When It Was A Game

[GrimmyDee]

"You wouldn't think a number nine hitter would be able to go deep like that - and to do it twice in a game was just ridiculous."

"Somebody dressed Bobby Bonds up in that guys uniform - there is no way a scrawny guy like that hit those out."

"It was flat out luck, I doubt he'll hit another the entire season."

"Somebody should check that bat for rubber balls. I've never seen baseballs bounce off a bat like that."

Those were the comments made by Orioles players after California's rookie shortstop Rance Mulliniks (.276, 3 HR, 11 RBI) hits two home runs off of Baltimore's Jim Palmer to lead the Angles to a 5-2 victory. Rance scores three times while driving in four of the teams five runs to help California maintain a stranglehold on the AL West lead.

The comments coming from the rookie Mulliniks did not lack in confidence.

"I was fortunate to get good pitches to hit. I don't know if Jim thought he could sneak those fastballs past me because I'm down in the order or not, but I think he'll think twice about it now."

Palmer, on the other hand, has a different take.

"We'll see where the next fastball to him ends up. I can assure you, it won't be hit."

California starter Frank Tanana (4-1, 1.84 ERA) continues to roll as he spreads seven hits over eight innings, striking out five and allowing just one earned run. In Tanana's previous six starts, he has allowed more that two earned runs only once, a loss to Oakland in his last appearance.

Palmer, the Cy Young Award winner last year, is off to a rough start as he drops to 0-5, even though he has a 3.38 ERA and ended up with his fourth complete game tonight. Baltimore as a team has followed suit, winning just five games in their first 21.

"We just can't get things going." Baltimore's Ken Singleton said afterward. "I don't know if it was that gypsy curse the old woman put on Earl in Spring Training or not. We're young, we'll get better."

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E California 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 11 2 Baltimore 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 1 WP: Frank Tanana (4-1, 1.84 ERA) LP: Jim Palmer (0-5, 3.38 ERA) SV: Mickey Scott (4) POG: Rance Mulliniks 2-4, 3 R, 4 RBI, 2 HR Attendance: 17,950 Baltimore has lost 5 straight

California SS Rance Mulliniks (.276, 3 HR, 11 RBI) hits two home runs, scores three times and drives in four of the Angels five runs in the win. Frank Tanana spreads seven hits over eight innings, striking out five and allowing one earned run. Orioles starter Jim Palmer drops to 0-5 as he throws his fourth complete game of the season. Home Runs: CAL: Rance Mulliniks 2 (3) BAL: None

Other Scores
American League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Texas 0 2 3 0 0 1 1 0 2 9 12 0 Chicago 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 4 2 WP: Doyle Alexander (3-2, 3.43 ERA) LP: Steve Stone (0-2, 5.06 ERA) SV: None POG: Roy Howell 3-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR Attendance: 19,772 Rangers sweep 3-game series.

While Doyle Alexander quiets the White Sox bats giving up only four hits, 3B Roy Howell (.243, 1 HR, 9 RBI) takes care of the offensive side as he scores twice and drives in three with his three hits and the Rangers top Chicago. Juan Beniquez (.267, 3 HR, 8 RBI) scores three times and Bump Wills (.333, 13 RBI) has three hits of his own in the win. Home Runs: TEX: Toby Harrah (4), Juan Beniquez (3), Roy Howell (1) CWS: None

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Toronto 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 10 3 Kansas City 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 4 x 8 11 3 WP: Doug Bird (1-0, 0.00 ERA) LP: Dennis DeBarr (2-1, 5.40 ERA) SV: None POG: John Wathan 1-4, R, 3 RBI, 3B Attendance: 24,086 Kansas City has won 11 of their last 14 games.

John Wathan (.258, 10 RBI) and George Brett (.311, 10 RBI) hit back-to-back triples in the Royals' four-run eighth inning that leads them to a win over Toronto. Wathan has three runs batted in on the day to help reliever Doug Bird get his first win. Otto Velez (.239) has three hits for the Blue Jays to break from a 3-for-29 slump. Home Runs: TOR: None KC: None

Game One 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Cleveland 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 4 10 0 Milwaukee 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 5 2 WP: Jim Bibby (3-2, 6.35 ERA) LP: Moose Haas (0-5, 4.66 ERA) SV: Jim Kern (1) POG: Jim Bibby 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 K Attendance: 17,793 George Hendrick has 2 hits in first game with Tribe.

The Tribe score twice in the eighth inning when Ron Pruitt (.563, 3 RBI) and Ray Fosse (.233, 4 RBI) hit consecutive RBI singles that become the game-winners while Jim Bibby holds Milwaukee to five hits through eight innings. Pruitt enters the game in the bottom of the first to replace Jim Norris, who has to leave the game due to injury. Home Runs: CLE: None MIL: None

Game Two 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Cleveland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 8 0 Milwaukee 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 x 6 12 1 WP: Lary Sorensen (1-0, 2.00 ERA) LP: Al Fitzmorris (2-3, 3.89 ERA) SV: None POG: Cecil Cooper 3-4, R, 3 RBI, 3B Attendance: 17,413 Sixto Lezcano hitting .105 (4-38) last 10 games.

In game two, Brewers starter Lary Sorensen gets his first action of the season and makes the most of it, shutting down Cleveland to two runs on eight hits and getting the win. Cecil Cooper (.256, 10 RBI) and Robin Yount (.265) each have three hits and Cooper drives in three more to lead the offense. Home Runs: CLE: None MIL: None

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Seattle 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 5 8 1 New York 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 2 x 8 9 0 WP: Ron Guidry (3-1, 2.70 ERA) LP: Rick Jones (0-1, 7.90 ERA) SV: None POG: Marty Perez 2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR Attendance: 22,937 Mickey Rivers ejected in 2nd inning for arguing.

Chris Chambliss (.226) has three hits while backups George Zeber (.275, 8 RBI) and Marty Perez (.200, 1 HR, 3 RBI) each drive in three runs on two hits, including Perez's first home run of the season in the Yankees 8-5 win over Seattle. Home Runs: SEA: None NY: Marty Perez (1)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Oakland 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 4 7 1 Boston 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 x 7 8 0 WP: Luis Tiant (4-2, 3.68 ERA) LP: Doc Medich (4-1, 3.31 ERA) SV: Bill Campbell (6) POG: Mitchell Page 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR Attendance: 22,224 Yaz hitting .400 (10-24) in last 7 games.

Rick Burleson (.169, 1 HR, 11 RBI) keys a five-run fifth inning with a three-run home run and Carl Yastrzemski (.382, 6 HR, 15 RBI) hits his sixth home run of the year to lead Boston to a 7-4 win over the A's. Mitchell Page (.344, 6 HR, 17 RBI) collects two hits in the loss, including home run number six on the season. Home Runs: OAK: Wayne Gross (1), Mitchell Page (6) BOS: Rick Burleson (1), Carl Yastrzemski (6), Bernie Carbo (2)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Detroit 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 Minnesota 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 x 4 9 1 WP: Paul Thormodsgard (2-3, 3.93 ERA) LP: Vern Ruhle (2-2, 3.29 ERA) SV: Tom Johnson (5) POG: Paul Thormodsgard 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 K Attendance: 18,212 Tigers remain 2 games behind Toronto in AL East.

Butch Wynegar (.300) along with pinch-hitters Dan Ford (.338, 8 RBI) and Glenn Borgmann (.200, 4 RBI) hit seventh inning doubles to break open a 2-2 tie and give Minnesota a win over the Tigers in Metropolitan Stadium. Twins starter Paul Thormodsgard allows six hits and two earned runs over eight innings while striking out five. Home Runs: DET: Ben Oglivie (6) MIN: Roy Smalley (2)

National League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Montreal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 4 Los Angeles 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 7 x 11 11 1 WP: Burt Hooton (1-1, 4.29 ERA) LP: Steve Rogers (2-3, 3.29 ERA) SV: None POG: Burt Hooton 9 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 8 K Attendance: 23,041 Gary Carter's .426 average leads the majors.

Los Angeles crushes the Expos as Burt Hooton strikes out eight while giving up six hits and one run. Montreal commits four errors in the game which account for six unearned runs. The Dodgers reach base six consecutive times in the seven run eighth inning which also includes four walks. Home Runs: MON: None LA: None

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Atlanta 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 7 15 3 St. Louis 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 5 8 10 0 WP: Elias Sosa (1-0, 3.60 ERA) LP: Max Leon (1-2, 3 BS, 6.48 ERA) SV: None POG: Gary Templeton 2-5, 3 RBI Attendance: 13,572 Cardinals win their fifth in a row.

St. Louis scores five runs - only two earned - in the bottom of the ninth inning to shock the Braves. An error by Preston Hanna (his first) gave the Cards the extra out they needed as Gary Templeton (.297, 5 RBI) drives in two of his three RBI on the day on the final at-bat, hitting a single that scores Dave Rader and Lou Brock. Willie Montanez (.288, 4 RBI) and Rowland Office (.328, 9 RBI) each have three hits for Atlanta. Home Runs: ATL: None STL: Bake McBride (3)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 R H E New York 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 4 9 16 0 San Diego 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 11 1 WP: Skip Lockwood (1-0, 0.00 ERA) LP: Dave Tomlin (1-3, 3 BS, 8.18 ERA) SV: Skip Lockwood (9) POG: Bud Harrelson 3-5, 2 R, RBI, 2 2B Attendance: 19,355 Skip Lockwood has 13.2 scoreless innings.

Lee Mazzilli (.227, 6 RBI) and Ed Kranepool (.295, 12 RBI) each hit two-RBI singles as the Mets score four times in the top of the 11th inning, then hold on as San Diego rallies in the bottom of the frame for two of their own but come up short in losing to New York. The Mets also score four in the ninth to erase a 5-1 Padres lead on five consecutive hits and an error by 2B Bobby Valentine (his second) that allows two unearned runs. Bud Harrelson (.178, 7 RBI) also adds three hits for New York. Home Runs: NYM: None SD: Mike Ivie (1)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Chicago 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 0 Cincinnati 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 7 0 WP: Steve Renko (2-2, 4.30 ERA) LP: Gary Nolan (2-1, 1.93 ERA) SV: Bruce Sutter (2) POG: Steve Renko 8 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 K Attendance: 28,076 Cincy has lost 5 of their last 6 games.

The Cubs beat Cincinnati as Steve Renko outduels Gary Nolan. Both pitchers go eight innings, with Renko giving up seven hits and one run and Nolan allowing five hits and two runs. Brian Downing (.239, 4 HR, 12 RBI) hits what would be the go-ahead home run in the top of the seventh. Home Runs: CUB: Brian Downing (4) CIN: Johnny Bench (3)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Philadelphia 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 6 0 San Francisco 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 1 WP: Steve Carlton (4-1, 1.54 ERA) LP: John Montefusco (2-3, 3.53 ERA) SV: Gene Garber (3) POG: Steve Carlton 8 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 K Attendance: 24,176 Steve Carlton leads the NL with a 1.54 ERA.

John Montefusco throws a complete game, but allows a seventh inning home run to Jay Johnstone (.276, 2 HR, 4 RBI) with the scored tied at one, followed by an unearned run later in the inning due to a fielding error on Marc Hill (his 3rd) to give Philadelphia a win over the Giants. Phillies starter Steve Carlton throws eight innings, allowing seven hits and one earned run to get his fourth win of the season. Home Runs: PHI: Jay Johnstone (2) SF: None

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Houston 0 1 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 8 11 0 Pittsburgh 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 8 2 WP: Joaquin Andujar (3-2, 3.89 ERA) LP: Bruce Kison (2-1, 2.77 ERA) SV: None POG: Bob Watson 2-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B Attendance: 26,953 Pittsburgh has first 2-game losing streak this season.

Cliff Johnson (.216, 7 RBI) hits a pinch hit, two RBI single and Joe Ferguson (.183, 11 RBI) follows with an RBI single to spark a five run seventh inning and give the Astros a series win over the Pirates. Bob Watson (.305, 16 RBI) hits an RBI double and later draws a bases loaded walk to bring in another run to key the offense. Home Runs: HOU: None PIT: Ed Ott (2)

Trades

San Diego trades 27-year-old CF George Hendrick ($4,036,200 over 4 years) and 219-year old Double A SS Pancho Martinez (Minor League Contract) to Cleveland, getting 27-year-old 1B Andre Thornton ($964,440 over 1 year) and 24-year-old Double A MR Floyd Brown (Minor League Contract) in return.

To Cleveland:

George Hendrick 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .265 .338

AB 551 65

H 146 22

R 72 9

2B 20 4

3B 3 0

HR 25 3

RBI 81 10

BB 51 5

K 82 10

OBP .323 .380

SLG .448 .538

Pancho Martinez 1977 Stats (A) 1977 Stats (AA)

AVG .167 .237

AB 24 59

H 4 14

R 1 5

2B 0 2

3B 0 0

HR 0 1

RBI 6 8

BB 3 4

K 6 7

OBP .276 .303

SLG .167 .322

To San Diego:

Andre Thornton 1976 Stats (MON/CLE) 1977 Stats

AVG .194 .311

AB 268 74

H 52 23

R 28 10

2B 11 4

3B 2 0

HR 11 4

RBI 38 10

BB 48 10

K 46 11

OBP .323 .400

SLG .373 .527

Floyd Brown 1977 Stats (AA)

W 3

L 1

SV 1

ERA 3.31

IP 16.1

H 22

R 6

ER 6

BB 12

K 6

WHIP 2.08

AVG .361

Injuries

SS Bill Russell (.222, 2 RBI) is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a strained rib cage muscle. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. 2B Larry Lintz (.250 - AAA) recalled from Triple A San Jose. Rodney Scott moves over to SS from his 2B position, with Cookie Rojas taking the other middle infield spot.

RF Jim Norris (.224, 7 RBI) is expected to miss about 2 weeks with a concussion. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. RF Charlie Spikes (.333, 3 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Toledo. Ron Pruitt takes over the everyday RF duties with Spikes backing him up.

Major Transactions

CF George Hendrick placed on the active roster (from trade). SS Frank Duffy (.242, 1 HR, 15 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Toledo. LF John Lowenstien (.125, 3 RBI) optioned to Triple A Toledo. Hendrick will be the starting DH, allowing Rico Carty to move to 1B. Duffy gets the call to provide infield help.

1B Andre Thornton placed on the active roster (from trade). SS Bobby Valentine (.226, 2 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Hawaii. SS Enzo Hernandez (.333, 1 RBI) optioned to Triple A Hawaii. Gene Tenace moves to the bench as Thornton takes over 1B. Gene Richards fills in at CF for Hendrick.

SP Mickey Mahler (3-2, 1.58 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Richmond. MR Bob Johnson (0-0, 11.25 ERA) optioned to Triple A Richmond. SS Craig Robinson (.269, 2 HR, 12 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Richmond. SS Jerry Royster (.185, 2 RBI) optioned to Triple A Hawaii. The Braves hope to improve as Robinson will start at SS. Mahler joins the rotation pushing Jamie Easterly to the pen.

CF Gary Woods (.500, 2 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Beloeil. CF John Scott (.241, 2 RBI) optioned to Triple A Beloeil. Woods is getting pretty familiar with the people at the bus depot - having been sent down just yesterday.

RF Carlos Lopez (.339, 2 HR, 15 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Sidney. RF Tommy Smith (.192, 1 HR, 5 RBI) optioned to Triple A Beloeil. Lopez has been hot in AAA and will get the start in RF over Tom Grieve who should see some DH work.

C Ellie Hendricks (.276, 3 HR, 10 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Syracuse. C Fran Healy (.286, 1 RBI) was designated for assignment and placed on waivers. The good start by Hendricks made Healy expendable as the backup to Thurman Munson behind the plate.

RF Tony Armas cleared waivers and assigned to Triple A San Jose.

MR Chris Knapp cleared waivers and assigned to Triple A Iowa.

Short Season Single A Update
Jamestown Expos (15-9) at Elmira Pioneers (12-12)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Jamestown 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 6 2 Elmira 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 5 8 1 WP: Greg Russell (1-4, 4.17 ERA) LP: Jeff Bradley (1-3, 4.10 ERA) SV: None POG: Greg Russell 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 6 K Attendance: 2,558 Little Falls SS Tomas Rojas has 15 errors in 15 games.

Two big errors by Vernon Lambright (his 1st) and Juan Madrigal (his 6th) account for three unearned runs and forced starter Jeff Bradley out before the end of the fifth inning. Jesus Rivera (.300, 9 RBI) has two hits, including his first home run of the year - a 380-foot, two run blast in the ninth inning. In the end, we just couldn't hit until they pulled Russell, but by then it was way too late. Home Runs: JAM: Jesus Rivera (1) ELM: None

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by GrimmyDee

If the end of the week stuff looks familiar, it should. I accidentally had it posted for the week of Apr. 17-23. (That will teach me to work ahead.) This has been corrected and the correct end of week stats are in the right places.

I least I hope they are.

Sorry for the screw-up.

Don't feel bad,I posted three different days worth of reports in the general forum one time in a post I happened to be reading.I figured it out about an hour later when I went to post a new day and the previous three weren't there.

[GrimmyDee]

In a fantastic pitching display that lasted well beyond the normal baseball game, White Sox starter Ken Brett (3-3, 2.58 ERA) throws 11 innings, giving up six hits and just one run to outlast Kansas City's Jim Colborn (2.74 ERA).

"How about that baseball game?." An exhuberant Brett said afterward. "You know, it is games like this that makes me fall in love with baseball over and over again. I just wished I could have gotten the chance to finish it off."

Colborn was excellent in defeat, going 11.1 innings - without recording one strikeout - allowing seven hits and one run leaving the game for closer Mark Littell (0-1) with one out in the 12th inning.

Littell quickly induces Ralph Garr to ground out to first for the second out, but gives up a single to the next batter, Jorge Orta (.242, 8 RBI). This is followed by a line drive into the left field corner by Oscar Gamble (.313, 12 RBI) that scores Orta with the go-ahead run.

"I feel horrible for Jim." Littell said after the game. "He left everything he had on the mound tonight and I let him down. It's my job to come in and get outs and I didn't do it."

Although visibly dissappointed, Colborn gave kudos to his opponent on the mound.

"It was pretty neat. Once we went into extras, we would glance at one another to see who would falter first. I lasted longer, but he got the win. That sucks."

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 R H E Chicago 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 9 0 Kansas City 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 2 WP: Ken Brett (3-3, 2.58 ERA) LP: Mark Littell (0-1, 1.59 ERA) SV: Lerrin LaGrow (3) POG: Ken Brett 11 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 4 K Attendance: 23,842 KC's John Wathan hitting .138 (4-29) over last 7 games.

Orta, Gamble and Eric Soderholm (.229) each has a pair of hits for the Sox while Freddie Patek (.292, 4 RBI) does the same for Kansas City, including his first home run of the season. The win breaks a three game losing streak for Chicago, who have lost nine of their last 13 games. Home Runs: CWS: None KC: Freddie Patek (1)

Featured Games
American League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Milwaukee 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 7 0 Toronto 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 1 WP: Jerry Augustine (3-2, 4.08 ERA) LP: Dave Lemanczyk (2-3, 3.47 ERA) SV: Bill Castro (5) POG: Jerry Augustine 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 K Attendance: 16,830 Toronto has lost four of their last five games.

Milwaukee's Dan Thomas (.286, 1 HR, 4 RBI) hits a two-run, pinch-hit home run off Dave Lemanczyk of the Blue Jays in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Brewers the 3-1 win. Lemanczyk struck out seven and allowed six hits in 8 1/3 innings pitched while Milwaukee starter Jerry Augustine gives up just five hits over his eight innings of work. Home Runs: MIL: Sixto Lezcano (2), Dan Thomas (1) TOR: None

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Oakland 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 4 11 0 Baltimore 1 0 1 3 5 2 2 1 x 15 19 1 WP: Mike Flanagan (3-1, 2.73 ERA) LP: Mike Torrez (3-3, 5.80 ERA) SV: None POG: Dick Allen 4-4, R, 3 RBI, HR Attendance: 15,297 Oakland falls 6.5 games behind Angels in AL West.

Ken Singleton (.372, 7 RBI) hits two doubles and scores three runs, Eddie Murray (.287, 16 RBI) has a double and a home run while scoring three runs, and Mark Belanger (.183, 4 RBI) goes 3-for-3 while driving in three runs as the Orioles go for 19 hits to crush Oakland. Darrell Porter (.289, 13 RBI) scores three times as well as having four runs batted in on the day. Home Runs: OAK: Dick Allen (3) BAL: Darrell Porter (2), Billy Smith (1), Eddie Murray (2), Rich Dauer (1)

National League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E Pittsburgh 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 13 2 Atlanta 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 9 0 WP: Kent Tekulve (3-0, 0.69 ERA) LP: Max Leon (1-3, 6.75 ERA) SV: None POG: Jeff Burroughs 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR Attendance: 18,272 Atlanta losing streak reaches four games.

Jeff Burroughs (.256, 5 HR, 15 RBI) hits two home runs for the Braves, but an RBI single by Mike Edwards (.250, 1 RBI) in the top of the 10th gives the Pirates their 17th win in 21 games. Dave Parker (.315, 2 HR, 12 RBI) has three hits and two runs batted in for Pittsburgh. Home Runs: PIT: Dave Parker (2) ATL: Jeff Burroughs 2 (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E New York 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 1 Los Angeles 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 x 3 7 0 WP: Doug Rau (4-1, 3.22 ERA) LP: Tom Seaver (1-2, 3.70 ERA) SV: Charlie Hough (5) POG: Doug Rau 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 K Attendance: 23,169 LA's Bob Boone has a eight game hitting streak.

With the score tied at two, Steve Garvey (.234) doubles to open up the eighth off of Mets starter Tom Seaver, then scores the go-ahead run one batter later on a single by Reggie Smith (.330, 18 RBI) as the Dodgers beat New York, 3-2. Seaver struck out 12 batters in going the distance in the loss, while Los Angeles starter Doug Rau only gives up five hits in his eight innings of work. Home Runs: NYM: Dave Kingman (2) LA: None

Other Games

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E St. Louis 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 7 3 Cincinnati 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 2 x 8 11 1 WP: Fred Norman (4-1, 2.80 ERA) LP: Eric Rasmussen (3-3, 2.61 ERA) SV: None POG: Dan Driessen 4-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR, SB Attendance: 26,194 Home Runs: STL: Ted Simmons (5) CIN: Dan Driessen (3) Cardinals' Lou Brock is hitting just .187 on the season.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Philadelphia 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 6 10 0 San Diego 2 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 x 7 12 0 WP: Bob Shirley (2-0, 2.61 ERA) LP: Larry Christenson (0-3, 6.21 ERA) SV: Rollie Fingers (3) POG: Mike Ivie 2-4, R, 3 RBI, 3B Attendance: 18,433 Home Runs: PHI: Larry Christenson (1) SD: None Ivie: 2-RBI triple in seventh helps seal win.

Injuries

RF Jim Tyrone (.246, 1 HR, 6 RBI) is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a fractured jaw. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. CF Larry Murray (.105, 1 HR, 4 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A San Jose. Jerry Hairston takes over the everyday DH duties with Murray getting an occassional at bat giving the OF a rest.

American League Player of the Week: April 24 - April 30
LF Mitchell Page - Oakland Athletics

Last Week 1977 Stats

AVG .355 .344

AB 31 90

H 11 31

R 7 18

2B 1 1

3B 1 2

HR 2 6

RBI 7 17

BB 1 4

K 9 19

OBP .419 .379

SLG .645 .600

National League Player of the Week: April 24 - April 30
1B Willie Stargell - Pittsburgh Pirates

Last Week 1977 Stats

AVG .458 .301

AB 24 73

H 11 22

R 5 12

2B 1 2

3B 0 0

HR 4 5

RBI 7 11

BB 2 14

K 6 22

OBP .542 .420

SLG 1.000 .534

Short Season Single A Update
Jamestown Expos (15-10) at Elmira Pioneers (13-12)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E Jamestown 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 9 0 Elmira 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 8 2 WP: Tommy Campbell (3-0, 2.25 ERA) LP: Dax Foster (0-1, 3 BS, 3.97 ERA) SV: Brian Little (2) POG: Kawanari Chikafuji 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 K Attendance: 2,517 Jamestown stays two games behind Rockledge for the division lead.

Down 2-1 in the top of the ninth inning, Dicky Hujibregts (.306, 5 RBI) doubles home Richard Adams (.273) to send the game into extra innings. Vernon Lambright (.176) singles to open the 10th and advances to third on a errant throw while he tries to steal. One batter later, Dave Kramer (6 RBI) brings him home with a sac fly to give us the win. Bill Newton (3.43 ERA) goes 6.2 innings allowing four hits and a earned run before I take him out too damn early. Home Runs: JAM: None ELM: None

[Doc_Brown]

Excellent update as normal. KUTGW.

[GrimmyDee]

American League Player of the Month
CF Ruppert Jones - Seattle Mariners

April

AVG .310

AB 87

H 27

R 16

2B 10

3B 1

HR 5

RBI 16

BB 16

K 13

OBP .417

SLG .621

National League Player of the Month
C Gary Carter - Montreal Expos

April

AVG .438

AB 64

H 28

R 16

2B 4

3B 1

HR 4

RBI 14

BB 8

K 6

OBP .500

SLG .719

American League Pitcher of the Month
SP Gary Ross - California Angels

April

W 5

L 0

SV 0

ERA 1.80

IP 45.0

H 26

R 11

ER 9

BB 3

K 23

WHIP 0.64

AVG .168

National League Pitcher of the Month
SP Pat Zachry - Cincinnati Reds

April

W 5

L 0

SV 0

ERA 3.07

IP 41.0

H 32

R 14

ER 14

BB 9

K 28

WHIP 1.00

AVG .218

American League Rookie of the Month
LF Mitchell Page - Oakland Athletics

April

AVG .337

AB 86

H 29

R 13

2B 1

3B 2

HR 5

RBI 15

BB 4

K 19

OBP .374

SLG .570

National League Rookie of the Month
LF Terry Puhl - Houston Astros

April

AVG .345

AB 55

H 19

R 9

2B 1

3B 2

HR 0

RBI 5

BB 6

K 4

OBP .419

SLG .436

[GrimmyDee]

Pitching in front of 23,000-plus at Yankee Stadium might be intimidating to some pitchers, but not California starter Nolan Ryan, who held the American League champions to just three hits while striking out 10 and facing only 31 batters.

"Just another day at the office." A stoic Ryan said afterward. "Don't get me wrong, I love playing the game - but we have a job to do. We can't get hung up on how a stadium looks"

Ryan still would need a home run in the fourth inning from Bobby Bonds (.212, 10 RBI) to pull out the win as Yankees starter Don Gullett matched him pitch for pitch, striking out nine while giving up seven hits in 8.2 innings.

"One tiny, little mistake." chuckled Gullett after the game. "I knew as soon as it left my hand that I wanted it back. Once a saw his (Bonds) eyes get as big as saucers I knew it was going for a ride. It was just a matter of how far."

For the record, Bonds shot only went 345 feet, but it was enough to clear the wall in left field.

The ten strikeouts by Ryan gave him his fourth double-digit strikeout game in five starts and gives California their fourth consecutive win. He is on pace to collect his fifth 300 strikeout season.

There was one Yankees player who wasn't impressed by the performace of Ryan.

"Reggie can't help what everyone else does at the plate. Reggie got his hit. Yeah, he throws hard - but I'm a hard hitter. There ain't a fastball alive Reggie can't hit."

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E California 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 1 New York 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 WP: Nolan Ryan (4-2, 3.28 ERA) LP: Don Gullett (2-2, 3.48 ERA) SV: None POG: Nolan Ryan 9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 10 K Attendance: 23,049 Ryan needs 21 strikeouts to pass Camilo Pascual for #24 All-Time.

Although he did collect one of the three hits off of Ryan, Reggie Jackson (.341) also struck out twice. New York had an opportunity to tie in the bottom of the ninth inning as Carlos May walks and moves to second on a Lou Pinella (.255) single with one out. A Jackson fly out to center moves May to third, but he would be stranded there as Ryan strikes out Graig Nettles on four pitches. Home Runs: CAL: Bobby Bonds (4) NYY: None

Featured Games
American League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Seattle 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 Boston 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 x 5 11 2 WP: Reggie Cleveland (4-1, 3.65 ERA) LP: Dick Pole (1-4, 6.11 ERA) SV: None POG: Reggie Cleveland 9 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 4 K Attendance: 21,716 Seattle is currently riding a three game losing streak.

Boston catcher Carlton Fisk (.314) has three hits, but it is the pitching of starter Reggie Cleveland (4-1, 3.65 ERA), who holds the Mariners lineup to five hits and leads the Red Sox to a victory. Jim Rice (.238) and Butch Hobson (.268) each add a pair of singles and Steve Dillard (.294, 2 RBI) delivers an RBI double for the Sox. Home Runs: SEA: None BOS: Carl Yastrzemski (7), Fred Lynn (2)

National League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Pittsburgh 0 2 0 5 3 2 1 0 0 13 15 1 Atlanta 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 9 2 WP: John Candelaria (2-1, 6.04 ERA) LP: Mickey Mahler (0-1, 15.75 ERA) SV: None POG: Frank Taveras 5-6, R, 3 RBI, 2 SB Attendance: 18,135 Jeff Burroughs has three home runs in the last two games.

The Pirates crush Atlanta behind the five-hit, three-RBI performance of leadoff hitter Frank Taveras (.298, 11 RBI) and the two-home run, three-RBI day of Willie Stargell (.313, 7 HR, 14 RBI). Phil Garner (.326, 3 HR, 14 RBI) also drives in three runs for Pittsburgh. Down 13-0, the Braves would score six in the seventh, thanks to a three-run home run from Junior Moore (.353, 2 HR, 12 RBI) - his third hit of the game - to make the game almost respectable. Home Runs: PIT: Bill Robinson (3), Phil Garner (3), Willie Stargell 2 (7) ATL: Junior Moore (2), Jeff Burroughs (6)

Other Games
American League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Minnesota 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 0 5 8 0 Cleveland 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 10 0 WP: Dave Goltz (2-2, 3.42 ERA) LP: Pat Dobson (0-2, 5.14 ERA) SV: Tom Johnson (6) POG: Glenn Adams 1-3, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR Attendance: 20,691 Home Runs: MIN: Glenn Adams (4) CLE: Rico Carty (3) Glenn Adams hits a three-run HR in the eighth to win it.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Milwaukee 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 Toronto 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 x 2 8 0 WP: Steve Hargan (1-2, 2.95 ERA) LP: Jim Slaton (2-3, 4.31 ERA) SV: Pete Vukovich (8) POG: Steve Hargan 7.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 K Attendance: 15,878 Home Runs: MIL: None TOR: None Bob Bailor hits the game-winning double in the fifth inning.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Chicago 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 9 1 Kansas City 0 0 3 4 0 0 1 1 x 9 12 0 WP: Larry Gura (2-1, 3.33 ERA) LP: Wilbur Wood (1-1, 4.97 ERA) SV: None POG: Tom Poquette 2-3, R, 2 RBI Attendance: 22,907 Home Runs: CWS: None KC: None Willie Wilson steals three bases for KC.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Texas 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 Detroit 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 x 5 8 0 WP: Dennis Leonard (3-2, 4.30 ERA) LP: Nelson Briles (1-4, 3.23 ERA) SV: None POG: Dennis Leonard 9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 K Attendance: 20,027 Home Runs: TOR: None DET: Ben Oglivie (7) Ben Oglivie: 2 for 3, two runs and a three-run homr run.

National League

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Houston 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 Chicago 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 x 6 7 1 WP: Bill Bonham (1-2, 2.76 ERA) LP: Dan Larson (0-2, 8.10 ERA) SV: None POG: Bill Bonham 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 11 K Attendance: 8,719 Home Runs: HOU: Bob Watson (5) CUB: Larry Biittner (1) Pinch hitter Larry Biittner's grand slam in the eighth wins it.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Philadelphia 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 6 12 0 San Diego 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 WP: Wayne Twitchell (2-0, 1.29 ERA) LP: Dan Freisleben (0-5, 6.68 ERA) SV: None POG: Wayne Twitchell 9 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 12 K Attendance: 18,592 Home Runs: PHI: None SD: None Dan Freisleben has given up six or more runs in four of his six starts.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Montreal 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 San Francisco 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 x 7 12 0 WP: Jim Barr (4-2, 3.63 ERA) LP: Jackie Brown (3-2, 4.76 ERA) SV: None POG: Jim Barr 8 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 4 K Attendance: 21,493 Home Runs: MON: None SF: Willie McCovey (2) Willie McCovey hits career home run #467.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E New York 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 Los Angeles 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 x 3 5 0 WP: Rick Rhoden (3-1, 2.92 ERA) LP: Nino Espinosa (2-2, 2.30 ERA) SV: Charlie Hough (6) POG: Rick Rhoden 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 7 K Attendance: 23,146 Home Runs: NYM: None LA: None LA has won three straight and now stands 2.5 games back of Cincy.

Injuries

SS Darrel Chaney (.345, 0 HR, 7 RBI) is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a strained posterior crucuate ligament. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. SS Jerry Royster placed on active roster (waiver recall). Contrary to popular belief, Royster gets a second chance at making a first impression.

Major Transactions

LF Jim Wohlford activated from the disabled list. LF Dick Davis (.000, 0 RBI) optioned to Triple A Spokane. 2B Bob Sheldon (.181, 14 RBI) recalled from Triple Spokane. 1B Ken McMullen (.417, 1 HR, 3 RBI) designated for assignment and placed on waivers. Somebody in the Milwaukee organization must REALLY like Bob Sheldon. Either that or McMullen got caught with the owners wife.

SP John Candelaria activated from the disabled list. MR Tim Jones (DNP) optioned to Triple A Columbus. The only stains the uniform of Jones sees is the tobacco from accidentally drinking from the spit cup of Rich Gossage.

Short Season Single A Update
Jamestown Expos (16-10) at Elmira Pioneers (13-13)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Jamestown 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 14 1 Elmira 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 7 0 WP: Juan Martinez (3-0, 2.25 ERA) LP: Darwin Marsh (1-1, 2 BS, 1.19 ERA) SV: None POG: Aurelio Roman 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 6 K Attendance: 2,517 Elmira's Steve Foster hits a walk-off single to win it.

Yep, you read that right. We had twice as many hits as Elmira and yet couldn't push enough runs across the plate to win. Of course, it doesn't help when you replace your pitcher (the POG by the way) who has thrown a five-hitter with a gas can. They'll run me out of town yet. At least Dicky Hujibregts (.333), Ed Hansen (.400, 6 RBI) and Jesus Rivera (.321, 11 RBI) got me three hits apiece. Home Runs: JAM: None ELM: None

[GrimmyDee]

Going into the bottom half of the eighth inning at Wrigley Field with the a 8-0 lead and your team had just scored six runs in the tp of the inning, you would think a pitcher would be pretty confident and relaxed.

Not Astros starter Mark Lemongello.

"There was some bad mojo going on in that inning." a shaken Lemongello said afterward. "First, the lucky half-dollar that I rub before leaving the dugout was missing, then (3B Enos) Cabell got tobacco on my shoes - a definite bad omen. Then I'm walking out to the mound staring at the juice on my shoes and step on the foul line. As I am warming up I swear I saw the Grim Reaper behind home plate pointing at me. After that, I just wanted to hide in my locker."

Seven hits and eight runs later, Lemongello got his wish as manager Bill Virdon mercifully pulled him from the game.

The Cubs started the inning with six consecutive hits and culminated their scoring (and the misfortune of Lemongello) with a three-run home run by Joe Wallis (.265, 5 RBI) that tied the game at eight runs apiece. Together, the two teams combined for 14 runs in this eighth inning.

The Astros six run eighth inning has seven consecutive base runners that includes two intentional walks and a hit batter and features three doubles, the biggest coming from Bob Watson (.308, 19 RBI) who hits a two-run double and Art Howe (.317, 12 RBI), who drills a three-run two bagger. Rookie Steve Ontiveros (.292) has three hits for Chicago while Howe drives in four runs in the loss.

"Six outs. That's all we needed." Virdon said after the game. "Just six stinking outs."

Neither team would score again until the 12th, when Cubs defensive replacement Jerry Morales (.371, 5 RBI) connected on a Gene Pentz fastball and sent it into the right-center field seats for a two-run home run and a unlikely come from behind Cubs victory.

However, Mark Lemongello was not around to see it.

"I was taking a long, hot shower. I've never had an experience like it before and I hope I never will again. Just tell Enos to keep his damn tobacco to himself."


American League News
Led by three hits by Johnny Grubb (.346, 9 RBI) and George Hendrick (.305, 4 HR, 13 RBI), who hits his first American League home run in Cleveland's four-run eighth inning that gives the Tribe a 5-1 win over the Twins. Wayne Garland throws his third consecutive complete game, giving up five hits and one earned run. Twins started Paul Redfern drops to 0-5 with the loss, giving up seven hits and two earned runs while striking out six in seven-plus innings.

Detroit is held to two hits by Rangers starter Gaylord Perry however one of those hits happened to be a solo home run by Jason Thompson (.208, 2 HR, 14 RBI) and Tigers starter Dave Roberts allows only three hits in nine shutout innings to give Detroit a 1-0 win.

California finally gets to Yankees starter Ed Figueroa for a run in the eighth before lighting up relievers Ken Clay and Gil Patterson for five more in the ninth for a 6-0 Angels victory. Joe Rudi (.339, 5 HR, 14 RBI) hits a three-run blast in the ninth and was followed two batters later with a solo shot by Tony Solaita (.364, 6 HR, 17 RBI) in the late-inning win. Paul Hartzell goes eight innings, giving up five hits and no runs.

American League Scores



National League News
Cincinnati starter Pat Zachry runs his record to 6-0 as he scatters eight hits over eight innings, giving up two runs while striking out five and leading the Reds to a 5-2 win over St. Louis. Buddy Bell (.267) and Ken Oberkfell (.429, 1 RBI) each have a trio of hits in the loss.

National League Scores


Injuries

SP Andy Hassler (3-2, 1.76 ERA) is expected to miss about 1-2 weeks with a tender elbow. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. MR Gary Lance (0-0, 6.23 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Omaha. Look for Doug Bird to take any starts that Hassler might miss - Lance will fill in the bullpen.

Short Season Single A Update
No Games Scheduled

[GrimmyDee]

Ok, I am having a size/font issue with myself that I cannot seem to get over. Is the size of the text in the last post ok or should a scale it back to a more normal look?

I swear it must be the age catching up with me, but it seems the default is pretty small, but I don't want to go totally in the wrong direction...

And don't even ask how I could get hung up something as trivial as font size...

[PhillieFever]

First off,the font size is great,don't let it bother you.Secondly,I'm glad to see you back at it.I was really getting into this before the hiatus.I'm getting ready to start a daily dynasty but way back in 1924,hopefully you follow along!

[Jestor]

No problems at all reading the font.

I do hope you continue. This is a fantastic dynasty.

[GrimmyDee]

Originally Posted by Jestor

No problems at all reading the font.

I do hope you continue. This is a fantastic dynasty.

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

First off,the font size is great,don't let it bother you.Secondly,I'm glad to see you back at it.I was really getting into this before the hiatus.I'm getting ready to start a daily dynasty but way back in 1924,hopefully you follow along!

I really appreciate the replies guys. Now maybe I can get over the font hangup and get back to work on this.

And I apologise for the hiatus there, had some trivial issues over the holidays that needed tending to. Well, that and McGwire "coming out" but not believing his performance was enhanced got the juices flowing again.

[GrimmyDee]

When the league announced its new Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program in January, their main purpose was to eliminate the use of any and all illegal substances from the game of baseball - specifically marijuana. With the surprising approval of the Players Association, five random players from each team will give a urine sample for analyzing. If a positive result does occur, a ten game suspension would be given. Repeated offenses will result in larger suspensions and/or fines.

But according to former Rangers second baseman Len Randle, he is being used as a scapegoat by the league.

"I am being used as a martyr, plain and simple." an aggrivated Randle said during a press conference held today. "I think the league had it in for me from the time I got into with (Texas manager Frank) Lucchesi. The next day they said I failed a drug test for marijuana and that I am suspended for ten games. I bet 90% of the players on the field have smoked pot in the last week."

When questioned about the allegations, MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn chuckled.

"While we do take these accusations seriously, we made it a point back in January to all of the teams - not only in the major league level, but the minors as well - that there would be no tolerance for marijuana in baseball. Hell, we even put the word 'Joint' in the program name. I guess Mr. Randle was too busy getting high to read the memo. Over 250 players have been randomly tested since March, and Mr. Randle is the only one to deliver a positive test."

Whatever the case, Randle, now playing for the Rangers Triple-A club in Tuscon, is ready to blow the lid off what he calls 'a major conspiracy'.

"I was quiet, passive and Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes for a month now hoping this little issue would get resolved on its own." Randle continued. "There is no reason I should not be at the major league level right now."

"Len Randle is still in Triple-A because he's hitting .235 there." Manager Lucchesi says. "Yeah, I had issues with him during Spring Training, but that is water under the bridge - I'm a big boy, I don't hold grudges."

Since Randle's demotion however, the Rangers have acquired middle infielder Jimmy Sexton from Seattle.

And you can believe Randle is aware of it.

"Yeah I saw that. It just goes to show how I got singled out. If the league suspended all of the people they supposedly tested and failed, there wouldn't be much of a league."


American League News
Seattle scores two runs in the top of the ninth on back-to-back, two out, RBI singles by Bill Stein (.241, 13 RBI) and pinch hitter Tommy Helms (.167, 1 RBI) off of Bill Campbell (0-1, 1 BS, 1.93 ERA) to give the Mariners a win over Boston at Fenway Park. Seattle manages just four hits - two by Stein - but five Red Sox walks help those base hits count. Carl Yastrzemski (.397, 7 HR, 18 RBI) is showing to be a valid Triple Threat contender.

Backup catcher Buck Martinez (.600, 1 HR, 2 RBI) scores two runs and drives in two more on three hits to lead Kansas City to a win over the White Sox. Marty Pattin (3-2, 3.28 ERA) scatters seven hits and strikes out five in 7.2 innings. Amos Otis (.316, 11 RBI) and Bob Molinaro (.288, 6 RBI) each drive in a pair of runs in the win. With the win Kansas City moved within three games of the AL West lead.

American League Scores


National League News
Ken Forsch (3-1, 2.14 ERA) throws eight innings of five-hit baseball while striking out seven and Enos Cabell (.311) delivers three hits as Houston gets by the Cubs. Rick Reuschel (3-3, 3.89 ERA) goes the distance in the 2-1 loss, giving up nine hits and one earned run. Bob Watson (.298) knocks in his 20th run of the season for the go-ahead run in the sixth inning. Greg Gross of the Cubs is hitting just .133 (4-20) over the last eight games.

Led by three RBI from Bill Madlock (.322, 2 HR, 12 RBI) and two more on a double in the sixth inning from Rob Andrews (.315, 4 RBI), the Giants beat Montreal 8-3 to sweep the series, but lose starter Bob Knepper (5.03 ERA) in the process after the second inning to what team officials are calling a back strain. Larry Parrish (.241, 11 RBI) has two hits and drives in a pair in the loss.

National League Scores


Injuries

SP Bob Knepper (2-1, 5.03 ERA) is day-to-day for about 2 weeks with a strained back muscle. The schedule favors the Giants and they will go to a 4-man rotation until Knepper returns.

2B Steve Staggs (.231, 1 HR, 8 RBI) is day-to-day for about 1 week with a damaged meniscus. Staggs is a real man so look for him not to miss any games.

Short Season Single A Update
NYP All-Star Game

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E East/West 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 5 11 1 North/South 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 12 0 WP: Anthony O'Higgins (Chula Vista) LP: Tommy Campbell (Jamestown) SV: Chung Lou (Portland) POG: Keith Long (Virginia Beach) 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR Attendance: 9,866 Morgan & Davenport (E/W) each have three hits in the loss. East/West All-Stars SP - Miguel Cuevas (4-0, 1.74 ERA) Oneonta SP - Billy Goodman (3-1, 1.70 ERA) Virginia Beach SP - Young-lau Tien (5-0, 3.04 ERA) St. Louis SP - Jorge Montanio (4-2, 2.55 ERA) Rockledge SP - Rafael Cisneros (3-0, 2.28 ERA) St. Louis CL - Gulussa Alami (1-0, 7 SV, 0.82 ERA) Virginia Beach CL - Matt Dalton (0-0, 9 SV, 3.12 ERA) St. Louis CL - Markus Ward (0-0, 8 SV, 1.04 ERA) Newark MR - Tommy Campbell (3-0, 1 SV, 2.25 ERA) Jamestown CL - Steven Garland (1-1, 6 SV, 2.25 ERA) Niagara Falls CL - John Crocker (0-1, 6 SV, 1.04 ERA) Orlando MR - Jeffrey Lewis (1-1, 1 SV, 3.10 ERA) Little Falls 2B - Michael Davenport (.376, 1 HR, 14 RBI) St. Louis SS - Milo Dyer (.362, 1 HR, 17 RBI) Orlando RF - Will Goff (.344, 4 HR, 18 RBI) Oneonta CF - Andres Rodriguez (.337, 2 HR, 19 RBI) St. Louis (LF) C - Ed Powell (.346, 1 HR, 22 RBI) Auburn LF - Carlos Castro (.330, 3 HR, 14 RBI) Batavia C - Carl LaPlante (.333, 1 HR, 15) Niagara Falls 3B - Donovan Morgan (.299, 2 HR, 17 RBI) Oneonta 1B - Jose Rios (.313, 3 HR, 16 RBI) Orlando SS - Keith Long (.376, 2 HR, 6 RBI) Virginia Beach SS - Tomas Rojas (.353, 1 HR, 14 RBI) Elmira (C) RF - Wibert Ackerman (.355, 1 HR, 18 RBI) Rockledge CF - Dexter Wolfe (.310, 1 HR, 14 RBI) Little Falls 2B - Phil Brandon (.444, 0 HR, 5 RBI) Elmira CF - Jon Norton (.421, 0 HR, 10 RBI) Orlando 1B - Koto Fujihara (.322, 1 HR, 15 RBI) Little Falls Denotes starting player

Not only does Jamestown get screwed out of multiple All-Stars, but our lone representative Tommy Campbell gives up a one-out, RBI double in the ninth inning to give the East/West All-Stars the lead and the win. I feel bad for Tommy as he did deserve the invite (among others) and its a shame his appearance had to go this way. Home Runs: E/W: Keith Long (Virginia Beach) N/S: None North/South All-Stars SP - Luis Martinez (4-2, 1.29 ERA) Victoriaville SP - Pedro Silva (3-0, 1.28 ERA) Paradise SP - Danny Anthony (5-1, 1.99 ERA) Victoriaville SP - Takiji Oike (5-1, 2.70 ERA) Walla Walla SP - Casey Morrison (4-0, 2.20 ERA) Grays Harbor CL - Luis Manuel Manuel (4-0, 7 SV, 1.69 ERA) Eugene CL - Fernando Maldonado (3-0, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA) Salem MR - Claudio Tamayo (0-0, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA) Bellingham MR - Chung Lou (0-0, 3 SV, 0.79 ERA) Portland CL - Anthony O'Higgins (0-1, 7 SV, 1.35 ERA) Chula Vista MR - Bill Ray (1-1, 3 SV, 2.61 ERA) Salem MR - Juan Lucero (0-1, 1 SV, 1.69 ERA) Paradise CF - Timothy Brady (.432, 4 HR, 23 RBI) Victoriaville RF - Michael Olson (.510, 0 HR, 12 RBI) Salem 1B - Albert Gutierrez (.343, 4 HR, 16 RBI) Grays Harbor 3B - Vicente Rodriguez (.351, 0 HR, 11 RBI) Teeswater LF - Pedro Rodriguez (.340, 2 HR, 16 RBI) Eugene 2B - Jose Lopez (.404, 1 HR, 14 RBI) Eugene C - Darrell Ryan (.298, 2 HR, 13 RBI) Bellingham C - Chad Mitchell (.303, 0 HR, 11 RBI) Eugene SS - Steve Willis (.300, 1 HR, 18 RBI) Paradise CF - Tony Madrid (.363, 2 HR, 9 RBI) Salem 1B - Ramon Garza (.327, 2 HR, 21 RBI) Portland (DH) 1B - Augusto Perez (.328, 2 HR, 26) Eugene LF - Kent Trent (.326, 1 HR, 20 RBI) Salem CF - Brian Taylor (.314, 1 HR, 12 RBI) Honolulu (RF) 1B - Shinobu Takeuchi (.341, 1 HR, 12 RBI) Bellingham CF - Stan MacCririe (.308, 1 HR, 10 RBI) Honolulu

[GrimmyDee]

Fresh off of his newly signed contract extention, Atlanta's Andy Messersmith (3-3, 2.68 ERA) looked to prove his worth to the team and his fans.

He succeeded by throwing a one-hitter against the Chicago Cubs.

However, that one hit was a solo home run that led off the second inning by Chicago's Bobby Murcer (.274, 3 HR, 8 RBI) that proved to be the games only run.

While not quite as dominant as Messersmith, Cubs starter Steve Renko (3-2, 3.29 ERA) was equally effective, holding the Braves to four hits and more importantly no runs as he leads Chicago to a 1-0 victory over Atlanta.

Asked whether he was pleased with his performance despite the teams loss, an obviously frustrated Messersmith didn't pull any punches.

"What do you want me to say? A loss is a loss, period. It doesn't matter how well I pitch if we lose the game. You want an official quote? Try this - It sucks."

Messersmith faced just 26 batters over the eight innings, striking out seven hitters while walking just one.


American League News
Three Kansas City errors contribute to four unearned runs however Bert Blyleven (5-1, 1.59 ERA) makes the point moot as he throws a complete game shutout and lead the Rangers to a 5-0 victory. Mike Hargrove (.203) has a three-hit day for Texas while Bob Molinaro (.312) and John Wathan (.263) combine for six of the seven Royals hits. Over the last five games, the Rangers Roy Howell is batting .500 (10-20).

It took one month and seven starts, but former Cy Young Award winner Jim Palmer (1-5, 2.87 ERA) gets his first win of the season, scattering eight hits and striking out four in a 11-0 crushing of the Mariners - sending Seattle to their sixth straight loss. Eddie Murray (.323, 18 RBI) scores three runs on four hits, Ken Singleton (.380, 10 RBI) scores three and drives in three while Mark Belanger (.225, 6 RBI) adds three hits of his own in the win.

Angels starter Frank Tanana (5-1, 1.62 ERA) holds Boston to three hits while striking out six through 6 2/3 innings, but leaves the game in visible pain after a pitch in the seventh. Three relievers keep the Red Sox hitless the rest of the way to preserve California's 3-0 win and sixth victory in a row. Team doctors say the injury is in the shoulder area but will not know the severity of the injury until more tests can be done.

Milwaukee 2B Don Money (.269, 11 RBI) hits two home runs and drives in four off of Tigers starter Mark Fidrych (5-1, 2.55 ERA), handing Fidrych his first loss of the season, 7-4. Cecil Cooper (.265, 11 RBI) scores twice on three hits for the Brew Crew while Ben Oglivie (.299, 23 RBI) has three hits and two RBI for Detroit - including his league leading eighth home run. Detroit's Willie Horton is battling a 1-17 (.059) slump.

Rookie Blue Jays starter Jim Clancy wins his fifth game of the year, scattering seven hits in seven innings while Bob Bailor (.296, 11 RBI) and Alan Ashby (.322, 5 HR, 14 RBI) contribute three hits apiece as Toronto continues to impress with a 4-3 win over the Twins, running their record in one-run games to 9-0. The win gives the Jays a two game lead in the AL East.

American League Scores



National League News
Houston's Bob Watson (.293, 21 RBI) drives in a run in his 10th consecutive game, but the Astros lose to St. Louis 8-4 at Busch Stadium. Bake McBride (.326, 12 RBI, 15 SB) has four hits and steals four bases for the Cardinals and Jerry Mumphrey (.270) adds three hits of his own in the Cards' 16-hit assault. Astros pitchers allow two balks in the game.

Dave Parker (.320, 14 RBI) hits a two-run home run to lead the Pirates to three runs in the bottom of the eighth for a 6-4 win over Cincinnati in a battle of division leaders. Cesar Geronimo (.160, 8 RBI) hits a double and his second home run of the year in the loss while Phil Garner (18 SB) steals three bases against Reds catcher Johnny Bench. Kent Tekulve notches his league leading eighth save.

Bud Harrelson (.194, 9 RBI) hits a two-out, RBI single in the top of the ninth to give the Mets a 6-5 win on the road in San Francisco. Dave Kingman (.258) has three hits and John Milner (.289, 6 RBI) doubles and homers to lead New York while Jack Clark (.305) scores twice on three hits and Derrel Thomas (.279, 9 RBI) drives in three for San Francisco in the loss. Terry Whitfield of the Giants is hitting just .120 (2-37) in his last 14 games.

National League Scores


Trades

Kansas City trades 29-year-old 2B Bob Heise ($148,920 over 2 years) and 22-year old Double A 1B Kazuyoshi Miyazaki (Minor League Contract) to Oakland, getting 27-year-old MR Steve Dunning ($134,400 over 2 years) and 23-year-old Triple A 2B Juan Ortiz (Minor League Contract) in return.

To Oakland:

Bob Heise 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .268 .258

AB 56 62

H 15 16

R 5 9

2B 2 3

3B 0 1

HR 0 0

RBI 5 6

BB 1 5

K 2 5

OBP .293 .309

SLG .304 .339

Kaz Miyazaki 1977 Stats (AA)

AVG .364

AB 118

H 43

R 25

2B 4

3B 0

HR 4

RBI 14

BB 12

K 17

OBP .432

SLG .500

To Kansas City:

Steve Dunning 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

W 2 0

L 6 0

SV 0 1

ERA 4.35 11.00

IP 97.1 9.0

H 102 16

R 59 11

ER 47 11

BB 39 5

K 76 8

WHIP 1.45 2.33

AVG .268 .362

Juan Ortiz 1977 Stats (AAA)

AVG .220

AB 100

H 22

R 9

2B 3

3B 0

HR 0

RBI 13

BB 8

K 9

OBP .297

SLG .250

Injuries

SP Frank Tanana (5-1, 1.62 ERA) is expected to miss about 8 weeks with a strained rotator cuff. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. SP Wayne Simpson (4-2, 2.29 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Salt Lake City. Huge blow for the Angels as Tanana is shelved. Hopefully Simpson can provide 1/2 the performance.

Major Tranactions

MR Steve Dunning placed on the active roster (from trade). 2B Frank White (.237, 2 HR, 23 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Omaha. MR Gary Lance (DNP) optioned to Triple A Omaha. The progress of White made Heise expendable - White will start at 2B with Dunning filling in at middle relief.

2B Bob Heise placed on the active roster (from trade). MR Mike Norris (1-0, 2 SV, 2.29 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A San Jose. 2B Larry Lintz (.429, 1 RBI) optioned to Triple A San Jose. Heise will be backing up Rodney Scott who will play 2B on a more permanent basis, while Norris fills the bullpen vacancy.

Short Season Single A Update
No Games Scheduled

[GrimmyDee]

In a game with excellent starting pitching from both teams, it was the defensive of the Pittsburgh Pirates that faltered, costing them a win.

Ray Knight opened the 11th inning by drawing a walk off of Pirates closer Kent Tekulve (3-1, 0.60 ERA). After moving to second on a Johnny Bench ground out, Knight took off for third on the first pitch to the next hitter, Steve Henderson (.311). The throw by catcher Ed Ott (his third of the season) was wide of third, skipping off into left field and allowing Knight to score to winning run.

"I hate to admit it, but I was a little surprised he (Knight) took off for third." a somber Ott said afterward. "But that's no excuse. I've made that throw a million times and this one rolled off my hand wrong. It was like a screwball how far it tailed away from Kenny (Macha)."

Ott's error wasn't the only one that contributed to the loss. In the sixth inning, Pittsburgh starter Jerry Reuss (3.20 ERA) was cruising with a 2-1 lead and two out and two men on base when Henderson hit a ground ball that Macha bobbled, then threw wildly to first base - allowing the runner from second to score and tie the game.

Reuss had a very good perfomance, allowing six hits and just one earned run over eight innings while striking out five Reds hitters. Cincinnati starter Fred Norman (2.67 ERA) was equal to the task however, striking out six and giving up two earned runs on five hits through nine innings. Each would end with a no decision.

"Our defense cost us tonight." Pirates manager Chuck Tanner said afterward. "We made three errors tonight. THREE. And those errors cost us two runs. We should have been on a bus back to the hotel with a win tonight."


American League News
Ken Holtzman (2-0, 2.35 ERA) scatters six hits in eight innings to lead the Yankees to a 3-0 shutout of Oakland. Reggie Jackson (.350, 21 RBI) drives in two of New York's three runs. Dick Allen (.286) and Bob Heise (.290) each have two singles for Oakland and Thurman Munson (.266) collects a pair in the win for the Yankees.

In his first start of his career, Don Aase (1-0, 1.98 ERA) makes the Red Sox front office take notice as he throws a complete game five-hitter and beats California, 10-2. Butch Hobson (.289, 4 HR, 13 RBI) hits a three-run blast in the third inning and Bernie Carbo (.259, 4 HR, 14 RBI) follows that up with a grand slam in the fifth - both off of Angels starter Gary Ross.

Mickey Stanley (.188) scores three runs on four hits - including two doubles - and Ron LeFlore (.309, 11 RBI, 14 SB) drives in four with his three hits for Detroit, but it isn't enough to beat the Brewers as they fall 7-5. Cecil Cooper (.280, 12 RBI) hits two doubles and a single for while Don Money (.268, 14 RBI) drives in three runs for Milwaukee in the win.

Dan Ford (.347, 10 RBI) scores three runs, doubles and hits a three-run home run as part of a three hit day to lead Minnesota to a 9-4 win in Toronto. The Twins hit two doubles, a single and a Roy Smalley (.265, 7 RBI) triple to go along with Ford's two-run home run in the five-run, fifth inning that blows the game open.

Kansas City manages just four hits on the day, but utilizes their speed to manufacture three runs in the sixth inning to steal a 4-2 win from the Rangers. Two walks, three stolen bases, a John Wathan (.263, 13 RBI) RBI single and a George Brett (.273, 14 RBI, 7 SB) RBI double is all offense needed as the Royals steal seven bases off of Texas catcher Bill Fahey.

American League Scores



National League News
Mets starter Tom Seaver (2-2, 3.04 ERA) takes a no-hitter into the sixth and finishes with a two-hit shutout with six strikeouts in defeating San Francisco, 7-0. Catcher John Stearns (.264, 1 HR, 8 RBI) hits a home run and two doubles to drive in three runs to lead the New York offense. Seaver also doubles in the game, scoring the Mets first run on a Lynn McGlothen (1-1, 2.95 ERA) wild pitch.

Both Atlanta's Dick Ruthven (1-2, 3.74 ERA) and the Cubs' Dennis Lamp (1-1, 2.11 ERA) throw five-hit complete games, but it is Chicago who puts the runs on the board as they score on a Bobby Murcer (.276, 4 HR, 9 RBI) solo home run and an RBI double by Brian Downing (.244, 13 RBI) to give the Cubbies a 2-0 win. Willie Montanez (.314) hits two doubles in the loss.

Bob Boone (.326, 13 RBI) comes within a SINGLE of hitting for the cycle while scoring three runs as the Dodgers hold on to defeat Boone's former team, 9-6. Reggie Smith (.324, 22 RBI) drives in three, including two on his seventh home run on the season as Phillies starter Larry Christenson (0-4, 7.26 ERA) gives up four or more runs for the fifth time in six starts. Lee Lacy (.279, 16 RBI) doubles and homers for Philadelphia in the loss.

National League Scores



Contract Signings

MR John Curtis (0-0, 0.00 ERA) signs a 3-year extension worth a total of $2,763,000. He will earn $921,000 a year through 1980.

Short Season Single A Update
No Games Scheduled

[GrimmyDee]

With Mel Allen
Vol. I, Issue V
Sunday, May 1 - Saturday, May 7, 1977


With enough color to make your eyes bleed.

Major League Standings


Hitting Leaders


Pitching Leaders


Who's Hot / Who's Cold


Minor League Standings


Jamestown Team Stats

[GrimmyDee]

Espinosa Shuts Down Giants
Sunday, May 8, 1977
The bats of San Francisco are silenced as Mets starter Nino Espinosa (3-2, 1.79 ERA) holds them in check in game one of a doubleheader for a three-hit shutout and a 4-0 victory. Lee Mazzilli (.240, 2 HR, 11 RBI) hits a two-run home run to provide all the offense New York would need.

"It was a big win for us." said first baseman Ed Kranepool in between games. "We haven't had too many of these victories to be excited about and I hope we can string a few of them together. But in all seriousness though, I highly doubt it."

In game two, Ed Halicki (5-2, 4.01 ERA) strikes out seven and allows just five hits over eight innings while Darrell Evans (.314) has three hits to lead the Giants to a 4-2 victory and a split of the doubleheader.

American League News
Cleveland's Al Fitzmorris (2-4, 3.45 ERA) holds the White Sox to just three hits, but four walks hurt him as he loses the game 2-0. 35-year-old Wilbur Wood (2-1, 2.91 ERA) walks five, but holds the Tribe to four hits for his 24th shutout of his career.

Nolan Ryan (5-2, 2.78 ERA) strikes out 12, walks seven, but holds the Red Sox to four hits in 8 1/3 innings as California crushes Boston, 12-0. Tony Solaita (.354, 7 HR, 20 RBI) and Ken Landreaux (.348, 3 HR, 13 RBI) drive in three runs apiece and Thad Bosley (.371) has three hits in the blowout win. George Scott (.236) has three of Boston's four hits.

Ross Grimsley (1-5, 9.08 ERA) gets his first win of the season as he goes 8.1 innings, allowing seven hits and only one earned run as he leads the Orioles to a 3-1 victory over Seattle. Baltimore 2B Billy Smith (.254) has two doubles and a single to lead the offense.

Sixto Lezcano (.212, 17 RBI) hits a based-loaded triple off of Dennis Leonard (3-3) to break a 3-3 tie and leads the Brewers to an eventual 6-4 win over Detroit. Milwaukee starter Jim Slaton (3-3, 4.31 ERA) gives up just three hits in 8 1/3 innings, with one being a three-run blast by major league home run and RBI leader Ben Oglivie (.298, 9 HR, 27 RBI).

American League Scores


National League News
Ed Ott (.255, 9 RBI) goes 4-for-4 and hits his fourth home run of the season to lead the Pirates past Cincinnati 6-2 and gives Pittsburgh the weekend series between the division leaders. Ott drives in a pair and scores two runs, while Dave Parker (.313, 4 HR, 16 RBI) adds a two run blast of his own.

The losses continue to mount as Montreal loses its seventh and eighth consecutive games - a doubleheader sweep to the Padres. San Diego starter Dan Freiselben (1-5, 5.53 ERA) gets his first win of the year in game one, scattering nine hits in seven innings of shutout baseball while Dave Winfield (.247, 3 HR, 11 RBI), Gene Richards (.267) and Jerry Turner (.202) each have three hits and Bob Stinson drives home four runners in the 8-0 win. In the second game, Mike Ivie (.333, 14 RBI) has three hits and five Padres pitchers keep Montreal at bay and score a 8-1 victory.

National League Scores


Injuries

LF Bruce Bochte (.301, 1 HR, 8 RBI) is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a scratched cornea. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. LF Rusty Torres (.264, 7 HR, 35 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Salt Lake City. Torres has been tearing up Triple A pitching - but he'll be behind Thad Bosley in the depth chart in LF.

Major Transactions

MR Jeff D'Acquisto activated from the disabled list. 3B Ken Reitz (.188, 1 RBI) optioned to Triple A New Orleans.

Short Season Single A Update
Jamestown Expos (17-11) at Newark Co-Pilots (13-15)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Jamestown 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 5 8 2 Newark 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 x 6 15 1 WP: Tom Roe (3-3, 3.17 ERA) LP: Tim Taylor (0-1, 4.91 ERA) SV: Markus Ward (9) POG: Thomas Taylor 3-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B Attendance: 2,261 Joe McKnight is out 3 months with a herniated disk.

Aurelio Roman (2.93 ERA) lasted just 3.1 innings, giving up 12 hits and four earned runs, but by then we were down three runs and looked unable to put runs on the board. Jesus Rivera (.328, 13 RBI) proved me wrong with three hits, scoring two runs and driving in another, while Richard Adams (.290, 18 RBI) drove in a pair on two hits to make it close. Thomas Taylor (.333, 3 RBI) hurt us with three hits, along with scoring the game-winner in the sixth inning. Home Runs: JAM: None ELM: None

[GrimmyDee]

Hobson's Four Hits Lead Sox
Monday, May 9, 1977
Rick Burleson (.188) scores twice on three hits and Butch Hobson (.305, 5 HR, 14 RBI) adds four more - including two doubles and a solo home run - to help Boston to a 7-1 win over the Athletics - sending Oakland to their ninth straight loss.

"Sure it was a win, but c'mon this Oakland. They haven't won in two weeks." said Hobson after the game. "We have a tremendous amount of pride on this ball club so there was no way they were going to break their losing streak against us. Besides...this is Oakland were're talking about. Oakland sucks."

Eight of the Red Sox 14 hits were for extra bases. Boston starter Rick Wise (3-3, 3.78 ERA) scatters seven hits and allows one unearned run to gain the win. However, it wasn't the fine pitching performance by Wise that had reporters talking - it was the vote of confidence that GM Charlie Finley gave manager Jack McKeon.

"Jack McKeon isn't going anywhere so you can put those rumors to rest right now. He is doing an fantastic job with the players and they are merely going through some growing pains right now. Mark my words - come playoff time, we'll be right there."


American League News
Angels' SS Rance Mulliniks (.286, 4 HR, 15 RBI) hits a three-run home run off of Kansas City starter Doug Bird (1-1, 3.09 ERA) in the seventh inning to push California past the Royals, 4-1. Paul Hartzell (4-1, 2.29 ERA) goes 8 1/3 innings, giving up four hits and the only Kansas City run. Bird strikes out eight in the loss.

The baseball gods continue to shine on the Blue Jays in the late innings as Phil Roof (.353, 3 RBI) hits a bases loaded one-out single in the bottom of the 13th inning to give Toronto a 7-6 win over the Mariners. Alan Ashby (.337, 17 RBI), Doug Ault (.376, 9 RBI), Sam Ewing (.313) and Hector Torres (.255, 8 RBI) each have three hits in the Blue Jays 19-hit attack, while only Steve Braun (.255) manages the feat for Seattle.

Milwaukee scores four runs in the top of the seventh, two of which were thanks to an error by third baseman Bill Melton (his 5th) to give the Brewers a 4-3 win over the Tribe in the second game of an evening doubleheader. Sal Bando (.214) has three hits and Von Joshua (.200, 8 RBI) hits a key RBI triple to lead the Milwaukee offense.

American League Scores



National League News
Houston starter Mark Lemongello (1-1, 4.67 ERA) outduels Ray Burris (2-3) and the Cubs by a 2-1 score at the Astrodome. Lemongello goes eight innings, giving up four hits and the one run run. Burris goes leaves one inning earlier, scattering seven hits and two runs (one earned).

Al Oliver (.356) triples to the right field corner to open the bottom of the eighth inning off of Phil Niekro (3-4) and scores on a sacrifice fly by Ken Macha (.261, 11 RBI) to give the Pirates the lead and the win, 3-2. Macha has three hits on the day, scoring two runs and driving in Oliver for the game-winner.

After errors by Ted Simmons (his 9th) and Ken Oberkfell (3rd) contribute five unearned runs and a six-run sixth inning, the Cardinals come back with three runs in the seventh to hand Pat Zachry (6-1) his first loss of the season. 3B Buddy Bell (.294, 9 RBI) has three hits for St. Louis, including a game-tying RBI double and scoring the game-winner on Oberkfell's sacrifice fly.

National League Scores


Trades
Atlanta trades 28-year-old SS Craig Robinson ($59,885 over 1 year) to Philadelphia, getting 33-year-old LF Ollie "Downtown" Brown ($321,300 over 2 years) in return.

To Philadelphia:

Craig Robinson 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .235 .375

AB 17 8

H 4 3

R 4 0

2B 0 0

3B 0 0

HR 0 0

RBI 3 1

BB 5 0

K 2 1

OBP .391 .333

SLG .235 .375

To Atlanta:

Ollie Brown 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .254 .269

AB 209 26

H 53 7

R 30 2

2B 10 0

3B 1 1

HR 5 1

RBI 30 4

BB 33 3

K 33 5

OBP .350 .345

SLG .383 .462

Contract Signings

CL Max Leon (1-2, 5 SV, 6.10 ERA) signs a 2-year extension worth a total of $385,920. He will earn $192,960 a year through 1979.

MR Diego Segui (0-0, 2.70 ERA) signs a 1-year extension worth a total of $69,000.

Major Transactions

LF Ollie Brown placed on the active roster (from trade). CF Barry Bonnell (.273, 1 HR, 4 RBI) optioned to Triple A Richmond. SS Pat Rockett (.222, 7 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Richmond. Brown will backup Gary Matthews and Jerry Royster at the corner OF spots, while Rockett will play behind Jerry Royster.

SS Craig Robinson placed on the active roster (from trade). SS Larry Bowa (.269, 9 RBI) optioned to Triple A Oklahoma City. 1B Tom Hutton (.248, 3 HR, 21 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Oklahoma City. Shocked at the Bowa demotion, but that looks like the reason for the trade as Robinson will now start at short. Hutton will back up Davey Johnson at first base.

SP Pete Falcone activated from the disabled list. MR Doug Capilla (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 7 IP) optioned to Triple A New Orleans. Falcone was 0-2 when he went down, but his 2.04 ERA will be welcome in the rotation.

Players Of The Week
American League Player of the Week: May 1 - May 7
1B Eddie Murray - Baltimore Orioles

Last Week 1977 Stats

AVG .650 .333

AB 20 102

H 13 34

R 7 16

2B 2 6

3B 0 1

HR 3 4

RBI 5 20

BB 3 10

K 2 9

OBP .800 .386

SLG 1.200 .529

National League Player of the Week: May 1 - May 7
SP Steve Renko - Chicago Cubs

Last Week 1977 Stats

ERA 0.53 3.29

W 2 3

L 0 2

SV 0 0

IP 17.0 38.1

H 11 36

R 1 16

ER 1 14

BB 2 10

K 7 18

WHIP .76 1.20

AVG .190 .264

Short Season Single A Update
Jamestown Expos (17-12) at Newark Co-Pilots (14-15)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Jamestown 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 5 13 2 Newark 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 6 2 WP: Darwin Marsh (2-1, 1.84 ERA) LP: Zhi-xin Qian (1-4, 5.33 ERA) SV: Tommy Campbell (2) POG: Louis Church 1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR Attendance: 2,070 Jesus Rivera goes 2-3 with a run scored.

So we have four players with multi-hit days and they give the POW to a guy who hits a lucky two-run home run?!? C'mon! We bashed out 13 hits (all singles) but two double plays and three people getting caught stealing made this game much, much closer than it should have been. Kudos to our bullpen - Marsh, Brian Little (1.54 ERA) and Tommy Campbell (2.03 ERA) - who combined to throw four scoreless innings. Home Runs: JAM: None NEW: Louis Church (1)

[GrimmyDee]

Twins Bobble Win Against Tigers
Tuesday, May 10, 1977

Every manager has many difficult decisions to make during the course of a game, not the least of which is using pinch-hitters and substituting players. Minnesota manager Gene Mauch was faced with such a difficult choice in the game tonight against Detroit.

"I'm not going to stand here and say I made the wrong decision." said Mauch after the game. "Hell, you guys are going write that no matter what I say. I wanted Wynegar in the game and had confidence in him playing in the infield - at that is all that matters. I can assure you, he was not scared to death no matter how nervous he look out there."

Up 4-1 in the seventh inning, Mauch pinch hit Butch Wynegar for 2B Bob Randall and with no bench players left, kept him in the game to play second base. The following inning, Ron LeFlore (.325, 1 HR, 14 RBI) sparks a rally with a two-run double, then scores the tying run thanks to a booted ground ball with two outs by Wynegar. In the bottom of the ninth, Milt May (.244) doubles to open the inning and after a sacrifice bunt to second and a fielders choice moves May to third, Aurelio Rodriguez sends a hard grounder to Wynegar which he bobbles and throws late to first - allowing May to score the winning run.

While Wynegar could not be reached for comment, teammate Lyman Bostock offered up his opinion.

"I'm not going to say one bad thing about Butch - he's one of the main reasons we are playing as well as we are. But those last two innings, they were pretty brutal to watch."

The loss ruins a superb pitching performance as the Tigers manage only four hits in the game with Minnesota starter Pete Redfern (5.20 ERA) allowing only two hits and strikes out nine in 7 1/3 innings.


American League News
California's Ike Hampton (.375, 4 HR, 13 RBI) has four hits, scores twice and drives in four as the Angels crush Kansas City, 12-5. Thad Bosley (.380, 6 RBI) adds three hits and two runs batted in as every member of the California starting lineup except Ken Landreaux scores at least one run. Hal McRae (.252, 18 RBI) has three hits while Amos Otis (.284, 2 HR, 14 RBI) hits a three-run blast in the eighth inning for the Royals.

Toronto's Jeff Byrd (3-0, 1.91 ERA) extends the Mariners losing streak to five as the Blue Jays win, 7-2. Byrd gives up three hits - two to Carlos Lopez (.243, 1 HR, 4 RBI), including a two-run shot in the fourth - and strikes out six in the complete game win - his first in the majors. Al Woods (.282, 9 RBI) leads the 15-hit assault with four, with Bob Bailor (.290, 12 RBI) and Otto Velez (.231, 17 RBI) adding three apiece.

American League Scores


National League News
Despite three hits, five RBI and two runs scored from John Milner (.315, 2 HR, 12 RBI), the Mets still manage to lose to San Diego 10-9 as Bill Almon (.219, 11 RBI), Jerry Turner (.213, 1 HR, 8 RBI) and Bobby Valentine (.417, 1 HR, 8 RBI) each drive in three runs for the Padres. A passed ball by Jerry Grote in the ninth allowing Gary Sutherland to score proves to be the game-loser for New York as a rally in the bottom of the frame comes up short. Dave Winfield (.267) scores twice on three hits as the Padres win their fifth in a row while Mike Phillips (.241, 12 RBI) has three hits, an RBI and scores three in the loss.

Houston's Ken Forsch (1.73 ERA) improves to 4-1 as he holds the Cubs to five hits while striking out five through eight innings as the Astros beat the Chicago, 2-0. Cubs starter Rick Reuschel (3-4, 3.63 ERA) throws a five-hitter as well, but gives up single runs in the first and third to take the complete game loss.

Don Sutton (4-2, 2.54 ERA) gets his second consecutive complete game win as he five-hits the Expos to their ninth straight loss, 7-2. Manny Mota (.364) has three hits and Bob Boone (.323, 3 HR, 17 RBI) hits a grand slam in the fifth to put the game away.

37-year-old Woodie Fryman (1-1, 1.57 ERA) blanks the Cardinals on three hits through eight innings as Cincinnati cruises to a 7-0 win. The win keeps the Reds a half game ahead of Los Angels for the lead in the NL West.

National League Scores


Injuries

SS U.L. Washington (.267, 1 HR, 6 RBI) is day-today for about 4 days with a bruised ankle. With the first name U.L. you better believe he will tough this one out.

Contract Signings

1B Pete LaCock (.158, 2 RBI) signs a 1-year free agent contract worth a total of $59,885.

Major Transactions

1B Pete LaCock placed on the active roster (from signing). SS Matt Alexander (.205, 1 RBI) optioned to Triple A San Jose. Isn't it fitting that the guy nobody seems to want ends up on the A's? LaCock will be inserted in the DH slot, moving Jerry Hairston to the ever rotating RF spot with Sheldon Mallory.

Short Season Single A Update
Orlando Beach Bums (14-16) at Jamestown Expos (18-12)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Orlando 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 8 3 Jamestown 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 2 WP: Dominic Odom (2-1, 7.26 ERA) LP: Juan Carlos Garcia (4-2, 3.21 ERA) SV: John Crocker (7) POG: Dominic Odom 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 6 K Attendance: 2,161 The loss drops us four games behind Rockledge.

This game was lost due to a combination of managerial faux pas and a lack of overall offensive production. Juan Carlos Garcia was great as usual, but I probably should have pulled him after Ben Millar (.239) double in the eighth, but I kept him in and Bill Armstrong (.240, 10 RBI) singles him home on batter later for the game winner. Jesus Rivera (.347, 10 SB) continues to hit the ball well, collecting three of our seven hits and stealing two bases, but other that we had nothing as an offense. Home Runs: JAM: None NEW: None

[GrimmyDee]

Blyleven & Stone Duel In Texas
Wednesday, May 11, 1977
"It's been a heck of a long time since I've seen a pitcher go ten innings and not get a decision." said White Sox manager Bob Lemon after today's game. "I can't remember ever seeing a game where both starters went ten and get nothing to show for it."

That is exactly what happens as Bert Blyleven (1.48 ERA) of the Rangers and Chicago's Steve Stone (4.23 ERA) each go ten innings but neither one record a decision in the box score. Blyleven strikes out eight while allowing five hits while Stone just permits four - each of giving up one earned run.

"Both of those guys were just amazing." said Rangers third baseman Toby Harrah, We've come to expect that kind of performance from Bert, but Stone pitched one hell of a game. He really pulled that one out of his butt."

The White Sox score a run in the top of the 11th inning on a solo home run by Eric Soderholm (.203, 4 HR, 16 RBI), but Texas comes right back and scores two in the bottom of the inning on back-to-back RBI singles by Bump Wills (.333, 19 RBI) and Mike Hargrove (.185, 7 RBI) off of Lerrin LaGrow (2-3, 1 BS) to win 3-2.


American League News
Oakland gains a measure of revenge from comments made by Butch Hobson and ends their nine game losing streak in fine fashion with a 10-1 thrashing of the Red Sox. Rodney Scott (.287, 12 RBI) goes 4-for-4, Mitchell Page (.342, 21 RBI) drives in three runs and Doc Medich (5-2, 3.16 ERA) gives up six hits and one run while striking out six in eight innings of work. Luis Tiant (4-4) fails to get through the third inning as he gives up nine earned runs.

Thanks to a three-run home run by Rico Carty (.300, 4 HR, 19 RBI) in the bottom of the eighth, Cleveland comes back to defeat the Brewers, 5-2. While not around to get the win, Jim Bibby (5.10 ERA) throws seven innings of four-hit baseball, striking out five along the way.

Seattle fans see their team score two runs in the bottom of the ninth with RBI singles from Juan Bernhardt (.278, 4 RBI) and Dave Collins (.336) to force the game into extra innings, then watches as pitchers Dave Pagan (0-1, 2.74 ERA) and Enrique Romo (5.93 ERA) walk the bases loaded before Romo walks in the go-ahead run and Mickey Rivers (.245, 14 RBI) delivers an RBI single to give the Yankees a 5-3 win and the Mariners their sixth straight loss. Collins and Steve Braun (.270) each have three hits for Seattle while New York starter Ed Figueroa (1.40 ERA) throws eight innings, giving up seven hits and 1 unearned run.

Behind the pitching of Jim Palmer (2-5, 2.75 ERA), Baltimore scores its sixth victory in a row with a 6-2 win over the Angels, already eclipsing the number of wins they had in the entire month of March. Palmer goes the distance allowing just four hits but walks seven. Kiko Garcia (.239, 4 RBI) drives in three on a pair of hits in the win.

American League Scores


National League News
Bruce Kison (4-1, 2.73 ERA) strikes out five while holding the Braves to five hits while Dave Parker (.311, 6 HR, 21 RBI) and Willie Stargell (.299, 8 HR, 16 RBI) hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning to lead Pittsburgh to a 5-1 victory. Parker ends the day with four runs batted in and Stargell goes a perfect 3-for-3 in the win.

Steve Rogers (3-4, 2.82 ERA) holds the Dodgers to five hits and one unearned run as the Expos snap their nine game losing skid with a 5-1 win. Larry Parrish (.243, 12 RBI) has three hits and scores twice while Stan Papi (.215) had three hits in three at-bats in the win.

Cincinnati uses a three-run, 417-foot blast from George Foster (.286, 5 HR, 16 RBI) in the top of the ninth off of Cardinals closer Al Hrabosky (0-2, 2 BS, 4.35 ERA) to give the Reds the lead and the win, 5-3. Garry Templeton (.304, 9 RBI) drives in a run on three hits with a run scored in the loss.

Chicago scores two runs in the top of the eighth on a two-run double by Steve Ontiveros (.270, 13 RBI) to help them squeak by the Astros 2-1. Player of the Week Steve Renko (4-2, 2.89 ERA) gives up one run in 8 1/3 innings while striking out five for the win. Houston starter Joaquin Andujar (3-4, 4.28 ERA) just gives up five hits in eight innings but takes the loss.

A two-out error by Leo Foster (his 4th) turns into four unearned runs as Gene Tenace (.189, 5 HR, 14 RBI) and Dave Rader (.229, 4 HR, 9 RBI) go deep back-to-back to lead the Padres to their sixth consecutive win with a 4-1 triumph over New York. Mets starter Jon Matlack (3.99 ERA) is the victim, scattering eight hits, striking out five and falling to 0-6. Randy Jones gets the win (2-4, 3.77 ERA), giving up just one run on six hits through eight innings.

National League Scores


Short Season Single A Update
Orlando Beach Bums (15-16) at Jamestown Expos (18-13)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Orlando 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 Jamestown 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 6 16 0 WP: Jeff Bradley (3-3, 3.54 ERA) LP: Millard Snyder (1-5, 6.70 ERA) SV: None POG: Jeff Bradley 7.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 K Attendance: 2,329 We hit .410 (16-39) as a team. Nice!

Just when everyone seemed to be down in the dumps due to our rough patch, the bats came alive and Jeff Bradley pitched a fantastic game. Juan Madrigal (.276, 21 RBI) had four hits and Jesus Rivera (.352, 16 RBI, 11 SB) drove in three on a double and a single to perk everyone up nicely. Weldon Williams (.340), Dicky Hujibregts (.324), Richard Adams (.295) and Vernon Lambright (.206) also contributed two hits apiece as we rack up 16 hits as a team. Home Runs: JAM: None NEW: None

[PhillieFever]

Dude,this just keeps getting better and better. I especially like "enough color to make your eyes bleed" That's a classic