

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Twins 4 @ Senators 3
WP – D. Boswell (3-3)
LP – D. Bosman (5-3)
HR – MIN: H. Killebrew 2 (10) WAS: K. Suarez (4)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cardinals 8 @ Braves 4
WP – S. Carlton (6-3)
LP – J. Britton (0-2)
HR – STL: B. Johnson (3), W. Mays (7) ATL: R. Carty (5)

COACHES HIRINGS/FIRINGS
The Seattle Pilots have fired hitting coach Jim Dodson. The team was hitting a major league worst .206 as a team, with only a .286 on base percentage and a paltry .281 team slugging percentage.

You’ll absolutely love this signing as a replacement however. The Pilots have announced that Pedro Serrano has been signed to a 3 year contract as the team’s new hitting instructor. My guess is that they won’t be able to hit curveballs either.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.27.1969
SP – BOS: J. Lonborg (5-2 4.13) KC: B. Miller (3-3 3.14)
GAME #044 vs Boston W 6-4
WP – B. Miller (4-3) LP – J. Lonborg (5-3) SV – M. Drabowsky (5)
HR – KC: M. Fiore (7), B. Miller (1)

The Royals jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and hung on to take the opening game in this series between the AL East and West second place teams. Coming into this game, the Red Sox trail the Tigers by 2 and the Royals were merely one half game behind their nemesis Oakland Athletics.

Joe Foy and Juan Rios both had two hits for KC, but it was Mike Fiore and the starting pitcher Bob Miller that powered the Royals offense with a homer apiece.

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

“It had been a while hadn’t it,” laughed Mike Fiore when told that his homer was his first in 35 at bats. “I’m not worried about homers though, I just want to knock in runs. It doesn’t matter if I hit’em out of the park.”

Fiore’s 26 rbi’s are second on the team to Ed Kirkpatrick’s 28 rbi’s.

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Orioles 9 @ Pilots 7 (12 inn)
WP – M. Lopez (2-0)
LP – M. Marshall (1-1)
HR – BAL: B. Powell (14), F. Robinson (11) SEA: D. Mincher (8)

Frank Robinson picked up a couple hits in five at bats and knocked in a pair as he stretched his hitting streak to 22 games.

Senators 10 vs Twins 3
WP – J. Coleman (7-3)
LP – J. Kaat (5-3)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (16)

Washington’s Joe Coleman becomes the American League’s first seven game winner.

White Sox 4 vs Yankees 3
WP – T. John (6-3)
LP – F. Talbot (0-2)
SV – B. Locker (5)

A pair of runs in the seventh and eighth propelled the Sox to a comeback victory over the Yanks.

Bobby Murcer scratched out a single to push his hit streak to 13 games.

Tigers 4 @ Athletics 2
WP – M. Lolich (6-1)
LP – J. Nash (2-2)
HR – DET: W. Horton 2 (14)

With the loss, the A’s fall to second at a half game behind the Royals.

Angels 5 vs Indians 4
WP – A. Messersmith (5-3)
LP – V. Romo (1-2)
HR – CLE: T. Horton (4), E. Leon (2)

A four run rally in the ninth snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for the Angels, punctuated by the game-winning single of Bubba Morton.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cardinals 7 @ Braves 3
WP – M. Torrez (6-4)
LP – P. Jarvis (5-4)
HR – STL: J. Torre (3)

Joe Torre picked up a couple hits, including his third homer of the season, and made his hitting streak 10 games.

Expos 4 @ Dodgers 2
WP – J. Roberston (7-1)
LP – D. Sutton (3-6)
SV – D. McGinn (9)
HR – LA: A. Kosco (4) MON: J. Edwards (3)

Astros 13 vs Phillies 5
WP – D. Blasingame (1-2)
LP – J. Johnson (1-1)
SV – D. Womack (3)
HR – PHI: D. Allen (8) HOU: C. Blefary (5), J. Wynn 2 (9)

Denis Menke knocked out a couple base hits to extend his hit streak to 11 games as the Astros down the Phils.

Mets 5 vs Padres 4
WP – N. Ryan (4-3)
LP – A. Santorini (2-4)
SV – T. McGraw (6)
HR – SD: T. Gonzalez (1) NY: K. Boswell (4)

Ken Boswell’s eighth inning homer kept his hit streak going at 14 for the Mets.

Giants 4 vs Cubs 2
WP – J. Marichal (7-2)
LP – R. Nye (1-1)
HR – SF: D. Dietz (5)

The Giants’ Wayne Comer picked up a hit that put his hit streak at 10 games.

COACHES HIRINGS/FIRINGS
Seattle has let the axe fall again, this time on the pitching coach Cesar Avalos. The Pilots are last in the AL in opponents batting average .278, next to last in opponents on base percentage at .351, last in opponents slugging percentage .444 and third from last in walks allowed with 163 through 43 games.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.28.1969
SP – BOS: M. Nagy (2-3 3.98) KC: R. Nelson (4-2 2.63)
GAME #045 vs Boston W 6-5 (11 inn)
WP – M. Drabowsky (3-0) LP – R. Jarvis (2-1)
HR – BOS: J. Lahoud (5)

It took the Royals eleven innings and 45 games, but when Jerry Adair singled in Rafael Robles with the winning run Kansas City was able to say they held their first ever first place lead no matter what the Athletics did.

Lou Piniella paced the Royals attack with four hits but it was Mike Fiore that scared the Boston hurlers as he was walked three times and had only one official at bat on the night.

Bad news for the Royals though as Ed Kirkpatrick, the team leader in homers (10) and rbi’s (28), will miss a couple of weeks with a sprained ankle.

POG – Kansas City’s Lou Piniella – 4 for 5, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 1 R

“How’s Nash’s bid for the Cy Young award going,” was the cocky question from Royals outfielder Lou Piniella, who hasn’t forgotten Oakland A’s hurler Jim Nash’s comments from early in the season. “Guess he’s not as good as he thought he is and now he and Oakland are looking up at us in the standings.”

Easy there Sweet Lou, it’s not like the Royals are running away with the division! Although, Nash hasn’t won in his last six appearances.

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Orioles 5 @ Pilots 2
WP – M. Cuellar (5-3)
LP – M. Pattin (2-6)
HR – BAL: D. May (4) SEA: G. Goossen (2)

Frank Robinson’s fourth inning double keeps his streak alive at 23 games.

Senators 6 vs Twins 4
WP – B. Moore (4-2)
LP – D. Chance (1-3)
SV – J. Dukes (6)
HR – MIN: R. Renick (1) WAS: F. Howard (15)

White Sox 2 vs Yankees 1
WP – P. Edmondson (4-2)
LP – F. Peterson (5-4)
SV – B. Locker (6)

New York’s Bobby Murcer cranked out another couple of hits as he pushed his hit streak to 14.

Athletics 1 vs Tigers 0 (11 inn)
WP – P. Lindblad (4-0)
LP – T. Timmermann (3-1)
Danny Cater singled in Dick Green to keep the Athletics within one half game of the first place Royals.

Indians 3 @ Angels 0
WP – S. Hargan (3-4)
LP – R. May (2-3)
SV – P. Hennigan (7)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cubs 11 @ Giants 3
WP – B. Hands (4-6)
LP – R. Bryant (1-4)
HR – CHI: B. Hands (1), J. Hickman (5), R. Santo (3) SF: W. McCovey (14)

San Fran’s Wayne Comer extends his hit streak to 11 games after going 1 for 4.

Braves 4 vs Cardinals 2
WP – R. Reed (3-5)
LP – S. Guzman (0-2)
HR – ATL: M. Lum (3)

Joe Torre took the collar in 3 at bats in the loss to Atlanta to snap his hit streak at 10.

Pirates 11 @ Reds 2
WP – B. Veale (7-3)
LP – J. Merritt (1-10)
HR – PIT: G. Scott (2), W. Stargell 2 (7)

Dodgers 8 @ Expos 0
WP – C. Osteen (6-3)
LP – B. Stoneman (5-4)
HR – LA: T. Sizemore (2)

Claude Osteen kept Canada’s team off the scoreboard with a 6-hitter while striking out 5.

Mets 2 vs Padres 1
WP – J. Koosman (5-2)
LP – S. Arlin (4-6)

The Mets’ Ken Boswell saw his streak stopped at 14 after going hitless in the win over San Diego, but Jerry Koosman pitched a complete game only allowing 4 hits and 1 run while walking 3 and striking out 6.

Astros 2 vs Phillies 0
WP – J. Billingham (5-1)
LP – G. Jackson (8-3)
SV – J. Ray (3)

Denis Menke saw his hit streak stopped at 11 but the Astros still picked up the win.

MANAGERIAL MOVES
It’s the trifecta for the Pilots, but not in a good way as manager Jorge Velazquez was fired today. With a major league worst record of 10-34, it wasn’t all that surprising, but you’d think an expansion team might be a little more lenient. Velazquez was unavailable for comment.

ROYALS MOVES
With Ed Kirkpatrick injuring his ankle, the Royals placed him on the disabled list and also demoted pitcher Bill Butler to their AAA team, the Paradise Mechanics.

Pitcher Al Fitzmorris (5-2 1.16 in 16 starts) and catcher Ellie Rodriguez (.348/.461/.475, 6 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 22 RBI in 41 games) were called up from Paradise.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.29.1969
SP – BOS: G. Hill (2-2 4.67) KC: M. Hedlund (2-3 3.00)
GAME #046 vs Boston W 4-2
WP – M. Hedlund (3-3) LP – G. Hill (2-3) SV – G. Cisco (2)
HR – BOS: D. Schofield (2), C. Yastrzemski (11) KC: J. Foy (3), P. Kelly (5)

Pat Kelly’s three run homer in the first turned out to be just enough for the Royals to beat Boston and sweep the Sox in this three game series. Joe Foy homered in the eight for an insurance run for KC.

Mike Hedlund and Galen Cisco combined to hold the Sox to 5 hits and two runs in the series finale.

POG – Kansas City’s Mike Hedlund – 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HRA, 101 pitches

“I was looking fastball and got one,” said Pat Kelly when asked about his first inning homer. “I put a good swing on it and got great results.”

“One mistake can cost you the game,” said Boston’s new hurler Garry Hill, who was recently acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals. “Today that’s what happened to us.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Athletics 5 vs Tigers 1
WP – R. Fingers (4-4)
LP – J. Sparma (3-4)
HR – OAK: R. Monday (5)

Oakland stays within a half game of AL West leading Kansas City by defeating the AL East leading Tigers.

Orioles 7 @ Pilots 6
WP – D. McNally (6-4)
LP – G. Timberlake (1-7)
HR – BAL: P. Blair (4) SEA: G. Goossen (3)

Frank Robinson pushed his hit streak to 24 with a 3-hit performance while Seattle’s Greg Goossen saw his streak reach 10 with his fourth inning homer.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Reds 5 vs Pirates 2
WP – C. Carroll (1-1)
LP – J. Bunning (5-5)
HR – PIT: C. Taylor (2) CIN: J. Bench (6)

Dodgers 4 @ Expos 0
WP – A. Foster (7-1)
LP – P. Dobson (2-7)
HR – LA: W. Crawford (7)

Alan Foster scattered 8 hits in 9 innings while shutting out the Expos to get his seventh win of the season.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.30.1969 – DOUBLEHEADER
SP – NY: A. Downing (6-2 3.17) KC: D. Drago (3-1 1.80)
GAME #047 vs New York L 5-3 – Game 1
WP – A. Downing (7-2) LP – D. Drago (3-2) SV – D. Nottebart (3)

Thurman Munson keyed the Bronx Bombers attack with his three hit and three rbi day as the Yankees took the first game of the doubleheader. Bobby Murcer also picked up three hits and kept his hit streak alive at 15 games.

Dick Drago had his first really rough outing since being called up as he gave up five runs, only three earned, in seven innings while walking five and striking out four.

POG – New York’s Thurman Munson – 3 for 5, 3 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB

“When you walk a bunch of people you’ll generally lose,” said a dejected Dick Drago, who walked five in the opener. “I gave away too many baserunners and the Yanks took advantage.”

SP – NY: M. Stottlemyre (5-3 3.94) KC: B. Miller (4-3 3.34)
GAME #048 vs New York L 11-10 (13 inn) – Game 2
WP – J. Aker (2-1) LP – M. Drabowsky (3-1)
HR – NY: B. Cowan 2 (2)

The Yanks swept the doubleheader after jumping out to an early 7-0 lead then hanging on for an 11-10 win in 13 innings. New York’s Bobby Murcer knocked another couple hits and pushed his hit streak to 16. Billy Cowan smashed his first two homers on the season.

For KC, Mike Fiore picked up 4 hits in 5 at bats with an rbi and Jackie Hernandez got 3 hits in 4 at bats with 2 rbi’s.

We won’t even bother discussing the pitching (or lack thereof) in this game.

POG – New York’s Billy Cowan – 2 for 6, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R

“We looked really flat early on,” said a clearly angry Carlos Ramirez afterwards. “We just can’t give any team a seven run advantage and expect to win. This team can’t just expect teams to lay down for them.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
White Sox 6 @ Senators 2 – Game 1
WP – D. Lemaster (5-6)
LP – C. Cox (2-6)
HR – CHI: R. Hansen (2)

Senators 6 vs White Sox 5 – Game 2
WP – D. Bosman (6-3)
LP – G. Peters (2-4)
SV – J. Dukes (7)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (17)

Indians 7 @ Athletics 4 – Game 1
WP – S. McDowell (4-6)
LP – C. Dobson (5-6)
SV – P. Hennigan (8)
HR – CLE: D. Sims (7)

Athletics 12 vs Indians 2 – Game 2
WP – J. Nash (3-2)
LP – M. Paul (3-4)
HR – CLE: L. Maye (6)

With the doubleheader split and the Royals getting swept in their doubleheader, the A’s have regained first place by a half game.

Tigers 6 @ Pilots 3 (12 inn)
WP – T. Timmermann (4-1)
LP – J. Gelnar (0-2)

Seattle’s Greg Goossen took the collar in 4 at bats, all of them strikeouts, as his hit streak ends at 10.

Twins 2 @ Red Sox 1 (11 inn)
WP – R. Perranoski (3-2)
LP – D. Giusti (0-1)

Angels 4 vs Orioles 2
WP – J. McGlothlin (3-5)
LP – N. Briles (5-4)
SV – P. Borbon (2)
HR – BAL: M. Rettenmund (3) CAL: T. Egan (2)

O’s slugger Frank Robinson picked up another couple hits and tied Reggie Smith for the longest hit streak this season at 25.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Pirates 4 vs Astros 1 – Game 1
WP – B. Moose (6-3)
LP – T. Griffin (5-3)
SV – T. Dukes (3)
HR – PIT: W. Stargell (8)

Pirates 4 vs Astros 0 – Game 2
WP – D. Ellis (6-3)
LP – W. Blasingame (1-3)
HR – PIT: R. Clemente 2 (7)

Cubs 4 vs Braves 1
WP – F. Jenkins (6-4)
LP – P. Niekro (3-5)
HR – CHI: R. Santo (4)

Dodgers 4 @ Phillies 3
WP – B. Singer (7-1)
LP – R. Wise (6-3)
SV – J. Brewer (4)
HR – LA: W. Crawford (8)

Padres 6 @ Expos 5
WP – J. Podres (4-3)
LP – S. Renko (2-1)
SV – F. Reberger (2)
HR – SD: O. Brown (2), N. Colbert (11), A. Ferrara (2) MON: M. Mota (4)

Giants 6 @ Mets 4
WP – G. Perry (3-6)
LP – T. Seaver (3-4)
HR – SF: F. Baker (1), D. Dietz (6), G. Perry (1) NY: E. Kranepool (9)

An eighth inning single by the Giants’ Wayne Comer kept his hit streak going at 12 games.

Cardinals 12 vs Reds 0
WP – J. Ellis (3-2)
LP – J. Maloney (3-6)
HR – STL: L. Brock (1), W. Mays 2 (9)

CONTRACT NEWS
Chicago and Dan Osinski have reached agreement on a deal that will keep him with the White Sox for two more seasons.

GM HIRINGS/FIRINGS
Well, Seattle completed cleaning house today when general manager Antonio Trevino was sacked, not quite two full months into his term with the expansion Pilots.

In recent days the Pilots have also fired their manager, hitting coach, and pitching coach. Talk about completely changing a team’s direction, but this expansion team has been especially putrid (10-36, last in ALW) in comparison to it’s brethren Royals (27-21, second in ALW), Expos (25-22, third in NLE), and Padres (18-31, last in NLW)

INJURY NEWS
Cleveland Indians – P Sam McDowell – dead arm syndrome – 2 weeks
Baltimore Orioles – 1B Boog Powell – dislocated finger – DTD 1 week
Detroit Tigers – P Denny McLain – damaged meniscus – 2 weeks
New York Mets – 3B Kevin Collins – fractured wrist – 4 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.31.1969
SP – NY: S. Bahnsen (5-2 2.20) KC: A. Fitzmorris (0-0 0.00)
GAME #049 vs New York L 9-3
WP – S. Bahnsen (6-2) LP – A. Fitzmorris (0-1)
HR – NY: J. Pepitone (9)

Again the Yankees jumped out early, this time to a 6-0 lead, and the Royals just couldn’t get going. The middle of the Yanks lineup, Roy White, Bobby Murcer and Joe Pepitone, went a combined 8 for 13 with 7 rbi’s. Murcer pushed his hit streak to 17 games with his three hit day.

For the Royals, the offensive highlights consisted of Lou Piniella’s 3 hit day and losing pitcher Al Fitzmorris’s 2 rbi double. If only Fitzmorris could have pitched as well as he hit, but he gave up six runs in his five innings of work.

POG – New York’s Joe Pepitone – 2 for 5, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R

“Ninety pitches in five innings isn’t going to do it,” replied Fitzmorris when asked why he struggled today. “I didn’t walk many, but that’s more because when I did get it over the plate, they hit it hard.”

“They just kind of rolled over,” was Thurman Munson’s assessment of the game. “We got out in front early and they just kind of folded.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
White Sox 4 @ Senators 2
WP – B. Wynne (2-2)
LP – J. Hannan (2-5)
SV – D. Osinski (2)
HR – WAS: K. McMullen (7)

Tigers 8 @ Pilots 6
WP – D. Patterson (2-0)
LP – D. Segui (1-3)
SV – T. Timmermann (5)
HR – DET: I. Brown (3), N. Cash (7)

Twins 5 @ Red Sox 2
WP – T. Hall (3-5)
LP – S. Lyle (0-2)
SV – R. Perranoski (4)
HR – MIN: B. Allison (3), T. Oliva (9)

Indians 9 @ Athletics 5
WP – S. Siebert (2-4)
LP – C. Hunter (4-1)
HR – CLE: T. Horton 2 (6) OAK: T. Uhlaender (2), R. Webster (2)

Orioles 3 @ Angels 1
WP – W. Fryman (3-1)
LP – C. Wright (2-3)
SV – D. Hall (4)

Frank Robinson’s hit streak is over at 25 after going hitless in the O’s win against California.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Pirates 4 vs Astros 2
WP – L. Walker (4-1)
LP – S. Spinks (0-2)
SV – B. Dal Canton (2)
HR – PIT: R. Clemente (8), A. Oliver (7)

Giants 10 @ Mets 6
WP – R. Robertson (1-1)
LP – G. Gentry (4-4)
SV – J. Gibbon (1)
HR – SF: F. Baker (2), T. Fuentes (2) NY: E. Kranepool (10), A. Shamsky (11)

Wayne Comer could celebrate the victory but he couldn’t keep his 12 game hit streak going after taking the collar in 3 at bats. In contrast, Manny Sanguillen probably isn’t taking much consolation in his 10 game streak after today’s loss.

Braves 4 @ Cubs 0
WP – J. Britton (1-2)
LP – K. Holtzman (4-5)

Dodgers 2 @ Phillies 1
WP – D. Drysdale (3-2)
LP – J. Johnson (1-2)
SV – J. Brewer (5)
HR – PHI: L. Hisle (5)

Padres 5 @ Expos 1
WP – D. Selma (4-5)
LP – M. Wegener (1-5)
SV – L. Everitt (5)
HR – SD: V. Kelly (2)

Reds 8 @ Cardinals 5
WP – G. Arrigo (7-1)
LP – S. Carlton (6-4)
HR – CIN: B. Carbo (1)

INJURY NEWS
Philadelphia Phillies – CF Larry Hisle – damaged meniscus – 1 week
Washington Senators – CF Del Unser – concussion – DTD 2 weeks
New York Mets – SS Bud Harrelson – back spasms – DTD 1 week

[RoyalsBlue]

AL BATTER OF THE MONTH
Baltimore Orioles – RF Frank Robinson - .413/.483/.740, 26 G, 104 AB, 23 R, 43 H, 11 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 2 SB

Frank was definitely the story of the month as he matched Reggie Smith for the longest hitting streak of the season and propelled the O's to second place in the AL East with a major league leading 19 wins during May.

NL BATTER OF THE MONTH
New York Mets – RF Art Shamsky - .325/.404/.805, 24 G, 77 AB, 20 R, 25 H, 7 2B, 10 HR, 18 RBI

Art has been the motor of the Mets offense as the second team in New York is holding their own on the pages of the Post.

AL PITCHER OF THE MONTH
New York Yankees – Al Downing - 5-0, 1.60, 6 G, 6 GS, 45.0 IP, 31 HA, 12 R, 8 ER, 3 HRA, 9 BB, 28 K, 0.89 WHIP, .187 OAVG

Al has paced the Bronx Bombers' pitching staff as they continue to chase down the East leading Tigers.

NL PITCHER OF THE MONTH
Pittsburgh Pirates – Bob Veale - 5-0, 0.66, 5 G, 5 GS, 41.0 IP, 28 HA, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 HRA, 12 BB, 34 K, 0.98 WHIP, .190 OAVG

Bob was easily the ace of the Bucs staff as they managed their lead in the NL East. In each of his May starts, Bob pitched at least 7 innings, going 8 twice and tossing a couple of complete games as well.

AL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
New York Yankees – C Thurman Munson - .284/.333/.432, 28 G, 88 AB, 15 R, 25 H, 4 2B, 3 HR, 19 RBI

Tugboat has cemented himself as the Yankees first string catcher with his efforts this month. His defensive prowess has been on display as well as he's only allowed 3 passed balls and thrown out 37% of baserunners attempting to steal.

NL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
San Francisco Giants – LF Frank Baker - .388/.435/.518, 21 G, 85 AB, 16 R, 33 H, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI

Frank has sparked the Giants run up the NL West as San Fran has surged into second place past the fading Atlanta Braves.

STANDINGS AS OF MAY 31

AL EAST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Detroit Tigers         30   17   .638  ----      6-4      W2
Baltimore Orioles      31   21   .596   1.5      8-2      W1
New York Yankees       28   23   .549   4.0      6-4      W3
Boston Red Sox         25   12   .532   5.0      3-7      L6
Washington Senators    25   27   .481   7.5      5-5      L1
Cleveland Indians      21   26   .447   9.0      7-3      W1

AL WEST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Oakland Athletics      26   20   .565  ----      4-6      L1
Kansas City Royals     27   22   .551   0.5      6-4      L3
Chicago White Sox      23   20   .535   1.5      6-4      W1
Minnesota Twins        23   23   .500   3.0      5-5      W2
California Angels      17   28   .378   8.5      5-5      L1
Seattle Pilots         10   37   .213  16.5      1-9      L9

NL EAST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Pittsburgh Pirates     31   19   .620  ----      7-3      W3
New York Mets          28   21   .571   2.5      6-4      L2
Montreal Expos         25   23   .521   5.0      4-6      L4
Philadelphia Phillies  24   23   .511   5.5      4-6      L5
St. Louis Cardinals    24   25   .490   6.5      4-6      L1
Chicago Cubs           23   27   .460   8.0      5-5      L1

NL WEST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Los Angeles Dodgers    31   16   .660  ----      7-3      W4
San Francisco Giants   26   23   .531   6.0      7-3      W2
Atlanta Braves         22   27   .449  10.0      3-7      W1
Houston Astros         22   29   .431  11.0      3-7      L3
Cincinnati Reds        18   29   .383  13.0      6-4      W1
San Diego Padres       19   31   .380  13.5      5-5      W2

[RoyalsBlue]

RK TEAM                   RECORD  AVG   ERA
01 Los Angeles Dodgers     31-16 .286  2.82
02 Detroit Tigers          30-17 .259  4.01
03 Pittsburgh Pirates      31-19 .269  2.30
04 Baltimore Orioles       31-21 .258  3.21
05 New York Yankees        28-23 .251  3.52
06 New York Mets           28-21 .263  3.65
07 San Francisco Giants    26-23 .253  3.76
08 Chicago White Sox       23-20 .248  3.99
09 Oakland Athletics       26-20 .259  3.11
10 Kansas City Royals      27-22 .258  3.49
11 Minnesota Twins         23-23 .264  3.61
12 Montreal Expos          25-23 .251  3.50
13 Boston Red Sox          25-22 .256  3.50
14 Washington Senators     25-27 .264  3.41
15 Cleveland Indians       21-26 .246  4.70
16 St. Louis Cardinals     24-25 .262  3.76
17 Philadelphia Phillies   24-23 .257  3.65
18 Chicago Cubs            23-27 .238  3.00
19 Atlanta Braves          22-27 .254  3.78
20 Cincinnati Reds         18-29 .252  4.40
21 Houston Astros          22-29 .246  3.63
22 San Diego Padres        19-31 .240  4.61
23 California Angels       17-28 .236  3.32
24 Seattle Pilots          10-37 .213  4.76

AMERICAN LEAGUE BATTING LEADERS   NATIONAL LEAGUE BATTING LEADERS

RK TEAM  PLAYER            BAVG   RK TEAM  PLAYER            BAVG
01 BOS   Reggie Smith      .351   01 SF    Frank Baker       .342
02 NY    Bobby Murcer      .351   02 PIT   Carl Taylor       .335
03 MIN   Tony Oliva        .350   03 NY    Ken Boswell       .328
04 OAK   Reggie Jackson    .349   04 STL   Bob Johnson       .321
05 KC    Pat Kelly         .338   05 ATL   Tim McCarver      .319

RK TEAM  PLAYER             OBP   RK TEAM  PLAYER             OBP
01 OAK   Reggie Jackson    .452   01 PIT   Carl Taylor       .427
02 KC    Mike Fiore        .432   02 HOU   Denis Menke       .417
03 NY    Bobby Murcer      .430   03 SF    Willie McCovey    .412
04 NY    Roy White         .416   04 MON   Rusty Staub       .407
05 MIN   Harmon Killebrew  .416   05 SF    Frank Baker       .398

RK TEAM  PLAYER             SLG   RK TEAM  PLAYER             SLG
01 OAK   Reggie Jackson    .633   01 NY    Art Shamsky       .567
02 WAS   Mike Epstein      .624   02 SF    Willie McCovey    .536
03 BOS   Reggie Smith      .612   03 LA    Willie Crawford   .527
04 BAL   Frank Robinson    .589   04 MON   Rusty Staub       .512
05 DET   Willie Horton     .584   05 LA    Ron Fairly        .503

RK TEAM  PLAYER               H   RK TEAM  PLAYER               H
01 KC    Pat Kelly           69   01 LA    Willie Davis        62
02 NY    Bobby Murcer        67   01 STL   Bob Johnson         62
03 BOS   Reggie Smith        66   03 MON   Manny Mota          60
04 BAL   Frank Robinson      65   04 NY    Ken Boswell         59
05 MIN   Tony Oliva          64   05 MON   Bob Bailey          58

RK TEAM  PLAYER              2B   RK TEAM  PLAYER              2B
01 KC    Lou Piniella        15   01 LA    Jim Lefebvre        15
02 BAL   Frank Robinson      14   02 MON   Bob Bailey          14
03 MIN   Rod Carew           12   03 SD    Al Ferrara          13
03 MIN   Tony Oliva          12   03 SD    Jose Martinez       13
03 NY    Roy White           12   03 CIN   Tony Perez          13

RK TEAM  PLAYER              3B   RK TEAM  PLAYER              3B
01 NY    Roy White            5   01 LA    Willie Davis         5
02 OAK   Reggie Jackson       3   02 NY    Ken Boswell          4
02 KC    Pat Kelly            3   02 NY    Cleon Jones          4
02 BOS   Reggie Smith         3   04 MON   Ron Brand            3
03 CLE   Jose Cardenal        2   04 STL   Lou Brock            3

RK TEAM  PLAYER              HR   RK TEAM  PLAYER              HR
01 WAS   Mike Epstein        17   01 SF    Willie McCovey      14
02 WAS   Frank Howard        15   02 SD    Nate Colbert        11
03 DET   Willie Horton       14   02 NY    Art Shamsky         11
03 BAL   Boog Powell         14   04 NY    Ed Kranepool        10
05 BOS   Rico Petrocelli     13   04 CHI   Billy Williams      10

RK TEAM  PLAYER             RBI   RK TEAM  PLAYER             RBI
01 WAS   Frank Howard        55   01 HOU   Jimmy Wynn          37
02 WAS   Mike Epstein        44   02 SF    Willie McCovey      35
03 BOS   Rico Petrocelli     43   03 SD    Nate Colbert        33
04 BAL   Boog Powell         36   04 ATL   Clete Boyer         32
04 BAL   Frank Robinson      36   04 NY    Art Shamsky         32

RK TEAM  PLAYER              SB   RK TEAM  PLAYER              SB
01 WAS   Ed Stroud           25   01 HOU   Joe Morgan          16
02 OAK   Bert Campaneris     17   02 STL   Lou Brock           13
03 KC    Joe Foy             16   02 NY    Bud Harrelson       13
04 NY    Roy White           15   04 NY    Cleon Jones         11
05 BAL   Mark Belanger       14   05 LA    Willie Davis        10

AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS            NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS

RK TEAM  PLAYER             ERA    RK TEAM  PLAYER             ERA
01 BAL   Nelson Briles     1.73    01 PIT   Bob Veale         1.38
02 OAK   Jim Nash          1.84    02 PHI   Grant Jackson     1.82
03 NY    Stan Bahnsen      2.33    03 NY    Jerry Koosman     1.88
04 KC    Roger Nelson      2.59    04 CHI   Ken Holtzman      2.03
05 OAK   Blue Moon Odom    2.63    05 PIT   Bob Moose         2.09

RK TEAM  PLAYER            WINS    RK TEAM  PLAYER            WINS
01 WAS   Joe Coleman          7    01 PHI   Grant Jackson        8
01 NY    Al Downing           7    02 CIN   Gerry Arrigo         7
03 NY    Stan Bahnsen         6    02 LA    Al Foster            7
03 WAS   Dick Bosman          6    02 SF    Juan Marichal        7
03 CHI   Tommy John           6    02 MON   Jerry Robertson      7

RK TEAM  PLAYER              SV    RK TEAM  PLAYER              SV
01 CLE   Phil Hennigan        8    01 PIT   Lou Marone           9    
02 WAS   Jan Dukes            7    01 MON   Dan McGinn           9
03 CHI   Bob Locker           6    03 PHI   Al Raffo             8
04 KC    Moe Drabowsky        5    04 CIN   Wayne Granger        6
04 DET   Tom Timmermann       5    04 STL   Joe Hoerner          6

RK TEAM  PLAYER              BB    RK TEAM  PLAYER              BB
01 OAK   Blue Moon Odom      39    01 NY    Nolan Ryan          42
01 CHI   Gary Peters         39    02 CHI   Ken Holtzman        33
03 BAL   Jim Palmer          37    03 SD    Steve Arlin         32
04 DET   Mickey Lolich       35    04 STL   Steve Carlton       31
05 NY    Stan Bahnsen        32    04 SD    Dick Selma          31

RK TEAM  PLAYER               K     RK TEAM  PLAYER               K
01 DET   Mickey Lolich       71    01 PIT   Bob Moose           82
02 DET   Denny McLain        70    02 PHI   Grant Jackson       68
03 CAL   Andy Messersmith    66    03 PIT   Dock Ellis          67
04 BAL   Mike Cuellar        63    04 STL   Steve Carlton       66
05 OAK   Blue Moon Odom      61    04 NY    Nolan Ryan          66

RK TEAM  PLAYER              IP    RK TEAM  PLAYER              IP
01 BOS   Ray Culp          94.2    01 CHI   Ferguson Jenkins 100.2
02 BAL   Mike Cuellar      93.2    02 SF    Juan Marichal     96.0
03 WAS   Dick Bosman       93.0    03 ATL   Phil Niekro       95.1
04 NY    Mel Stottlemyre   90.1    04 CHI   Ken Holtzman      93.0
05 DET   Denny McLain      89.2    05 STL   Steve Carlton     92.2

[RoyalsBlue]

The Paradise Mechanics, KC’s AAA affiliate, leads their division by 3.5 games over the Spokane Dragoons, affiliate of the Seattle Pilots. Offensively they were led by catcher Ellie Rodriguez, who was called up to the parent Royals late in May. Rodriguez’s minor league line looks like this: .348/.461/.475, 55 H, 6 2B,1 3B, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 27 R, 4 SB. The pitching looks pretty good as well, but the best of the bunch remaining in AAA (Al Fitzmorris and Dick Drago have already been called up) has to be Wally Bunker: 6-1, 1.88, 81.1 IP, 59 HA, 3 HRA, 13 BB, 73 K, .197 OPP BAVG.

The Huntington Beach Ghost Riders are the AA affiliate and they lead their division by 2.5 games over the Doctor Phillips Hitmen, affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Second sacker Billy Harris is starting to heat up a bit as he’s raised his average 60 points to .267 by hitting .314 with 4 homers and 14 rbi’s in May.

The Richlands Fowls, who led their division early on, are now in third place, 3 games behind the Cincinnati affiliate, Aurora Timberjacks. Catcher Jim Campanis, who started off absolutely red-hot by smashing 11 HR and knocking in 22 during April, has cooled considerably and has seen his average drop 40 points to .267 after hitting .234 with 3 homers and 15 rbi’s in May.

[RoyalsBlue]

Sunday - 06.01.1969
(27-22, Second place ALW, 0.5 GB)
Game #050 vs New York Yankees (28-23, Third place ALE, 4 GB)
SP – NY: Bill Burbach (1-3 3.35) KC: Roger Nelson (4-2 2.59)

            R   H   E
Yankees     1   6   0
Royals      3   8   2
WP – Roger Nelson (5-2)
LP – Bill Burbach (1-4)
SV – Moe Drabowsky (6)
HR – none

Run scoring singles from Mike Fiore and Tom Tresh in the first provided Roger Nelson with all the runs he would need on the day. Pat Kelly’s eighth inning single provided an insurance run for Moe Drabowsky in the ninth.

Bobby Murcer’s sixth inning single makes his hit streak the longest current one at 18 games.

POG – Kansas City’s Roger Nelson – 6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 113 pitches

“I felt good out there,” said Roger Nelson afterwards. “Used the forkball a lot more today then I have in my last few starts. As a result, I got a lot of groundballs from the Yanks.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
White Sox  10  17   0
Senators    4  10   0
WP – Tommy John (7-3)
LP – Joe Coleman (7-4)
HR – CHI: Buddy Bradford (6), Ed Herrmann (4), Gail Hopkins (5) Carlos       
          May (7), Bill Melton (4)

            R   H   E
Tigers      3   9   0
Pilots      6   9   2
WP – Steve Blass (3-6)
LP – Mickey Lolich (6-2)
SV – John Gelnar (2)
HR – none

            R   H   E
Twins       5   9   0
Red Sox     1   2   0
WP – Dick Boswell (4-3)
LP – Jim Lonborg (5-4)
HR – MIN: Harmon Killebrew (11)
     BOS: Joe Lahoud (6)

            R   H   E
Indians     2   6   1
Athletics   5   9   1
WP – Blue Moon Odom (5-3)
LP – Luis Tiant (4-1)
SV – Jim Roland (2)
HR – none

            R   H   E
Orioles     0   5   0
Angels      6   7   0
WP – Andy Messersmith (6-3)
LP – Jim Palmer (3-6)
HR – none

“He was too darn good for us today,” grumbled O’s skipper Jeffery O’Bryan after being shutout by Andy Messersmith. “He had good velocity with good movement and he kept us off balance today.”

Messersmith went the distance while giving up 2 walks and striking out 9.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Padres      2  11   0
Expos       1  10   0
WP – Al Santorini (3-4)
LP – Steve Shea (0-2)
SV – Al McBean (2)
HR – SD: Al Ferrara (3)

            R   H   E
Giants      4   8   1
Mets       10  14   2
WP – Cal Koonce (3-0)
LP – Juan Marichal (7-3)
HR – NY: Rick Joseph (1), Art Shamsky (12)

Manny Sanguillen’s fifth inning double pushes his hit streak to 11 games.

            R   H   E
Dodgers     4  10   3
Phillies    0   3   0
WP – Don Sutton (4-6)
LP – Bill Champion (2-4)
HR – LA: Willie Davis (4), Jim Lefebvre (3)

Don Sutton wowed everybody at the park with his complete game shutout over the Phillies, giving up 3 walks while striking out 6. “Don had them chasing a lot of pitches,” said Dodgers skipper Marvin Ruffin. “You could see them turning around and saying ‘wow’. It was something special to watch.”

            R   H   E
Astros      2   6   2
Pirates    11  13   0
WP – Bob Veale (8-3)
LP – Danny Coombs (0-1)
HR – PIT: Wilie Stargell (9)

            R   H   E
Reds        8  14   0
Cardinals   2   8   0
WP – Tony Cloninger (3-3)
LP – Mike Torrez (6-5)
HR – CIN: Pete Rose (3)
     STL: Willie Mays (10)

Lou Brock picked up a single in three at bats pushing his hit streak to 10 games, but he left in the seventh inning with a fractured finger

            R   H   E
Braves      1   5   1
Cubs        8  13   0
WP – Joe Niekro (3-5)
LP – Pat Jarvis (5-5)
HR – ATL: Hank Aaron (10)
     CHI: Randy Hundley (2)

INJURY NEWS
St. Louis Cardinals – LF Lou Brock – fractured finger – 2 weeks

WAIVER WIRE
Ernie Banks has been placed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs. I usually don’t report on who’s being waived, but I just had to mention this. Nice way to treat Mr. Cub, Chicago general manager Nick Simpson, real nice.


On a side note, how do you like the updated format? Also, thanks to everyone who's read this far. I hope to keep it going for quite a while!

[RoyalsBlue]

Well, guess nobody has any opinion on the updated format, so I guess that's a good thing.

Monday - 06.02.1969
AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Detroit Tigers – LF Willie Horton - .407/.433/.741, 27 AB, 5 R, 11 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI

NL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
San Francisco Giants – LF Frank Baker - .500/.500/.786, 28 AB, 6 R, 14 H, 1 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI


(28-22, Second in ALW, 0.5 GB)
Game #051 vs Washington Senators (25-28, Fifth in ALE, 7.5 GB)
SP – WAS: Barry Moore (4-2 2.96) KC: Mike Hedlund (3-3 2.85)

            R   H   E
Senators    3  10   0
Royals      0   4   0
WP – Barry Moore (5-2)
LP – Mike Hedlund (3-4)
HR – none

The Senators took the lead with a run in the second and that was more than enough for their starter Barry Moore as he shut down the Royals offense on 4 hits. Mike Hedlund didn’t pitch great, but he kept his team close, to no avail as the Senators take game one of this series.

Washington’s Ken McMullen went 2 for 4 with an rbi as he extends his hit streak to 10 games.

POG – Washington’s Barry Moore – 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 90 pitches

“My splitter really seemed to fool them today,” said Senators hurler Barry Moore. “Seems like every out we got today was a weak groundball.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Indians     1   5   0
Pilots      7  15   0
WP – Marty Pattin (3-6)
LP – Steve Hargan (3-5)
HR – SEA: Tommy Davis (1), Marty Pattin (2)

            R   H   E
White Sox   6  10   1
Red Sox     4   9   0
WP – Dan Osinski (2-1)
LP – Ray Jarvis (2-2)
SV – Bob Locker (7)
HR – BOS: Mike Andrews (4), Carl Yastrzemski (12)

            R   H   E
Yankees    10  14   4
Twins       6   7   2
WP – Fritz Peterson (6-4)
LP – Jim Kaat (5-4)
HR – NY: Bobby Murcer 2 (9), Dick Simpson (2)
     MIN: Harmon Killebrew (12)

Bobby Murcer stretched his hit streak to 19 games with a pair of homers.

            R   H   E
Tigers      3  11   1 – 12 innings
Angels      4  11   0
WP – Ken Tatum (2-4)
LP – Tom Timmermann (4-2)
HR – DET: Willie Horton (15), Dick McAuliffe (8)

Jay Johnstone singled to knock in Marty Perez in the twelfth with the gamewinner.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Dodgers     5  11   0
Mets        2  10   2
WP – Claude Osteen (7-3)
LP – Jerry Koosman (5-3)
HR – LA: Willie Davis (5)

Manny Sanguillen picked up a couple hits to push his hit streak to 12 in the loss.

            R   H   E
Padres      0   3   2
Phillies    9   9   0
WP – Grant Jackson (9-3)
LP – Steve Arlin (4-7)
HR – PHI: Dick Allen (9)

            R   H   E
Reds        1   5   0
Pirates     5  12   0
WP – Jim Bunning (6-5)
LP – Jim Merritt (1-11)
HR – CIN: Bernie Carbo (2)
     PIT: Bill Mazeroski (1), Freddie Patek (1)

            R   H   E
Braves      2   8   1
Cardinals   4  10   0
WP – Jerry Reuss (4-5)
LP – Ron Reed (3-6)
HR – STL: Joe Hague (2)

            R   H   E
Giants      7   8   3
Expos       3   5   0
WP – Rich Robertson (2-1)
LP – Bill Stoneman (5-5)
HR – SF: Willie McCovey 2 (16)

[RoyalsBlue]

Tuesday - 06.03.1969
(28-23, Second in ALW, 1 GB)
Game #052 vs Washington Senators (26-28, Fifth in ALE, 6.5 GB)
SP – WAS: Dick Bosman (6-3 3.48) KC: Dick Drago (3-2 2.14)

            R   H   E
Senators    9  11   1
Royals      7  14   1
WP – Dick Bosman (7-3)
LP – Dick Drago (3-3)
SV – Darold Knowles (2)
HR – WAS: Mike Epstein 2 (19)

Washington jumped out to an early 7-3 lead and hung on for the win as the suddenly slumping Royals fall for the fourth time in their last five games. Mike Epstein paced the Senators attack with a pair of three run homers, both were off of starter and loser Dick Drago. Ken McMullen saw his hit streak snapped at 10 after going hitless in this hitfest.

The Royals offense was led by Ellie Rodriguez who went 3 for 5 with 2 rbi’s. Mike Fiore and Tom Tresh also picked up three hits in a losing effort.

POG – Washington’s Mike Epstein – 3 for 3, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB

“I stunk up the place,” said a clearly frustrated Dick Drago afterwards. “It didn’t matter where I threw the ball tonight, they hit it. In, out, up or down, they hit everything hard, especially Epstein.”

“I’ve been having a pretty solid season,” said a modest Mike Epstein who leads the Senators in virtually every offensive category. “But it’s even better when we get a win in the process.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Indians     4   8   0
Pilots      1   7   0
WP – Larry Burchart (2-1)
LP – Gary Timberlake (1-8)
SV – Vicente Romo (4)
HR – none

            R   H   E
White Sox   9  13   0
Red Sox     3   7   1
WP – Joe Horlen (4-1)
LP – Garry Hill (0-3)
HR – CHI: Bill Melton (5)
     BOS: Rico Petrocelli (14)

            R   H   E
Yankees     2   8   4
Twins       4   7   1
WP – Dean Chance (2-3)
LP – Mel Stottlemyre (5-4)
SV – Ron Perranoski (5)
HR – none

Bobby Murcer’s hit streak comes to an end at 19 games, but the strange thing is that Yanks skipper Darwin Little pinch-hit for Murcer in the ninth inning, ensuring that the hit streak would end as Bobby was hitless in his three previous plate appearances.

            R   H   E
Orioles     0   7   1
Athletics   2   4   1
WP – Rollie Fingers (5-4)
LP – Mike Cuellar (5-4)
SV – Jim Roland (3)
HR – OAK: Reggie Jackson (11)

            R   H   E
Tigers      2   9   0
Angels      5  11   1
WP – Tom Murphy (3-3)
LP – Tom Timmermann (4-3)
SV – Ken Tatum (4)
HR – DET: Jim Northrup (10)
     CAL: Roger Repoz (2)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Astros      2   7   0
Cubs        1   4   1
WP – Jack Billingham (6-1)
LP – Bill Hands (4-7)
SV – Bob Watkins (2)
HR – CHI: Bill Hands (2)

An eighth inning single kept Don Kessinger’s hit streak alive at 10 games in a loss to Houston.

            R   H   E
Padres      4   9   2
Phillies    9  17   0
WP – Chris Short (2-5)
LP – Dave Roberts (2-6)
SV – Bill Wilson (3)
HR – PHI: Dick Allen (10), Johnny Callison (5)

            R   H   E
Dodgers     3   6   0
Mets        4   9   1
WP – Jim McAndrew (5-2)
LP – Alan Foster (7-2)
SV – Jack Dilauro (5)
HR – none

            R   H   E
Reds        7  12   1
Pirates     5  12   0
WP – John O’Donoghue (2-1)
LP – Ron Taylor (1-2)
SV – Wayne Granger (7)
HR – PIT: Willie Stargell (10)

            R   H   E
Giants      2   6   0
Expos       6  15   1
WP – Howie Reed (2-2)
LP – Ray Sadecki (4-1)
SV – Steve Shea (5)
HR – MON: Mack Jones 2 (6)

            R   H   E
Braves      4  12   1
Cardinals   6  12   2
WP – Ray Washburn (1-0)
LP – Ken Johnson (1-2)
SV – Joe Hoerner (7)
HR – STL: Willie Mays (11)

INJURY NEWS
New York Yankees – 1B John Ellis – strained calf muscle – 2 weeks
New York Mets – P Tug McGraw – damaged meniscus – 2 weeks
Philadelphia Phillies – CF Johnny Briggs – strained groin muscle – 2 weeks
Atlanta Braves – C Tim McCarver – damaged meniscus – DTD 3 days
St. Louis Cardinals – P Santiago Guzman – back spasms – 2 weeks

CONTRACT NEWS
The Senators and Mike Epstein have reached an agreement that will keep the first baseman in Washington for another three seasons. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[RoyalsBlue]

Wednesday - 06.04.1969
(28-24, Third in ALW, 2 GB)
Game #053 vs Washington Senators (27-28, Fifth in ALE, 5.5 GB)
SP – WAS: Casey Cox (2-6 4.06) KC: Bob Miller (4-3 4.04)

            R   H   E
Senators    3   7   3
Royals     11  15   0
WP – Bob Miller (5-3)
LP – Casey Cox (2-7)
HR – WAS: Mike Epstein (20)
     KC: Mike Fiore (8), Joe Keough (1), Lou Piniella (4), Ellie 
         Rodriguez (1)

Three three run innings propelled the Royals to salvage the final game of this series. The Kansas City offense was at full power behind home runs from Mike Fiore, Joe Keough, Lou Piniella, and Ellie Rodriguez.

Bob Miller had a solid outing as he went 7 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 2.

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

“I got the hits when they mattered,” replied Mike Fiore when asked about his 4 rbi day. “We needed this win today. We’ve been a little flat the last few days and to not get swept in this series with Washington is huge.”

“It wasn’t my best game,” chuckled Bob Miller when asked about today’s outcome. “But when your offense puts up a big number like this afternoon, I can just relax and pitch.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
White Sox   9  13   2
Red Sox     7   6   1
WP – Denny Lemaster (2-2)
LP – Ray Culp (4-5)
SV – Dan Osinski (3)
HR – CHI: Buddy Bradford (7), Ed Herrmann (5)
     BOS: Ken Harrelson (5)

            R   H   E
Indians    12  16   1
Pilots      1   5   1
WP – Mike Paul (4-4)
LP – Gary Brabender (0-8)
HR – CLE: Brant Alyea (8), Tony Horton 2 (8), Eddie Leon (3)

            R   H   E
Yankees     1   6   2
Twins       9  18   1
WP – Jim Perry (6-2)
LP – Al Downing (7-3)
HR – NY: Bobby Murcer (10)

            R   H   E
Orioles     2   6   0
Athletics   0   2   2
WP – Nelson Briles (6-4)
LP – Chuck Dobson (5-7)
SV – Dick Hall (5)
HR – BAL: Chico Salmon (4)

Nelson Briles and Dick Hall combined on a two hitter to shutout the AL West leading Athletics.

            R   H   E
Tigers      3   8   0
Angels      1   9   1
WP – Bob Reed (1-1)
LP – Jim McGlothlin (3-6)
SV – Gary Taylor (8)
HR – DET: Mickey Stanley (8)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Braves      5  14   0
Cardinals   6  13   2
WP – Gary Waslewski (1-0)
LP – Phil Niekro (3-6)
SV – Chuck Taylor (3)
HR – ATL: Tim McCarver (4)
     STL: Mike Shannon (2)

            R   H   E
Astros      3   8   0
Cubs        4   9   0
WP – Rich Nye (2-1)
LP – Fred Gladding (0-1)
HR – HOU: Curt Blefary (6)
     CHI: Jim Hickman (6)

Chicago’s Don Kessinger singled to extend his hit streak to 11 games, but had to leave the game with a concussion after colliding with the Houston first baseman Pete Ward.

Ron Santo gave the Cubs the win with a run scoring single in the bottom of the ninth.

            R   H   E
Reds        2   8   0
Pirates     5  12   0
WP – Bob Moose (7-3)
LP – Jim Maloney (3-7)
SV – Lou Marone (10)
HR – PIT: Richie Hebner (4)

            R   H   E
Giants      4   9   2
Expos       3   9   0
WP – Gaylord Perry (4-6)
LP – Howie Reed (2-3)
SV – Frank Linzy (5)
HR – SF: Frank Baker (3), Tito Fuentes 2 (4)

            R   H   E
Padres      9  13   1
Phillies    5  11   0
WP – Johnny Podres (5-3)
LP – Rick Wise (6-4)
HR – SD: Al Ferrara (4), Jim French (4)
     PHI: Dick Allen (11), Tony Taylor (3)

Dick Allen continues to bash as he hit a homer for his third consecutive game.

            R   H   E
Dodgers     1   6   3
Mets       11  18   0
WP – Tom Seaver (4-4)
LP – Bill Singer (7-2)
HR – NY: Tommie Agee 2 (7), Cleon Jones (4), Ed Kranepool (11)

Manny Sanguillen’s three hit day in the win over LA pushed his hit streak to 13 games.

INJURY NEWS
Chicago Cubs – SS Don Kessinger – concussion – 2 weeks

[dmholtze]

I enjoy reading this thread. I really like the new format you are using. I am glad that you are getting pretty good results from an expansion team.

[RoyalsBlue]

Originally Posted by dmholtze

I enjoy reading this thread. I really like the new format you are using. I am glad that you are getting pretty good results from an expansion team.

Thanks for reading, dmholtze. I was beginning to wonder if I was whistling through the graveyard.

I am contemplating if I should take over the team sometime in the future. Right now, it doesn't look like I'm needed in the manager's seat, so it doesn't appear it will be any time soon.

Probably won't post an update tonight, since I'll be watching the All-Star game.

Again, thanks to everyone who's read or taken the time to comment. You are very much appreciated!

[RoyalsBlue]

Thursday - 06.05.1969 – OFF DAY
NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Cardinals   4  10   2 – 15 innings
Astros      5  11   2
WP – Bob Watkins (2-2)
LP – Gary Waslewski (1-1)
HR – HOU: Doug Rader (5), Jimmy Wynn (10)

Doug Rader’s walk off homer ended this 15 inning game in favor of the hometown Astros.

[RoyalsBlue]

Friday - 06.06.1969
(29-24, Third in ALW, 1.0 GB/12-11 AWAY)
Game #054 @ Boston (25-26, Fourth in ALE, 1.0 GB/9-17 HOME)
SP – KC: Roger Nelson (5-2 2.34) BOS: Jim Lonborg (5-4 4.62)

            R   H   E
Royals      2   7   0
Red Sox     3   4   0
WP – Juan Pizarro (1-1)
LP – Roger Nelson (5-3)
SV – Dave Giusti (2)
HR – none

The Royals will look back on this loss as a missed opportunity. The Red Sox only got 4 hits but won the game, even though their pitchers gave up 8 walks and 7 hits in the game.

Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, but the Royals were able to tie the game with single runs in the fourth and fifth inning on rbi’s from Tom Tresh, who pushed his hit streak to an even 10 games, and Mike Fiore.

The Red Sox got the eventual game-winner in the eighth inning after Roger Nelson (5-3) walked Mike Andrews, his fourth base on balls of the game. Nelson was lifted at this point, replaced by Tommie Sisk. One batter later, Reggie Smith doubled to move Andrews to third and then Rico Petrocelli scored him with a sac fly.

POG – Kansas City’s Roger Nelson – 7 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 130 pitches

“We couldn’t string anything together,” grumbled manager Carlos Ramirez. “Getting eight walks should net a team more than two runs in a game. We had good at bats, but just couldn’t get the clutch hit when we needed them.”

“That leadoff walk in the eighth was the difference,” said Roger Nelson. “Maybe we win the game if I don’t do that. Bad pitching on my part.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Angels      2   6   3
Indians     3  10   1
WP – Vicente Romo (2-2)
LP – Andy Messersmith (6-4)
SV – Gary Boyd (2)
HR – CAL: Andy Messersmith (2)
     CLE: Brant Alyea (9), Duke Sims (8)

            R   H   E
White Sox   4   7   1
Yankees     8  10   2
WP – Jack Aker (3-1)
LP – Gary Peters (2-5)
HR – CHI: Buddy Bradford (8), Bill Melton (6)
     NY: Bobby Cox (2), Roy White (2)

            R   H   E
Athletics   9  11   0
Tigers      6  10   0
WP – Jim Nash (4-2)
LP – Mickey Lolich (6-3)
SV – Paul Lindblad (5)
HR – OAK: Bobby Brooks (3), Reggie Jackson (12)
     DET: Willie Horton (16), Jim Northrup (11)

            R   H   E
Pilots      5   8   0 – 11 innings
Orioles     4  11   1
WP – John Gelnar (1-2)
LP – Dick Hall (1-1)
SV – Diego Segui (2)
HR – BAL: Clay Dalrymple (4)

An eleventh inning single by Cesar Gutierrez scored Don Mincher with the game-winner.

            R   H   E
Senators    0   4   0
Twins       4  14   0
WP – Tom Hall (4-5)
LP – Joe Coleman (7-5)
HR – none

Tom Hall, Al Worthington, and Marcel Lachemann combined for a four hit shutout of Washington.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Reds        5   8   0
Cubs        3   4   0
WP – Gerry Arrigo (8-1)
LP – Ken Holtzman (4-6)
SV – Clay Carroll (3)
HR – CIN: Donn Clendenon (4), Alex Johnson (8)

Don Kessinger, still fighting the effects of that concussion he suffered a few days ago, scratched out another hit to push his hit streak to 12 in the loss.

            R   H   E
Cardinals   2   5   0
Astros     12   8   0
WP – Scipio Spinks (1-2)
LP – Mike Torrez (6-6)
HR – STL: Leo Cardenas (5)
     HOU: Jimmy Wynn (11)

            R   H   E
Pirates     6  12   0
Braves      3   6   0
WP – Bob Veale (9-3)
LP – Pat Jarvis (5-6)
HR – none

Bob Veale joins Grant Jackson as the only 9 game winners in MLB.

            R   H   E
Mets        7   9   1
Padres      1   5   1
WP – Nolan Ryan (5-3)
LP – Dick Selma (4-6)
HR – none

Manny Sanguillen took the collar in five at bats and saw his hit streak stopped at 13 in the win over San Diego.

            R   H   E
Phillies    5   9   0
Giants      3   5   1
WP – Bill Champion (3-4)
LP – Juan Marichal (7-4)
SV – Al Raffo (9)
HR – PHI: Ellie Hendricks (4), Tony Taylor (4)
     SF: Frank Baker (4), Willie McCovey (17)

Dick Allen’s three game streak with a homer ended in the win over San Francisco.

            R   H   E
Expos       3   8   0
Dodgers     4   9   2
WP – Don Sutton (5-6)
LP – Jerry Robertson (7-2)
HR – MON: Maury Wills (2)
     LA: Tom Haller (1)

CONTRACT NEWS
Detroit and John Hiller have reached agreement on a one year extension that will keep the reliever in a Tigers uni.

TRADE NEWS
Trade between Cincinnati and New York
Reds get:
28 year old MR Jack Aker: 15 G, 3-1, 5.64, 22.1 IP, 32 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HRA, 7 BB, 14 K, 1.75 WHIP, .348 OAVG
21 year old 1B Frank Tepedino: (A ball stats) 55 G, 223 AB, 33 R, 68 H, 12 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 22 BB, 1 K, 2 SB, 1 CS, .305/.367/.386
Yankees get:
33 year old LF Ted Savage: 34 G, 51 AB, 7 R, 9 H, 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 9 K, 1 SB, 1 CS, .176/.214/.275

Gotta ask what the heck the Yankees were thinking to acquire this obviously declining outfielder by trading a middle reliever that was starting to pitch better and the young outfielder with a Hall of Fame type batting eye (hey, try to find anyone in the HOF with a 22-1 walk to k ratio!) Advantage in this trade would seem to go to Cincinnati.

Trade between St. Louis and Baltimore
Cardinals get:
26 year old CF Merv Rettenmund: 46 G, 121 AB, 15 R, 30 H, 7 2B, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 18 BB, 18 K, 3 SB, 1 CS, .248/.340/.380
Orioles get:
33 year old 2B Bob Johnson: 53 G, 218 AB, 26 R, 70 H, 11 2B, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 10 BB, 19 K, 5 SB, 1 CS, .321/.349/.413

Interesting trade for the Cards as they trade their starting 3B Bob Johnson for CF Merv Rettenmund, as it appears the Redbirds will use Rettenmund in LF while placing their trust in Mike Shannon at the hot corner. Johnson was second on the Cards in RBI and tied for third in HR before getting dealt to Baltimore, where he will immediately help the O’s offense. I’m going to have to keep an eye on these two.

By the way, the Cards leader in HR and RBI is Willie Mays. Guess he had a little bit left, huh?

[RoyalsBlue]

Saturday - 06.07.1969
(29-25, Third in ALW, 2.0 GB)
Game #055 @ Boston (Fourth in ALE, 5.0 GB)
SP – KC: Mike Hedlund (3-4 3.03) BOS: Mike Nagy (2-3 4.42)

            R   H   E
Royals      5  12   2
Red Sox     3   5   0
WP – Mike Hedlund (4-4)
LP – Mike Nagy (2-4)
HR – KC: Mike Fiore (9)

The Royals quickly sprinted out to a 2-0 lead behind a 2-run homer from Mike Fiore in the first. In the third, Ellie Rodriguez was hit by pitch that forced in a run and Tom Tresh, who extended his hit streak to 11 games, capped the KC scoring with a 2 rbi single.

The Red Sox scored once in the fourth on a Reggie Smith rbi single, but that was the only run allowed by Royals starter Mike Hedlund. The ninth inning got a little exciting as reliever Galen Cisco wobbled, allowing 2 runs to Boston, before finally recording the final out.

POG – Kansas City’s Mike Hedlund – 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 84 pitches

“I was surprised when skip told me to stay in the dugout,” answered Mike Hedlund when asked about not coming out to pitch the ninth. “I still felt pretty strong and it’s not like I was pitching in trouble very much today. We got the win, though, and that’s what matters.”

“We got the win no thanks to me,” replied Galen Cisco afterwards. “Just couldn’t quite feel right on that mound today. I don’t know if it was the mound or me, but I just wasn’t real comfortable out there.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Angels      2   8   3
Indians    10  12   2
WP – Steve Hargan (4-5)
LP – Rudy May (2-4)
HR – CAL: Bubba Morton (1)
     CLE: Brant Alyea (10), Tony Horton (9), Dave Nelson 3 (6)

Dave Nelson had a career day as he became the second player this season to smash a trio of home runs in one game, doubling his homer total to 6 for the year. “I’ve always liked hitting in Cleveland,” laughed Nelson. “I can see the ball really well here.”

            R   H   E
Athletics   3   7   0
Tigers      7  10   0
WP – Earl Wilson (3-5)
LP – Blue Moon Odom (5-4)
HR – none

Dick McAuliffe knocked a couple of base hits, extending his hit streak to an even 10 games in the win over Oakland.

            R   H   E
White Sox  14  14   0
Yankees     2   7   2
WP – Tommy John (8-3)
LP – Fritz Peterson (6-5)
HR – CHI: Bill Melton (7)

            R   H   E
Senators    6  11   1
Twins       9  17   1
WP – Marcel Lachemann (2-1)
LP – Dick Kelley (2-2)
HR – MIN: Harmon Killebrew (13)

Tony Oliva’s third inning single gave him a 10 game hit streak as the Twins downed the Senators.

            R   H   E
Pilots      2   7   0
Orioles     1   7   0
WP – Jim Bouton (1-0)
LP – Dave McNally (6-5)
SV – Diego Segui (3)
HR – none

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Pirates     3  11   2
Braves      7  11   1
WP – Ron Reed (4-6)
LP – Jim Bunning (6-6)
HR – PIT: Willie Stargell (11)
     ATL: Tito Francona (4), Mike Lum (4)

            R   H   E
Reds        1   9   1
Cubs        6  11   0
WP – Joe Niekro (4-5)
LP – Jim Merritt (1-12)
HR – CHI: Adolfo Phillips (3)

Another one hit day for Chicago’s Don Kessinger, but that was enough to push his hit streak to 13.

            R   H   E
Phillies   12  16   1
Giants      7   8   2
WP – John Boozer (2-0)
LP – Rich Robertson (2-2)
HR – none

Dick Allen goes 3 for 6 and gets his hit streak to 10 games in the win over San Francisco.

            R   H   E
Cardinals   3  10   1
Astros      8   8   0
WP – Don Wilson (2-3)
LP – Jerry Reuss (4-6)
HR – HOU: Joe Morgan (7), Don Wilson (1)

            R   H   E
Mets        4   9   1
Padres      0   5   0
WP – Jerry Koosman (6-3)
LP – Al Santorini (3-5)
HR – none

Jerry Koosman put on a great show today in San Diego as he pitched a complete game shutout, limiting the Pads to 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5.

            R   H   E
Expos       7  11   1
Dodgers     9   6   3
WP – Pete Mikkelsen (1-0)
LP – Howie Reed (2-4)
SV – Jim Brewer (6)
HR – MON: Bob Bailey (6)
     LA: Ron Fairly (6), Bill Russell (5)

INJURY NEWS
Minnesota Twins – P Dick Boswell – tender shoulder – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

Sunday - 06.08.1969
(30-25, Third in ALW, 1.0 GB)
Game #056 @ Boston (26-27, Third in ALE, 6.0 GB)
SP – KC: Al Fitzmorris (0-1 10.80) BOS: Garry Hill (0-3 5.36)

            R   H   E
Royals      7   8   0
Red Sox     3  11   2
WP – Tommie Sisk (1-1)
LP – Garry Hill (0-4)
HR – none

A five run fourth inning propelled the Royals to a series victory over the Boston Red Sox. Tom Tresh and Lou Piniella both had a couple of hits in pacing the KC offense. Tresh, along with Joe Keough, also contributed 2 rbi’s as the Royals wound up their series in Fenway.

It should be noted that Tom Tresh also extended his hitting streak to 12 games.

Bad news for the Royals, however, as starter Al Fitzmorris left in the third inning with back spasms. Initial reports are that it’s not serious though.

POG – Kansas City’s Tom Tresh – 2 for 5, 2 RBI, 1 3B, 1 R

“It’s always a good thing to get a series win,” said shortstop Tom Tresh. “Those guys are tough and it’s really nice to get this road trip started on the right foot.”

“It was a very intense spasm,” said KC’s team doctor Lou Howard when asked about Al Fitzmorris. “We don’t think it’s serious, so we’re going to give him some muscle relaxers tonight and take him in for a closer look after we get to New York.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Angels      6   7   4 – Game 1
Indians     9  10   3
WP – Luis Tiant (5-1)
LP – Clyde Wright (2-4)
SV – Vicente Romo (5)
HR – CAL: Tom Egan (3)
     CLE: Brant Alyea (11)

Tony Horton’s fifth inning single extends his hitting streak to 10 games, right before Brant Alyea’s grand slam homer for the Indians.

            R   H   E
Angels      1   3   0 – Game 2
Indians     0   5   0
WP – Tom Murphy (4-3)
LP – Horacio Pina (0-1)
SV – Ken Tatum (5)
HR – none

Tony Horton got one of the few hits in this game and pushed his hitting streak to 11 as the Indians split this doubleheader.

            R   H   E
White Sox   5   8   0 – Game 1
Yankees     3   9   2
WP – Paul Edmondson (5-2)
LP – Mel Stottlemyre (5-5)
SV – Bob Locker (8)
HR – CHI: Angel Bravo (2)
     NY: Jerry Kenney (1), Bobby Murcer (11)

            R   H   E
White Sox   2   5   1 – Game 2
Yankees     5   9   0
WP – Al Downing (8-3)
LP – Joe Horlen (4-2)
SV – Lindy McDaniel (2)
HR – CHI: Carlos May (8)

            R   H   E
Athletics   4  10   0
Tigers      7  11   0
WP – Daryl Patterson (3-0)
LP – Rollie Fingers (5-5)
SV – John Hiller (1)
HR – DET: Willie Horton (17), Coco Laboy (7), Jim Northrup (12)

Detroit’s Dick McAuliffe extended his hit streak to 11 with a his first inning single in the win over Oakland.

            R   H   E
Pilots      7   9   0
Orioles     4  13   1
WP – Gary Timberlake (2-8)
LP – Mike Cuellar (5-5)
SV – John Gelnar (3)
HR – SEA: Steve Hovley (2)
     BAL: Andy Etchebarren (1)

            R   H   E
Senators    1   6   0
Twins       2   8   0
WP – Jim Kaat (6-4)
LP – Dick Bosman (7-4)
HR – MIN: Harmon Killebrew 2 (15)

Killebrew single-handedly defeated the Senators with a pair of solo homers and Tony Oliva kept his hit streak going at 11 with his 1 for 4 day.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Pirates     5  10   2 – Game 1
Braves      1   3   1
WP – Dock Ellis (7-3)
LP – Jim Britton (1-3)
HR – PIT: Carl Taylor (3)

Matty Alou picked up another couple of hits for the Bucs as he stretched his hit streak to 10 games in the opener.

            R   H   E
Pirates     6  11   1 – Game 2
Braves      0   3   0
WP – Bob Moose (8-3)
LP – Milt Pappas (3-3)
HR – PIT: Roberto Clemente (9), Richie Hebner (5), Willie Stargell (12)

Alou continued his hot hitting, picking up another two hits, as he makes his hit streak go to 11.

A pair of three hitters by the Pirate hurlers had to have the Braves just shaking their heads during this doubleheader sweep.

            R   H   E
Cardinals   1   3   0
Astros      3   4   0
WP – Dooley Womack (2-1)
LP – Bob Gibson (4-7)
SV – Jim Ray (4)
HR – none

            R   H   E
Reds        3   7   0
Cubs       11  13   1
WP – Bill Hands (5-7)
LP – Jack Fisher (1-7)
HR – CIN: Chico Ruiz (2)
     CHI: Randy Hundley (3), Ron Santo (5), Billy Williams (11)

Chicago’s Don Kessinger strokes a couple more hits as he extends the his hitting streak to 14.

            R   H   E
Mets       10  17   0
Padres      4   9   3
WP – Gary Gentry (5-4)
LP – Steve Arlin (4-8)
HR – NY: Cleon Jones (5)
     SD: Tony Gonzalez (2)

            R   H   E
Phillies    1   6   0
Giants      4   6   0
WP – Bobby Bolin (7-3)
LP – Jesse James (2-5)
HR – none

Dick Allen cranked a pair of double as he extends his hitting streak to 11 games in the loss to San Fran.

            R   H   E
Expos       3   7   1
Dodgers     4   6   1
WP – Alan Foster (8-2)
LP – Pat Dobson (2-8)
SV – Jim Brewer (7)
HR – MON: Mack Jones (7), Rusty Staub (7)
     LA: Willie Davis (6), Jim Lefebvre (4)

INJURY NEWS
San Diego Padres – SS Roberto Pena – strained hamstring – 2 weeks
San Francisco Giants – LF Frank Baker – finger blister – 2 weeks

ROYALS MOVES
Once it was determined that Al Fitzmorris was going to miss a couple of weeks, he was placed on the 15 day DL. Taking his place on the active roster is Don O’Riley, who will be making his second stint with the Royals this season.

[RoyalsBlue]

Monday - 06.09.1969
AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Minnesota Twins 2B Rod Carew: .654/.667/.731, 26 AB, 8 R, 17 H, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 4 SB

NL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Matty Alou: .583/.615/.958, 24 AB, 8 R, 14 H, 5 2B, 2 3B, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 5 SB

(31-25, Second in ALW, 0.5 GB)
Game #057 @ New York (31-28, Third in ALW, 4.5 GB)
SP – KC: Bob Miller (5-3 4.03) NY: Bill Burbach (1-4 3.40)

            R   H   E
Royals      0   5   0
Yankees     2   6   0
WP – Bill Burbach (2-4)
LP – Bob Miller (5-4)
SV – Lindy McDaniel (3)
HR – none

The Yankees got two runs in the third via Thurman Munson’s rbi single and Roy White’s sacrifice fly. Bill Burbach and the New York bullpen made it hold up as they kept the Royals to a meager five hits, stopping Tom Tresh’s 12 game hit streak in the process. Lou Piniella, who had two of KC’s 5 hits, pushed his hit streak to an even 10 games.

Bob Miller matched the Yankees hurler, except for that hiccup in the second inning, going 8 strong innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks with 0 strikeouts.

POG – New York’s Bill Burbach – 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 85 pitches

“In games like this there are all kind of what-if’s,” sighed Bob Miller as he iced his arm down after the game. “What if I’d thrown the splitter instead of the slider to Munson that he hit to knock in the first run of the game? Or busted White inside a little further? That’s just off the top of my head.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS

            R   H   E
Indians     5  11   0
White Sox   4  11   1
WP – Mike Paul (5-4)
LP – Denny Lemaster (2-3)
SV – Vicente Romo (6)
HR – CLE: Tony Horton (10), Eddie Leon (4), Duke Sims (9)
     CHI: Carlos May (9)

Tony Horton extended his hit streak to 12 games with his eighth inning homer.

            R   H   E
Red Sox    21  22   1
Twins       2   8   0
WP – Ray Culp (5-5)
LP – Jim Perry (6-3)
HR – BOS: Ray Culp (2), Ken Harrelson (6), Joe Lahoud 2 (8)
          Rico Petrocelli (15), Carl Yaztrzemski (13)

Wow! The Sox scored 8 runs through the first 6 innings, but they were just getting started. In the seventh the Sox batted around for a 7 spot, then just to make things interesting they batted around for 6 in the ninth.

And just when you thought you’d heard the last of Reggie Smith, he erupts for a five hit game in the rout of Minnesota.

The only good thing for the Twins is that Tony Oliva extended his hit streak to 12 games.

            R   H   E
Pilots      5   8   0
Tigers      7   8   1
WP – Mike Kilkenny (3-1)
LP – Gary Brabender (0-9)
SV – John Hiller (2)
HR – SEA: Ray Oyler (1), Rich Rollins (1)
     DET: Willie Horton (18), Dick McAuliffe 2 (10)

Dick McAuliffe homered twice and pushed his hit streak to 12.