A Royals Look-in..from the beginning again

[RoyalsBlue]

04.23.1969
SP – SEA: G. Brabender (0-2 9.00) KC: R. Nelson (0-1 1.59
GAME #015 vs Seattle W 10-0
WP – R. Nelson (1-1) LP – G. Brabender (0-3)
HR – KC: J. Foy (1), P. Kelly (2), H. Taylor (3), T. Tresh (2)

Kansas City won this one in a laugher as they plated five runs in both the fourth and sixth innings, highlighted by a grand slam from Hawk Taylor, a three run shot by Pat Kelly and a two run blast from Tom Tresh.

The Royals pitching staff held the Pilots to six hits, highlighted by Roger Nelson limiting Seattle to two hits in his five innings.

POG – Kansas City’s Hawk Taylor – 2 for 4, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

“Yeah, I had a pretty good game,” said Taylor. “But I’m still not even hitting my weight. I need a few more good games. At least we’ve been winning lately.”

It appears that the rumours about the imminent firing of manager Carlos Ramirez were just that, rumours. “I’m here until I’m told otherwise,” said the brusque manager. “Right now, we’re getting some wins and that is what’s important.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Senators 5 @ Red Sox 4
WP – J. Hannah (1-1)
LP – R. Culp (1-2)
SV – D. Baldwin (1)
HR – WAS: F. Howard (4) BOS: J. Lahoud (1), D. Schoefield (1), R. Smith (7)

Boston’s Reggie Smith went 1 for 3 with a solo homer to put his hit streak to 14 games

Twins 6 vs Athletics 1
WP – J. Perry (2-0)
LP – C. Dobson (2-2)

White Sox 5 vs Angels 4
WP – D. Murphy (1-0)
LP – H. Wilhelm (0-3)
HR – CAL: J. Johnstone (2), B. Knoop (1), R. Reichardt (2)

A single in the bottom of the tenth by Ed Hermann gave the Sox the win.

Yankees 2 @ Indians 0
WP – B. Burbach (1-0)
LP – S. McDowell (1-3)
SV – S. Hamilton (1)

Tigers 4 @ Orioles 3
WP – D. McLain (2-1)
LP – E. Watt (0-2)
HR – BAL: B. Powell 2(6)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Phillies 1 @ Expos 0
WP – G. Jackson (4-0)
LP – P. Dobson (1-3)
SV – A. Raffo (2)
HR – PHI: J. Callison (2)

Cubs 2 vs Cardinals 1
WP – F. Jenkins (3-1)
LP – B. Gibson (2-2)
HR – STL: J. Hague (1)

Pirates 7 @ Mets 1
WP – B. Moose (1-3)
LP – J. Dilauro (0-1)
HR – PIT: R. Clemente (2), A. Oliver (3)

Dave Cash’s second inning single kept his hit streak alive at 11 games.

Padres 2 @ Astros 0
WP – D. Selma (1-2)
LP – L. Dierker (1-2)
HR – SD: D. Selma (1)

A pair of complete games as this well pitched game only had a combined 7 total hits, 3 for the Astros and 4 for the Padres.

Giants 4 vs Braves 0
WP – J. Marichal (2-0)
LP – P. Niekro (2-1)

Marichal shackled the Braves bats with a 4 hit complete game shutout.

Dodgers 4 vs Reds 3
WP – B. Singer (1-0)
LP – J. Merritt (1-3)
SV – J. Brewer (1)
HR – CIN: L. May (2)

INJURY NEWS
Chicago Cubs – 1B Willie Smith – strained back muscle – 5 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

04.24.1969 – OFF DAY
OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Red Sox 3 vs Senators 2
WP – B. Lee (1-0)
LP – D. Knowles (0-2)
HR – BOS: C. Yastrzemski (5)

Reggie Smith keeps his hit streak alive with a game winning rbi single in the bottom of the ninth.

Athletics 7 @ Twins 3
WP – B. Odom (1-1)
LP – D. Boswell (2-1)
SV – P. Lindblad (4)
HR – OAK: R. Monday 2(2)

Yankees 12 @ Indians 9 (12 inn)
WP – J. Aker (1-0)
LP – G. Boyd (0-1)
HR – CLE: T. Horton (3), D. Sims (1)

Tigers 5 @ Orioles 4
WP – M. Lolich (3-0)
LP – D. McNally (2-2)
SV – T. Timmermann (2)
HR – DET: W. Horton 2(8), M. Stanley (3) BAL: M. Rettenmund (1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Phillies 10 @ Expos 2
WP – R. Wise (3-0)
LP – B. Stoneman (1-2)
HR – PHI: E. Hendricks (2), R. Wise (1)

Mets 6 vs Pirates 4
WP – B. Johnson (1-0)
LP – B. Veale (1-3)
SV – T. McGraw (4)
HR – NY: E. Charles (1)

Pittsburgh’s Dave Cash had his hitting streak ended at 11 games.

Cardinals 3 @ Cubs 1
WP – S. Carlton (3-1)
LP – B. Hands (0-4)
HR – STL: W. Mays 2(4)

Giants 6 vs Braves 3
WP – B. Bolin (2-1)
LP – P. Jarvis (2-1)
SV – F. Linzy (2)
HR – SF: B. Bolin (1), W. McCovey (4)

Padres 6 @ Astros 5
WP – J. Podres (1-1)
LP – W. Blasingame (0-2)
SV – D. Roberts (2)
HR – SD: J. Martinez (2), I. Murrell (2)

Reds 9 @ Dodgers 3
WP – J. Maloney (1-3)
LP – D. Sutton (2-2)
HR – CIN: J. Bench (2) LA: W. Crawford (3)

[RoyalsBlue]

04.25.1969
SP – CAL: J. McGlothlin (1-2 2.95) KC: B. Miller (0-2 4.81)
GAME #016 vs California L 2-1 (10 inn)
WP – J. McGlothlin (2-2) LP – T. Burgmeier (2-2) SV – H. Wilhelm (1)

A well pitched game by both sides, but Tom Burgmeier allowed the winning run in the tenth on a single by Bill Voss, who knocked in both California runs. Offensively, the Royals got two hits from Lou Piniella, who raised his average to .230.

POG – California’s Jim McGlothlin – 9 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 113 pitches

“What are you going to do?” asked Mike Fiore who went 0 for 4. “Red was mixing his pitches well tonight. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other guy.”

“I’ll take pitching performances like that every time,” said pitching coach Joe Peterson. “There’s nothing wrong with only giving up 2 runs. We just got outpitched tonight.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Red Sox 9 @ Tigers 5
WP – J. Lonborg (1-2)
LP – E. Wilson (1-2)
SV – J. Pizarro (1)
HR – BOS: R. Petrocelli (4), C. Yastrzemski (6) DET: N. Cash (1), J. Northrup (4)

Reggie Smith did not play today, keeping his hit streak alive at 15 games.

Athletics 4 @ Pilots 0
WP – J. Nash (2-0)
LP – G. Timberlake (1-2)
HR – OAK: D. Green (1), J. Pagliaroni (3)

Senators 7 @ Indians 3 (10 inn)
WP – J. Dukes (2-2)
LP – S. Williams (0-2)
HR – WAS: F. Howard (5), E. Stroud (2)

Orioles 4 vs Yankees 1
WP – N. Briles (3-1)
LP – A. Downing (2-1)
HR – NY: J. Pepitone (4) BAL: P. Blair (1), D. May (1)

New York’s John Ellis goes 2 for 4 and pushes his hitting streak to 10 games.

White Sox 4 vs Twins 0
WP – T. John (3-1)
LP – T. Hall (1-2)
HR – CHI: B. Bradford (2), B.Melton (1)

Tommy John hurled a complete game, two-hit shutout.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Pirates 6 vs Expos 0
WP – D. Ellis (3-0)
LP – J. Robertson (3-1)

Cubs 7 @ Mets 3
WP – K. Holtzman (2-1)
LP – T. Seaver (1-3)
HR – CHI: E. Banks (1), B. Williams (3) NY: T. Seaver (1)

Phillies 9 vs Cardinals 3
WP – J. Johnson (1-0)
LP – M. Torrez (1-3)
SV – J. Boozer (1)
HR – PHI: L. Hisle (1)

Reds 4 @ Padres 2
WP – J. Fisher (1-2)
LP – M. Corkins (0-1)
SV – W. Granger (2)
HR – CIN: L. May (3)

Astros 6 @ Giants 4 (10 inn)
WP – D. Womack (1-1)
LP – M. McCormick (1-1)
SV – J. Ray (1)
HR – HOU: J. Morgan (3) SF: K. Henderson (2)

Braves 10 @ Dodgers 1
WP – M. Pappas (2-0)
LP – A. Foster (1-1)
HR – ATL: R. Carty (4), T. Francona (2)

[RoyalsBlue]

04.26.1969
SP – CAL: C. Wright (0-0 4.50) KC: B. Butler (0-1 6.23)
GAME #017 vs California W 3-2
WP – B. Butler (1-1) LP – K. Tatum (0-1) SV – M. Drabowsky (1)
HR – CAL: L. Johnson (1) KC: M. Fiore (5)

Bill Butler’s return to the mound was his best outing of the year as he went a season high eight innings and limited the Angels to five hits and two runs. The Royals offense did just enough to get the win by pushing across single runs in the first, fourth and eighth innings, with the game being decided in the eighth by Mike Fiore’s laser of a homerun that went just inside the right field foul pole.

POG – Kansas City’s Bill Butler – 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 118 pitches

“It felt good to get back on the mound,” said Butler. “I’ve been chomping at the bit to pitch ever since I tweaked my back.”

“He looked really good out there tonight,” said Ed Kirkpatrick about the Royals hurler. “He was mixing his pitches well and keeping them off balance. It was good to see Billy back on the hill.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Senators 6 @ Indians 0
WP - D. Bosman (2-1)
LP – S. Siebert (0-3)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (6)

Dick Bosman completely shut down the Cleveland attack with his 4 hit complete game shutout.

Tigers 6 vs Red Sox 2
WP – M. Kilkenny (2-0)
LP – M. Nagy (1-2)
SV – T. Timmermann (3)
HR – DET: A. Kaline (3)

Reggie Smith extends his hitting streak to 16 games with a fifth inning double.

Orioles 7 vs Yankees 6 (10 inn)
WP – J. Hardin (1-0)
LP – S. Hamilton (0-2)
HR – NY: J. Pepitone (5) BAL: B. Powell (7), F. Robinson (4)

Paul Blair’s sac fly in the bottom of the tenth scored reliever Jim Hardin with the winning run for the O’s.

The Yanks John Ellis keeps his hit streak alive at 11 with a fourth inning single.

Twins 9 @ White Sox 2
WP – J. Kaat (3-1)
LP – P. Edmondson (1-2)
HR – MIN: J. Kaat (1), R. Reese 2(2)

Pilots 7 vs Athletics 0
WP – M. Pattin (1-2)
LP – R. Fingers (2-2)
HR – SEA: M. Pattin (1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Pirates 2 vs Expos 1
WP – J. Bunning (3-1)
LP – C. Zachary (1-2)
SV – T. Dukes (1)
HR – PIT: R. Hebner (1)

Pittsburgh’s Matty Alou continues his hot hitting, getting at least 2 hits for the past seven games while pushing his hitting streak to 10 games.

Cubs 6 @ Mets 2
WP – J. Niekro (1-3)
LP – G. Gentry (2-1)
HR – CHI: E. Banks (2), O. Gamble (4), J. Qualls (1)

Mets leftfielder Cleon Jones went 1 for 4, giving him 10 straight games with a basehit.

Astros 3 @ Giants 2
WP – D. Lemaster (2-2)
LP – R. Robertson (0-1)
SV – J. Ray (2)
HR – HOU: M. Martinez (2)

Reds 8 @ Padres 0
WP – G. Arrigo (2-1)
LP – S. Arlin (2-2)
HR – CIN: J. Bench (3)

Cardinals 7 @ Phillies 4
WP – J. Reuss (2-2)
LP – C. Short (0-3)
SV – J. Hoerner (3)
HR – PHI: D. Johnson (2)

Philadelphia’s Larry Hisle went 2 for 3 to push his hitting streak to 10 games.

Dodgers 4 vs Braves 2
WP – C. Osteen (1-2)
LP – G. Stone (2-2)
HR – LA: A. Kosco (2), B. Sudakis (2)

Rico Carty went 2 for 4 and extended his hit streak to 10 games.

[CatKnight]

Well, it looks like the Royals have at least stabilized. Good job!

[RoyalsBlue]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

Well, it looks like the Royals have at least stabilized. Good job!

Yeah, things have evened out a little bit. At least they aren't on pace to break the major league record for losses now!

Thanks for reading, CatKnight!

[RoyalsBlue]

04.27.1969
SP – CAL: R. May (1-2 4.50) KC: M. Hedlund (1-1 1.64)
GAME #018 vs California W 5-4
WP – T. Burgmeier (3-2) LP – H. Wilhelm (0-4)
HR – CAL: J. Spencer (1) KC: L. Piniella (2)

A ninth inning double by Joe Keough scored Pat Kelly with the game winning run as the Royals take two of three from the Angels. Lou Piniella connected for his second homer of the year, a two run shot off Rudy May in the fifth to put KC up 4 to 1. Kelly continues his hot hitting as he picked up another two base knocks which raised his average to .263.

Mike Hedlund had another solid outing as he scattered eight hits over seven innings, allowing four runs while walking none and striking out two. Tom Burgmeier finished up with two hitless innings to get the victory.

POG – California’s Jim Spencer – 1 for 3, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R

“When I get the loss that means I’m not doing my job,” said Angels closer Hoyt Wilhelm. “And since I’ve already got four losses to my record this year, I definitely haven’t been doing my job right.”

“I just wanted to drive the ball,” answered Joe Keough when asked about his game-winning double. “I haven’t played much so far, so when I get an opportunity I need to take full advantage of it. Tonight I did.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Yankees 4 @ Orioles 3 – Game 1
WP – F. Peterson (2-2)
LP – M. Cuellar (1-3)
SV – S. Hamilton (2)
HR – NY: B. Cox (1)

Yankee first sacker John Ellis continued his hot hitting with a three hit day that extended his hitting streak to 12.

Orioles 10 vs Yankees 4 – Game 2
WP – J. Hardin (2-0)
LP – M. Stottlemyre (2-2)
HR – BAL: B. Robinson (1), C. Salmon (2)

John Ellis got a pinch hit single in the ninth inning of the doubleheader that pushed his hit streak to 13 games.

Indians 2 vs Senators 1
WP – S. Hargan (2-1)
LP – J. Coleman (3-2)
SV – P. Hennigan (2)
HR – CLE: R. Hunt (1)

Tigers 7 vs Red Sox 5 (10 inn)
WP – D. Radatz (2-0)
LP – J. Pizarro (0-1)
HR – DET: B. Freehan (5)

Reggie Smith’s hitting streak goes to 17 games after his three hit day, but Detroit’s Bill Freehan trumped his day with a clutch game-clinching homer in the bottom of the tenth.

Athletics 4 @ Pilots 0
WP – C. Hunter (3-0)
LP – S. Blass (1-2)

White Sox 8 vs Twins 3
WP – J. Horlen (3-1)
LP – D. Chance (0-1)
HR – MIN: T. Oliva (4), C. Tovar (4) CHI: B. Melton (2)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Padres 5 vs Reds 2 – Game 1
WP – D. Roberts (2-1)
LP – T. Cloninger (0-2)
SV – L. Everitt (2)

Padres 3 vs Reds 2 – Game 2
WP – A. McBean (1-1)
LP – J. Merritt (1-4)
HR – CIN: J. Merritt (1)

Astros 5 @ Giants 1 – Game 1
WP – S. Guinn (1-0)
LP – G. Perry (1-3)

Houston outfielder Norm Miller connected for 5 hits in 6 at bats in the opening game of the doubleheader.

Giants 7 vs Astros 5 – Game 2
WP – J. Marichal (3-0)
LP – S. Spinks (0-1)
HR – HOU: C. Blefary (1)

Mets 3 vs Cubs 2 – Game 1
WP – J. McAndrew (3-1)
LP – P. Regan (0-1)
HR – CHI: B. Williams (4)

New York’s Cleon Jones extends his hitting streak to 11 games.

Mets 2 vs Cubs 1 – Game 2
WP – B. Johnson (2-0)
LP – F. Jenkins (3-2)
SV – J. Dilauro (1)
HR – NY: K. Boswell (1)

Jones sees his streak end in the nightcap as he goes hitless in four at bats.

Pirates 7 vs Expos 0
WP – L. Walker (2-0)
LP – M. Wegener (1-2)
HR – PIT: R. Hebner (2)

Matty Alou’s 2 for 4 day gives the Bucs outfielder an 11 game hit streak.

Phillies 6 vs Cardinals 3
WP – J. James (1-2)
LP – G. Hill (2-1)
SV – A. Raffo (3)
HR – PHI: J. Briggs (2)

Philly’s Larry Hisle sees his hit streak end after going 0 for 3 against the Cards.

Braves 4 @ Dodgers 3
WP – R. Reed (1-2)
LP – D. Drysdale (0-2)
HR – LA: W. Davis (2), B. Sudakis (3)

Rico Carty goes hitless against LA and sees his hit streak end at 10.

INJURY NEWS
San Diego Padres – P Clay Kirby – strained elbow – 6 weeks

CONTRACT NEWS
Minnesota reaches an agreement to extend Cesar Tovar’s contract through the 1971 season.

[RoyalsBlue]

AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
New York Yankees – Joe Pepitone - .480/.500/.880, 1 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB

NL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
St. Louis Cardinals – Willie Mays - .423/.500/.885, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R

04.28.1969
SP – KC: R. Nelson (1-1 1.23) MIN: J. Perry (2-0 1.35)
GAME #019 @ Minnesota L 8-4
WP – J. Perry (3-0) LP – R. Nelson (1-2)

Most teams can’t withstand 6 early runs and the Royals are no different. The Twins scored two runs in each of the first three innings and cruised to victory behind Jim Perry, who picked up his third win on the young season.

Kansas City did manage to push across four runs, but no more than one per inning. Lou Piniella had two hits and Mike Fiore had two rbi’s to lead the visitors.

POG – Minnesota’s Rich Reese – 3 for 5, 1 R, 3 RBI

“I had good stuff today,” said KC starter and loser Roger Nelson. “Unfortunately, my location wasn’t the greatest and they tee’d off on me.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Red Sox 5 @ Yankees 4
WP – R. Culp (2-2)
LP – B. Burbach (1-1)

Boston’s Reggie Smith goes 3 for 5 and keeps his streak alive at 18 games.

New York’s John Ellis nearly saw his streak ended, but was able to coax a sixth inning single to stretch it to 14.

Pilots 6 vs Angels 4
WP – D. Baney (1-1)
LP – A. Messersmith (2-1)
HR – CAL: J. Spencer (2) SEA: D. Mincher 3 (5)

Pilots first baseman Don Mincher crushed 3 homers, all off Andy Messersmith, accounting for all six Seattle runs.

Orioles 3 @ Indians 1
WP – W. Fryman (1-1)
LP – S. McDowell (1-4)
SV – D. Hall (2)

Tigers 5 vs Senators 3
WP – D. McLain (3-1)
LP – J. Hannan (1-2)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (7) DET: C. Laboy (3), M. Stanley (4)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Giants 9 vs Reds 8
WP – B. Bolin (3-1)
LP – B. Short (0-1)
SV – F. Linzy (3)
HR – CIN: B. Tolan (1) SF: J. Hart (2), W. McCovey (5)

Braves 7 vs Astros 0
WP – P. Niekro (3-1)
LP – L. Dierker (1-3)

Phil Niekro’s knuckler was dancing as he threw a 5 hit complete game shutout.

Cubs 4 @ Phillies 0
WP – B. Hands (1-4)
LP – G. Jackson (4-1)
HR – CHI: B. Williams (5)

Bill Hands dominated the Phils with a complete game two-hitter, striking out 7 while only walking 2.

Pirates 3 vs Cardinals 0
WP – B. Moose (2-3)
LP – B. Gibson (2-3)
SV – L. Marone (5)

Pittsburgh’s Matty Alou sees his hit streak end at 11 after going hitless in three at bats against the Cards.

Dodgers 12 @ Padres 1
WP – B. Singer (2-0)
LP – D. Selma (1-1)
HR – LA: W. Crawford (4), R. Fairly (4) SD: N. Colbert (4)

CONTRACT NEWS
Dave Giusti and the Cardinals have agreed on a two year extension that will compensate the hurler to the tune of over $600K total.

Atlanta and second baseman Felix Millan have come to terms on a 3 year extension. Financial terms were not released.

INJURY NEWS
San Diego Padres – P Dick Selma – strained back muscle – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

04.29.1969
SP – KC: J. Rooker (1-0 5.06) MIN: D. Boswell (2-1 2.66)
GAME #020 @ Minnesota L 4-3
WP – A. Worthington (1-1) LP – G. Cisco (1-3)

The Royals led 3-2 late in the game, but the bullpen allowed single runs in the eight and ninth that let the Twins come away with the win. Good news for KC, though, as Jim Rooker had another solid start. He went 7 plus strong innings and scattering 9 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. Pat Kelly was the hitting star of the game for KC as he picked up 3 hits and 1 rbi.

POG – Kansas City’s Pat Kelly – 3 for 5, 1 rbi

“I could’ve done better,” said Rooker in the clubhouse afterwards. “I got a little tired late, but all in all it was a good game. I’m just disappointed we couldn’t get the win.”

“We left too many men on base tonight,” answered manager Carlos Ramirez why the Royals lost another close game. “We left a small village on the basepaths (12 men left on base) and didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that we had. The Twins did and that’s why they got the win.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Pilots 6 vs Angels 2
WP – S. Lockwood (1-1)
LP – T. Murphy (0-2)
HR – SEA: T. Harper 2(2), S. Hovley (1), D. Mincher (6)

Red Sox 9 @ Yankees 5
WP – B. Lee (2-0)
LP – A. Downing (2-2)
HR – BOS: R. Petrocelli (5)

Reggie Smith’s fourth inning single keeps his hit streak going at 19 games while the Yankees’ John Ellis sees his streak stop at 14 after going zero for three.

Tigers 4 vs Senators 3
WP – M. Lolich (4-0)
LP – B. Humphreys (0-1)
HR – DET: A. Kaline (4), D. McAuliffe (4)

Bill Freehan’s single in the bottom of the ninth scored Ike Brown with the game winning tally as the Tigers scored two for the win.

Orioles 4 @ Indians 3
WP – D. McNally (3-2)
LP – L. Burchart (1-1)
SV – E. Watt (1)
HR – BAL: C. Dalrymple (3) CLE: E. Leon (1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Mets 7 @ Expos 5
WP – J. Dilauro (1-1)
LP – S. Shea (0-1)
HR – NY: T. Agee (2), K. Boswell (2)

Giants 3 vs Reds 2
WP – R. Sadecki (2-0)
LP – J. Fisher (1-3)
SV – M. McCormick (1)

Braves 4 vs Astros 3
WP – P. Jarvis (3-1)
LP – T. Griffin (2-1)
HR – ATL: C. Boyer (7)

Pirates 3 vs Cardinals 0
WP – B. Veale (2-3)
LP – S. Carlton (3-2)
SV – T. Dukes (2)
HR – PIT: G. Scott (1)

Phillies 2 vs Cubs 1
WP – R. Wise (4-0)
LP – K. Holtzman (2-2)

Deron Johnson’s sac fly brought home Jerry Grote with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Dodgers 10 @ Padres 6
WP – D. Sutton (3-2)
LP – A. Santorini (2-1)
HR – SD: N. Colbert (5)

CONTRACT NEWS
Shortstop Dick Schofield and the Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement on a 1 year extension.

[RoyalsBlue]

04.30.1969
SP – CHI: G. Peters (1-1 4.83) KC: B. Miller (0-2 4.11)
GAME #020 vs Chicago W 2-1 (10 inn)
WP – T. Burgmeier (4-2) LP – B. Locker (0-1)
HR – KC: H. Taylor (4)

Both teams scratched across single runs in the seventh, but it was the tenth inning solo homer by Hawk Taylor that gave Kansas City the win. The Royals only had 9 total hits but 7 were from Taylor, Pat Kelly, and Lou Piniella.

POG – Chicago’s Gary Peters – 8 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 130 pitches

“It was a fastball about belt high,” said Hawk Taylor about his game winning homer. “It had to be a mistake, but it looked really good to me!”

“I’ve told you time and time again that this is my team,” growled skipper Carlos Ramirez when asked why the usual starting catcher was put in at second base late in the game. “I’ll run this team my way. In case you hadn’t noticed, we did win the game.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Pilots 3 @ Twins 2 (13 inn)
WP – M. Marshall (1-0)
LP – J. Grzenda (0-1)
HR – MIN: T. Oliva (2)

Red Sox 5 @ Senators 2
WP – J. Lonborg (2-2)
LP – B. Moore (1-1)
SV – J. Pizarro (2)

Reggie Smith continues to be red hot, going 3 for 5 and pushing his hit streak to a cool 20 games.

Orioles 9 @ Tigers 0
WP – N. Briles (4-1)
LP – E. Wilson (1-3)
HR – BAL: D. May (2)

Nelson Briles shut down the Tigers today, holding them to 3 hits in a complete game shutout, with no walks while striking out 4.

Indians 3 @ Yankees 2
WP – M. Paul (1-2)
LP – S. Bahnsen (2-1)
SV – V. Romo (3)
HR – CLE: D. Sims (2)

Athletics 10 @ Angels 1
WP – C. Dobson (3-2)
LP – J. McGlothlin (2-3)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cardinals 6 @ Pirates 2
WP – M. Torrez (2-3)
LP – D. Ellis (3-1)
HR – PIT: W. Stargell (1)

Mets 9 @ Expos 6
WP – T. Seaver (2-3)
LP – H. Reed (1-1)
HR – NY: K. Boswell (3) MON: B. Bailey (3), M. Mota (2)

Padres 10 @ Braves 0
WP – S. Arlin (3-2)
LP – M. Pappas (2-1)
HR – SD: N. Colbert (6), J. Davanon (1), R. Pena (1)

Reds 6 vs Astros 0
WP – G. Arrigo (3-1)
LP – D. Wilson (0-2)
HR – CIN: G. Arrigo (1)

Cubs 5 @ Phillies 4
WP – J. Niekro (2-3)
LP – B. Champion (1-3)
SV – G. Ross (1)
HR – CHI: R. Santo (1)

Dodgers 9 @ Giants 3
WP – A. Foster (2-1)
LP – R. Bryant (0-1)
HR – LA: W. Parker (2), B. Russell (2)

Bill Russell was on fire today as he collected 5 hits against the rival Giants. “I got my pitches and I connected,” said Russell. “They found all the holes on the diamond today.”

[RoyalsBlue]

AL HITTER OF THE MONTH
Boston Red Sox – Reggie Smith : .438/.500/.809, 8 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 18 R

If Reggie wasn't named as the AL player of the month, there should have been a recount. Luckily, that wasn't the case. Reggie currently has a twenty game hitting streak and leads the AL in multiple offensive categories.

NL HITTER OF THE MONTH
San Francisco Giants – Willie McCovey : .299/.465/.532, 3 2B, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 13 R

Willie was a surprising choice as the NL player of the month for April. He didn't lead any offensive categories, while Atlanta's Clete Boyer, who leads the NL in HR and the majors in RBI, didn't get recognized.

AL PITCHER OF THE MONTH
Baltimore Orioles – Nelson Briles : 4-1, 0.88, 41 IP, 28 H, 5 BB, 23 K, 2 HRA, 0.80 WHIP

What a deal it's turning out to be so far for the O's. Acquired from the Cardinals prior to spring training, Briles has been the dominant pitcher in the AL. The man he was traded for, Davey Johnson? He has yet to hit his stride only hitting .277 with 2 rbi.

NL PITCHER OF THE MONTH
Philadelphia Phillies – Rick Wise : 4-0, 1.90, 42.2 IP, 38 H, 11 BB, 21 K, 1 HRA, 1.15 WHIP

It could be argued that Rick Wise isn't even the best pitcher on his own staff, as Grant Jackson could have easily been given this award. Not to say he doesn't deserve this, but there's clearly a pattern with the NL awards committee.

AL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
New York Yankees – John Ellis : .310/.355/.423, 5 2B, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 5 R

It's been a really good month for the Yankee rookie as he's already had a 14 game hit streak, leading the team in doubles and second in rbi's. Too bad that the Yankees are in the same division as the red hot Tigers.

NL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ted Sizemore : .306/.344/.365, 5 2B, 8 RBI, 15 R, 1 SB

Solid numbers from Sizemore. He's helped the Dodgers to second place thus far, 1 game behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL West.

STANDINGS AS OF APRIL 30

AL EAST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Detroit Tigers         16    5   .762  ----      7-3      L1
Boston Red Sox         12   10   .545   4.5      6-4      W3
Baltimore Orioles      13   12   .520   5.0      6-4      w4
New York Yankees       11   12   .478   6.0      3-7      L4
Washington Senators    10   14   .417   7.5      4-6      L4
Cleveland Indians       6   15   .286  10.0      3-7      W1

AL WEST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Oakland Athletics      14    6   .700  ----      7-3      W2
Chicago White Sox      11    6   .647   1.5      8-2      L1
Minnesota Twins        12    8   .600   2.0      4-6      L1
Kansas City Royals     10   11   .476   4.5      6-4      W1
Seattle Pilots          6   14   .300   8.0      4-6      W3
California Angels       5   13   .278   8.0      1-9      L5

NL EAST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Pittsburgh Pirates     14    9   .609  ----      8-2      L1
New York Mets          12   11   .522   2.0      7-3      W4
Philadelphia Phillies  12   11   .522   2.0      5-5      L1
St. Louis Cardinals    11   12   .478   3.0      5-5      W1
Montreal Expos         10   12   .455   3.5      1-9      L9
Chicago Cubs           10   14   .417   4.5      5-5      W1

NL WEST                 W    L    PCT    GB  LAST 10  STREAK
Atlanta Braves         15    8   .652  ----      5-5      L1
Los Angeles Dodgers    13    8   .619   1.0      7-3      W3
San Francisco Giants   12   11   .522   3.0      5-5      L1
San Diego Padres       11   12   .478   4.0      5-5      W1
Houston Astros         10   14   .417   5.5      4-6      L4
Cincinnati Reds         7   15   .318   7.5      4-6      W1

[RoyalsBlue]

RK TEAM                   RECORD  AVG   ERA
01 Detroit Tigers           16-5 .285  3.83
02 Oakland Athletics        14-6 .269  2.69
03 Chicago White Sox        11-6 .253  3.43
04 Los Angeles Dodgers      13-8 .279  3.52
05 Atlanta Braves           15-8 .296  3.32
06 Pittsburgh Pirates       14-9 .262  2.32
07 Minnesota Twins          12-8 .265  2.98
08 Boston Red Sox          12-10 .259  3.80 
09 New York Mets           12-11 .255  4.02
10 Baltimore Orioles       13-12 .244  3.49
11 Philadelphia Phillies   12-11 .259  3.54
12 San Francisco Giants    12-11 .247  3.81
13 Kansas City Royals      10-11 .248  3.72
14 San Diego Padres        11-12 .258  3.83
15 St. Louis Cardinals     11-12 .247  2.95
16 New York Yankees        11-12 .260  4.31
17 Chicago Cubs            10-14 .221  2.35
18 Houston Astros          10-14 .261  4.23
19 Washington Senators     10-14 .246  3.27
20 Montreal Expos          10-12 .239  3.88
21 Cincinnati Reds          7-15 .238  4.14
22 Seattle Pilots           6-14 .194  4.36
23 Cleveland Indians        6-15 .217  4.96
24 California Angels        5-13 .233  3.42

AMERICAN LEAGUE BATTING LEADERS   NATIONAL LEAGUE BATTING LEADERS

RK TEAM  PLAYER            BAVG   RK TEAM  PLAYER            BAVG
O1 BOS   Reggie Smith      .438   01 ATL   Tim McCarver      .385
O2 OAK   Tom Uhlaneder     .421   02 PIT   Carl Taylor       .364
O3 OAK   Dick Green        .375   03 NY    Ken Boswell       .354
O4 DET   Willie Horton     .368   04 ATL   Felix Millan      .350
O5 MIN   Tony Oliva        .367   05 LA    Willie Davis      .345

RK TEAM  PLAYER             OBP   RK TEAM  PLAYER             OBP
O1 BOS   Reggie Smith      .500   01 PIT   Carl Taylor       .468
O2 OAK   Tom Uhlaender     .459   02 SF    Willie McCovey    .465
O3 OAK   Reggie Jackson    .453   03 ATL   Tim McCarver      .442
O4 OAK   Dick Green        .435   04 NY    Ken Boswell       .427
O5 DET   Willie Horton     .435   05 LA    Ron Fairly        .418

RK TEAM  PLAYER             SLG   RK TEAM  PLAYER             SLG
O1 BOS   Reggie Smith      .809   01 NY    Ken Boswell       .582
O2 DET   Willie Horton     .724   02 LA    Ron Fairly        .567
O3 OAK   Reggie Jackson    .649   03 SD    Nate Colbert      .557
O4 MIN   Tony Oliva        .646   04 STL   Willie Mays       .544
O5 MIN   Cesar Tovar       .598   05 LA    Jim Lefebvre      .536

RK TEAM  PLAYER               H   RK TEAM  PLAYER               H
O1 BOS   Reggie Smith        39   01 ATL   Felix Millan        36
O2 NY    Roy White           30   02 ATL   Rico Carty          31
O3 DET   Jim Northrup        29   03 ATL   Tim McCarver        30
O3 MIN   Tony Oliva          29   04 LA    Willie Davis        29
O3 MIN   Cesar Tovar         29   05 MON   Manny Mota          29

RK TEAM  PLAYER              2B   RK TEAM  PLAYER              2B
O1 BOS   Reggie Smith         8   01 LA    Jim Lefebvre         9
O2 OAK   Dick Green           7   02 SD    Jose Martinez        7
02 MIN   Tony Oliva           7   02 ATL   Felix Millan         7
04 CHI   Carlos May           6   02 CIN   Tony Perez           7
04 MIN   Rich Reese           6   02 PHI   Tony Taylor          7

RK TEAM  PLAYER              3B   RK TEAM  PLAYER              3B
O1 KC    Pat Kelly            3   01 NY    Ken Boswell          3
O1 NY    Roy White            3   01 HOU   Joe Morgan           3
03 OAK   Reggie Jackson       2   03 LA    Willie Davis         2
03 NY    Dick Simpson         2   03 PHI   Larry Hisle          2
03 BOS   Reggie Smith         2   03 ATL   Felix Millan         2

RK TEAM  PLAYER              HR   RK TEAM  PLAYER              HR
O1 DET   Willie Horton        8   01 ATL   Clete Boyer          7
O2 WAS   Mike Epstein         7   02 SD    Nate Colbert         6
O2 KC    Ed Kirkpatrick       7   03 SF    Willie McCovey       5
O2 BAL   Boog Powell          7   03 CHI   Billy Williams       5
02 BOS   Reggie Smith         7   05 ATL   Hank Aaron           4

RK TEAM  PLAYER             RBI   RK TEAM  PLAYER             RBI
O1 WAS   Frank Howard        20   01 ATL   Clete Boyer         25
O1 NY    Joe Pepitone        20   02 SD    Nate Colbert        17
O1 BOS   Reggie Smith        20   02 SF    Willie McCovey      17
04 KC    Ed Kirkpatrick      19   04 ATL   Hank Aaron          16
05 BOS   Rico Petrocelli     18   04 HOU   Jimmy Wynn          16

RK TEAM  PLAYER              SB   RK TEAM  PLAYER              SB
O1 MIN   Cesar Tovar          8   01 NY    Bud Harrelson        8
O2 OAK   Bert Campaneris      7   02 LA    Willie Davis         6
O2 WAS   Ed Stroud            7   02 CIN   Alex Johnson         6
O2 NY    Roy White            7   02 NY    Cleon Jones          6
O5 KC    Pat Kelly            6   05 MON   Maury Wills          5

AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS            NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS

RK TEAM  PLAYER             ERA    RK TEAM  PLAYER             ERA
O1 OAK   Jim Nash          0.71    01 PIT   Luke Walker       0.77
O2 BAL   Nelson Briles     0.88    02 ATL   Phil Niekro       1.26
O3 CHI   Tommy John        0.98    03 CHI   Ferguson Jenkins  1.43
04 OAK   Catfish Hunter    1.64    04 PHI   Grant Jackson     1.45
05 OAK   Blue Moon Odom    1.76    05 STL   Steve Carlton     1.47

RK TEAM  PLAYER            WINS    RK TEAM  PLAYER            WINS
O1 BAL   Nelson Briles        4    01 PHI   Grant Jackson        4
O1 KC    Tom Burgmeier        4    01 PHI   Rick Wise            4
O1 DET   Mickey Lolich        4    03 SD    Steve Arlin          3
O4 WAS   Joe Coleman          3    03 PHI   Gerry Arrigo         3
04 OAK   Chuck Dobson         3    03 SF    Bobby Bolin          3

RK TEAM  PLAYER              SV    RK TEAM  PLAYER              SV
O1 OAK   Paul Lindblad        4    01 PIT   Lou Marone           5    
O2 WAS   Jan Dukes            3    02 NY    Tim McGraw           4
O2 CLE   Vicente Romo         3    03 STL   Joe Hoerner          3
O2 DET   Tom Timmermann       3    03 SF    Frank Linzy          3
O5 BAL   Dick Hall            2    03 MON   Dan McGinn           3

RK TEAM  PLAYER              BB    RK TEAM  PLAYER              BB
O1 DET   Mickey Lolich       22    01 NY    Nolan Ryan          23
O2 BOS   Mike Nagy           21    02 CIN   Jim Maloney         19
O3 CHI   Gary Peters         19    03 PHI   Jesse James         17
O4 WAS   Barry Moore         17    04 ATL   Phil Niekro         15
O5 CLE   Steve Hargan        16    04 STL   Jerry Reuss         15

RK TEAM  PLAYER               K     RK TEAM  PLAYER               K
O1 DET   Mickey Lolich       39    01 STL   Bob Gibson          35
O2 CAL   Andy Messersmith    30    02 CHI   Ferguson Jenkins    34
O3 WAS   Dick Bosman         28    03 PIT   Bob Moose           33
O4 BAL   Mike Cuellar        27    04 PHI   Grant Jackson       32
04 CHI   Gary Peters         27    04 SD    Dick Selma          32

RK TEAM  PLAYER              IP    RK TEAM  PLAYER              IP
O1 BOS   Ray Culp          42.0    01 ATL   Ron Reed          45.0
O2 MIN   Jim Perry         41.1    02 CHI   Ferguson Jenkins  44.0
O3 BAL   Nelson Briles     41.0    02 SF    Juan Marichal     44.0
03 CAL   Andy Messersmith  41.0    04 STL   Steve Carlton     43.0
05 DET   Mickey Lolich     40.1    04 CHI   Bill Hands        43.0

[RoyalsBlue]

The Paradise Mechanics, KC’s AAA affiliate, leads their division by 3 games over the Spokane Dragons, affiliate of the Seattle Pilots. The Mechanics have a AAA best .738 winning percentage. Offensively they are led by catcher Ellie Rodriguez, who is making it difficult for the parent Royals to ignore him. So far on the season Rodrigues line looks like this: .361/.477/.486, 26 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 15 R, 3 SB. The pitching looks pretty good as well, but the best of the bunch has to be Wally Bunker: 2-1, 2.14, 46.1 IP, 31 HA, 1 HRA, 4 BB, 38 K, .185 OPP BAVG, 1 CG

The Huntington Beach Ghost Riders are the AA affiliate and they also lead their division, but only by a half game over the Phillips Hitmen, affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Nobody is standing out statistically for the Ghost Riders, but Rafael Robles who the Royals picked up in a trade earlier this year has proven to at least be competent with the bat.

Keeping up with the trend is the A league’s Richlands Fowls, who are also leading their division early on, by a half game over the Cincinnati affiliate, Aurora Timberjacks. The Fowls were hit early by injury as 1B Chuck Harrison will be out for seven more months after fracturing his left ankle on the basepaths. On a brighter note, catcher Jim Campanis started off absolutely red-hot, smashing 11 HR and knocking in 22 during the first month of the season.

PLAYER              AVG   H   2B  3B  HR  RBI   R   OBP   SLG  SB
Pat Kelly          .315  28    3   3   2    8  15  .384  .483   6
Lou Piniella       .237  19    2   0   2    7   8  .276  .338   1
Ed Kirkpatrick     .241  19    3   0   7   19  10  .307  .544   0
Mike Fiore         .273  21    4   0   5   17  16  .387  .519   3
Joe Foy            .219  16    2   0   1    3   8  .367  .288   5
Paul Schaal        .247  18    1   0   0    3   9  .273  .260   3
Tom Tresh          .300  21    2   0   2    8   8  .372  .414   1
Hawk Taylor        .215  14    1   1   4   13   7  .261  .446   0
Scott Northey      .154   2    0   0   0    1   0  .333  .154   0
Juan Rios          .231   3    1   0   0    0   0  .286  .308   0
Jerry Adair        .333   4    0   0   0    1   1  .385  .333   0
Joe Keough         .167   1    1   0   0    2   0  .167  .333   0
Bill Butler        .400   2    0   0   0    2   1  .333  .400   0
Bob Miller         .182   2    0   0   0    0   1  .182  .182   0
Jim Rooker         .286   2    0   1   0    0   1  .286  .571   0
Tom Burgmeier      .200   1    0   0   0    0   1  .200  .200   0
Mike Hedlund       .111   1    1   0   0    0   0  .111  .222   0
Roger Nelson       .143   1    0   0   0    0   1  .250  .143   0
Galen Cisco        .000   0    0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000   0
Moe Drabowsky      .000   0    0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000   0
Dick Drago         .000   0    0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000   0
Tommie Sisk        .000   0    0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000   0
Jackie Hernandez   .000   0    0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000   0
George Spriggs     .000   0    0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000   0
Fred Rico          .000   0    0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000   0

PLAYER               G  W  L  SV     IP   HA  HR  ER   BB   K   ERA  CG
Bob Miller           6  0  2   0   37.2   39   6  15   11  15  3.58   0
Mike Hedlund         5  1  1   0   29.0   23   3   8    8   8  2.48   0
Roger Nelson         4  1  2   0   28.0   25   0   9   10  14  2.89   1
Tom Burgmeier       11  4  2   0   19.2   17   2  10    5   9  4.58   0
Jim Rooker           3  1  0   0   17.2   19   0   8    9   8  4.08   1
Bill Butler          3  1  1   0   16.2   21   3   8    5  10  4.32   0
Don O’Riley          7  0  0   2   12.0    7   0   4    6   8  3.00   0
Galen Cisco          9  1  3   0   11.1   11   1   8   10  12  6.35   0
Tommie Sisk          9  0  0   0    9.1   13   1   4    1   2  3.86   0
Dave Wickersham      3  0  0   1    5.1    7   1   5    3   2  8.44   0
Moe Drabowsky        3  1  0   1    4.2    2   0   0    2   2  0.00   0

[RoyalsBlue]

05.01.1969
TRANSACTION NEWS
Royals recall P Dick Drago and send P Don O’Riley to AAA.

This move was a bit of a surprise considering O’Riley has been one of their more effective relievers so far. With the demotion of O’Riley, Jim Rooker has been moved to the bullpen and will be replaced in the rotation by Drago. Yet another curious move by the Royals management. Will it pay off?

Also Dave Wickersham, earlier put on waivers and released by Kansas City, has been picked back up by the Royals and assigned to their AAA team. That can’t make manager Carlos Ramirez very happy. See statement above. It seems that there might be a power struggle going on in the Royals front office.

CONTRACT NEWS
Pitcher Ted Abernathy and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a 1 year extension.

St. Louis and Leo Cardenas have come to an agreement on an extension that will keep the shortstop in eastern Missouri for another 4 seasons.

SP – CHI: T. John (3-1 0.98) KC: B. Butler (1-1 4.32)
GAME #022 vs Chicago W 9-4
WP – B. Butler (2-1) LP – T. John (3-2)
HR – CHI: W. Held (1), W. Wood (1)

Tommy John came in with an ERA under one, but left in the seventh inning having given up four runs to KC. His replacement, Danny Lazar, lasted only a third of an inning and gave up five runs, only one earned however as the Royals won going away.

Kansas City’s offense was led by Pat Kelly and Hawk Taylor who both knocked in three runs. Lou Piniella chipped in with three hits and an rbi of his own.

POG – Kansas City’s Hawk Taylor – 2 for 3, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 1 R

“I gave us a chance to win,” answered starter and winner Bill Butler who also struck out eight. “I can’t control anything else. The offense looked great tonight, getting some good at bats against a tough pitcher like Tommy John.”

“The ball looks like a watermelon to me right now,” said catcher Hawk Taylor, who’s gotten two hits apiece in six of his last eight games. “I’m not going to question it though. I’m going to enjoy it as long as I can.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Indians 9 @ Yankees 8 (10 inn)
WP – P. Hennigan (1-1)
LP – S. Hamilton (0-3)
HR – NY: T. Munson 2 (2)

Cap Peterson’s run scoring single in the tenth gave the Tribe their second consecutive victory over the Yanks, negating Thurman Munson’s first multiple homer game in the big leagues.

Bobby Murcer kept his hit streak alive at 12 after getting two hits today.

Twins 13 vs Pilots 4
WP – J. Kaat (4-1)
LP – M. Pattin (1-3)
HR – MIN: B. Oliver (1), R. Reese (3)

Senators 4 vs Red Sox 3
WP – D. Bosman (3-1)
LP – M. Nagy (1-3)
HR – BOS: J. Moses (1)

Another month, same result for Reggie Smith as he pushes his league leading hit streak to 21 with his first inning single.

Tigers 4 vs Orioles 3
WP – D. Patterson (1-0)
LP – J. Palmer (1-3)
HR – BAL: D. May (3) DET: N. Cash (2)

A bases loaded walk to Norm Cash in the bottom of the ninth gave the red hot Tigers the victory.

Angels 4 vs Athletics 3 (10 inn)
WP – H. Wilhelm (1-4)
LP – E. Fisher (0-1)

A two run single in the tenth by Bill Voss gave the Angels the win.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Expos 7 vs Mets 3
WP – B. Stoneman (2-2)
LP – G. Gentry (2-2)
HR – NY: C. Jones (1), A. Shamsky (2)

Dodgers 6 @ Giants 3
WP – C. Osteen (2-2)
LP – G. Perry (1-4)
HR – SF: J. Javier (1)

Astros 13 @ Reds 3
WP – D. Lemaster (3-2)
LP – J. Merritt (1-5)
HR – HOU: C. Blefary (2), M. Martinez (3), J. Morgan (4), J. Wynn (4) CIN: C. Carroll (1)

Pirates 13 vs Cardinals 4
WP – J. Bunning (4-1)
LP – J. Reuss (2-3)
HR – STL: T. Tischinski (1) PIT: G. Alley (1)

Jim Bunning reached the 200 win plateau with this victory over the Cards. “I never dreamed of winning this many games,” said Bunning afterwards. “I am honored and thrilled to be a member of the 200 victory club.”

Braves 6 vs Padres 4
WP – K. Johnson (1-0)
LP – B. McCool (0-1)
HR – SD: N. Colbert (7) ATL: H. Aaron 2 (6), C. Boyer (8)

INJURY NEWS
New York Yankees – 3B Jerry Kenney – tender shoulder – 2 weeks
California Angels – 1B Jim Spencer – fractured jaw – 7 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.02.1969
SP – KC: M. Hedlund (1-1 2.48) CAL: R. May (1-2 4.33)
GAME #023 @ California W 3-2 (11 inn) – GAME 1
WP – M. Drabowsky (2-0) LP – K. Tatum (0-2)
HR – CAL: B. Voss (1)

It took eleven innings but when Ed Kirkpatrick doubled to score Jackie Hernandez, the Royals were able to move above the .500 mark for the first time ever.

Both starting pitchers only gave up two runs on four hits, however Mike Hedlund got another no-decision, his fourth in five starts.

POG – California’s Rudy May – 8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 94 pitches

“Whaddya want me to do,” exclaimed Hedlund when asked about the no decisions. “I pitch, the batters hit, and as long as we win, that’s all that matters. You guys are making a big deal about nothing.

SP – KC: J. Rooker (1-0 4.08) CAL: A. Messersmith (2-1 2.63)
GAME #024 @ California L 2-0 – GAME 2
WP – A. Messersmith (3-1) LP – J. Rooker (1-1) SV – V. Geishert (1)

Being over .500 lasted only a few hours as the Angels won the nightcap of the doubleheader. California’s Andy Messersmith bamboozled the Royals over 8.1 innings, allowing only 5 hits while striking out 8.

Royals spot starter Jim Rooker, who was just switched to the bullpen, had a solid game himself but was no match for the Angel’s hurler.

POG – California’s Andy Messersmith – 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K, 122 pitches

“We saw a whole bunch of outstanding pitching here today,” quipped Lou Piniella. “At least we were able to get a split out of this.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Orioles 11 @ Yankees 0
WP – M. Cuellar (2-3)
LP – F. Peterson (2-3)
HR – BAL: B. Floyd (1)

Mike Cuellar shut down the Yankee offense, limiting them to 5 hits in his complete game shutout.

Bobby Murcer had the night off, so his 12 game hitting streak is intact.

Indians 3 @ Senators 2 (10 inn)
WP – P. Hennigan (2-1)
LP – J. Dukes (2-3)
SV – G. Boyd (1)
HR – CLE: L. Klimchock (1) WAS: M. Epstein (8)

Red Sox 9 vs Tigers 5
WP – L. Stange (4-2)
LP – J. Sparma (0-2)
HR – DET: C. Laboy (4), J. Northrup (5), M. Stanley (5) BOS: J. Lahoud (2), R. Petrocelli (6)

A sixth inning single keeps Reggie Smith’s hit streak going at 22 games.

Athletics 2 vs Pilots 1
WP – B. Odom (2-1)
LP – S. Blass (1-3)

Blue Moon Odom gets the win throwing a complete game three-hitter while striking out ten. It wasn’t the prettiest game though as he also walked seven.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Cubs 2 vs Mets 1 (11 inn)
WP – H. Aguirre (1-1)
LP – T. McGraw (0-1)

Billy Williams knocked in the winning run with a clutch 2-out single in the eleventh.

Dodgers 9 @ Braves 6
WP – D. Drysdale (1-2)
LP – J. Britton (0-1)
HR – LA: B. Russell (3) ATL: C. Raymond (1)

Cardinals 8 vs Phillies 4
WP – J. Ellis (1-0)
LP – C. Short (0-4)
HR – STL: L. Cardenas (2)

Reds 5 vs Padres 3
WP – T. Cloninger (1-2)
LP – D. Roberts (2-2)
SV – C. Carroll (2)
HR – SD: V. Kelly (1) CIN: L. May (4)

Astros 4 vs Giants 0
WP – J. Billingham (2-0)
LP – J. Marichal (3-1)
SV – D. Womack (2)

Expos 2 vs Pirates 1
WP – C. Zachary (2-2)
LP – T. Dukes (1-1)
HR – PIT: W. Stargell (2)

INJURY NEWS
Philadelphia Phillies – 1B Deron Johnson – torn groin – 3 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.03.1969
SP – KC: R. Nelson (1-2 2.89) CAL: T. Murphy (0-2 5.02)
GAME #025 @ California W 2-1
WP – R. Nelson (2-2) LP – T. Murphy (0-3)

Roger Nelson pitched his second complete game of the year as he led the Royals back over the .500 mark. He scattered seven hits and struck out four on the day. He did have to pitch out of trouble in the ninth to capture the win, stranding two in the process.

All the runs were scored in the fifth inning, as Joe Foy and Mike Fiore knocked in the Royals scores and the Angels scored on a sacrifice fly from Tom Satriano. Pat Kelly was the only KC batter to have more than one hit.

POG – Kansas City’s Roger Nelson – 9 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 123 pitches

“I got some good plays behind me,” said Nelson in the clubhouse. “Did you see that doubleplay that Juan (Rios) started? It was spectacular.”

“It’s a reaction play,” laughed Juan Rios when asked about the double play. “We had good defensive positioning and the rest was just reacting to the ball. Next time I’ll try to keep my eyes open.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Orioles 1 @ Yankees 0
WP – W. Fryman (2-1)
LP – B. Burbach (1-2)
SV – D. Hall (3)

Bobby Murcer’s 12 game hitting streak ends with a zero for three day against the O’s.

Senators 16 vs Indians 2
WP – J. Hannan (2-2)
LP – S. McDowell (1-5)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein 2 (10)

Red Sox 13 vs Tigers 3
WP – R. Culp (3-2)
LP – D. McLain (3-2)
HR – DET: J. Northrup (6) BOS: R. Culp (1), R. Petrocelli (7), C. Yastrzemski 2 (8)

Reggie Smith’s streak stays intact at 22 with an offday.

Twins 6 vs White Sox 4
WP – J. Perry (4-0)
LP – D. Lazar (0-1)
HR – CHI: G. Hopkins (2)

Athletics 4 vs Pilots 3
WP – R. Fingers (3-2)
LP – G. Brabender (0-4)
SV – J. Roland (1)
HR – OAK: B. Campaneris (1), J. Pagliaroni (4)

Oakland’s Dick Green goes 2 for 4, raising his average to .378 and giving himself a 10 game hit streak.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Pirates 3 @ Expos 0
WP – B. Moose (3-3)
LP – M. Wegener (1-3)

Bob Moose completely shut down the Expos offense, holding Montreal to 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7.

Dodgers 3 @ Braves 0
WP – B. Singer (3-0)
LP – P. Niekro (3-2)
SV – J. Brewer (2)

Atlanta’s Felix Millan knocked two hits that pushed his hit streak to 10 games.

Reds 3 vs Padres 1
WP – J. Maloney (2-3)
LP – S. Arlin (3-3)
SV – W. Granger (3)
HR – CIN: L. May (5), C. Ruiz (1)

Cincinnati’s Alex Johnson is another that has gotten a hit streak to 10 games.

Cardinals 2 vs Phillies 0
WP – B. Gibson (3-3)
LP – G. Jackson (4-2)

Bob Gibson hurled a 5 hit, complete game shutout against the Phils, only walking 1 and striking out 6.

Cubs 9 vs Mets 6
WP – B. Hands (2-4)
LP – B. Johnson (2-1)
SV – H. Aguirre (1)
HR – NY: T. Agee (3), C. Jones (2), A. Shamsky 2 (4) CHI: E. Banks (3)

Giants 5 @ Astros 3
WP – B. Bolin (4-1)
LP – L. Dierker (1-4)

[RoyalsBlue]

05.04.1969
SP – KC: D. Drago (0-0 0.00) CAL: J. McGlothlin (2-3 3.13)
GAME #026 @ California W 1-0
WP – D. Drago (1-0) LP – J. McGlothlin (2-4)

Looks like calling up Dick Drago worked out really well, at least in the short term as he throws a complete game shutout in his debut, scattering seven hits and striking out three in a sterling performance. Pat Kelly continued his hot hitting as he picked up two hits and knocked in the game’s only run in the fifth.

POG – Kansas City’s Dick Drago – 9 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, O BB, 3 K, 115 pitches

“My scroogie was really working today,” replied Drago when asked about his success. “The Angels just kept pounding it into the dirt and making it easy for my defense. Some days it just works like that. I’m glad today it did.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Yankees 8 vs Orioles 7 – Game 1
WP – A. Downing (3-2)
LP – D. McNally (3-3)
SV – J. Aker (1)
HR – NY: J. Ellis (2)

Yankees 8 vs Orioles 3 – Game 2
WP – M. Stottlemyre (3-2)
LP – J. Hardin (2-1)
HR – NY: T. Munson (3), B. Murcer (2)

Athletics 3 vs Pilots 0 – Game 1
WP – C. Hunter (4-0)
LP – S. Lockwood (1-2)
HR – OAK: C. Hunter (1), R. Jackson (5)

Dick Green’s hitting streak reaches 11 games after going 2 for 3 in game 1.

Hunter helped himself with a homer then continued to bamboozle the Pilots with a three-hitter, striking out 6 and walking none.

Pilots 6 @ Athletics 2
WP – M. Pattin (2-3)
LP – C. Dobson (3-3)
HR – OAK: R. Webster (1)

Dick Green took all the suspense out of things by singling in the first to push his hit streak to 12.

Indians 4 @ Senators 1
WP – L. Tiant (2-0)
LP – C. Cox (0-3)

Red Sox 4 vs Tigers 3
WP – B. Landis (2-0)
LP – D. McMahon (0-1)
HR – DET: A. Kaline (5), M.Lolich (2), D. McAuliffe (5) BOS: K. Harrelson (3)

A fourth inning single by Reggie Smith keeps his hit streak alive at 23, but it was the clutch single by Dick Schofield in the ninth that gave the Sox another victory over the Tigers.

White Sox 3 @ Twins 2 (11 inn)
WP – B. Locker (1-1)
LP – M. Lachemann (1-1)
SV – D. Murphy (1)
HR – CHI: C. May (3)

Gail Hopkins tripled and then Bill Melton drove him in with a sac fly in the eleventh to give the Sox the duke over their division rival.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Reds 6 vs Padres 4 – Game 1
WP – J. O’Donoghue (1-0)
LP – M. Corkins (0-2)
SV – W. Granger (4)
HR – CIN: A. Johnson (4)

Alex Johnson’s seventh inning homer not only gave him an 11 game hit streak but gave the Reds the lead which they held onto for the win.

Reds 12 vs Padres 8 – Game 2
WP – G. Arrigo (4-1)
LP – A. McBean (1-2)
HR – SD: N. Colbert (8) CIN: L. May (6), T. Perez (2), T. Savage (1)

Johnson was given the second game off, so his streak stands at 11.

Bobby Tolan and Lee May were both on fire and sparked the Reds to their victory with 5 for 5 days.

Mets 3 @ Cubs 1 – Game 1
WP – N. Ryan (2-2)
LP – K. Holtzman (2-3)

Ryan strikes out 9 and throws a complete game 5-hitter in the first game of the doubleheader.

Mets 7 @ Cubs 6
WP – T. Seaver (3-3)
LP – J. Niekro (2-4)
SV – T. McGraw (5)
HR – NY: E. Kranepool (4) CHI: J. Hickman (4), B. Williams (6)

Braves 5 vs Dodgers 3
WP – P. Jarvis (4-1)
LP – D. Sutton (3-3)
SV – C. Upshaw (2)
HR – LA: W. Crawford (5) ATL: H. Aaron (7), C. Boyer (9)

Felix Millan’s seventh inning rbi single pushes his hit streak to 11.

Pirates 8 @ Expos 1
WP – B. Veale (3-3)
LP – P. Dobson (1-4)
HR – PIT: R. Hebner (3), W. Stargell (3)

Cardinals 2 vs Phillies 1
WP – S. Carlton (4-2)
LP – R. Wise (4-1)
SV – J. Hoerner (4)
HR – STL: W. Mays (5)

Giants 4 @ Astros 2
WP – R. Sadecki (3-0)
LP – T. Griffin (2-2)
SV – F. Linzy (4)
HR – HOU: D. Rader (4)

INJURY NEWS
Cleveland Indians – SS Eddie Leon – fractured hand – 2 weeks
New York Mets – P Tom Seaver – dead arm syndrome – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.05.1969 – OFF DAY

AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Minnesota Twins – Tony Oliva : .500/.517/.857, 4 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Los Angeles Dodgers – Willie Crawford : .586/.613/.828, 4 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB

CONTRACT NEWS
The Astros and relief pitcher Fred Gladding have come to an agreement on a 2 year extension that will keep him in Houston.

[RoyalsBlue]

05.06.1969
SP – KC: B. Miller (0-2 3.58) DET: E. Wilson (1-3 6.54)
GAME #027 @ Detroit W 6-3
WP – B. Miller (1-2) LP – E. Wilson (1-4) SV – M. Drabowsky (2)
HR – KC: L. Piniella (3) DET: A. Kaline (6)

Lou Piniella’s first inning homerun set the tone for the day as the Royals extended Detroit’s losing streak to 4 games and gave KC a 3 game winning streak. Ed Kirkpatrick also picked up 3 hits and Pat Kelly knocked in 2 runs.

Bob Miller had another good day, going a strong 8 innings while only allowing 3 runs on 4 hits. Guess he’s been a better pickup than I thought he would be. Who woulda known?

POG – Kansas City’s Lou Piniella – 1 for 4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R

“We can’t keep doing this,” said Detroit’s Al Kaline who hit his sixth homer of the season. “We’re a better team than what we’ve shown the last few days.”

“We’re playing well right now,” said Royals shortstop Tom Tresh. “We don’t think of ourselves as an expansion team. We want to contend right now and I think we can do that.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Indians 3 vs Twins 1
WP – M. Paul (2-2)
LP – T. Hall (1-3)
SV – P. Hennigan (3)
HR – CLE: V. Fuller (1)

Red Sox 7 @ Pilots 2
WP – J. Lonborg (3-2)
LP – G. Timberlake (1-3)
HR – BOS: J. Moses (2)

It took Reggie Smith until the ninth inning but he finally singled to keep his hit streak going at 24.

White Sox 9 @ Orioles 7
WP – G. Peters (2-1)
LP – J. Palmer (1-4)
SV – B. Locker (2)
HR – CHI: C. May (4) BAL: P. Blair (2), F. Robinson (5)

Luis Aparicio collected hit number 2000 in the ChiSox victory over Baltimore. “It feels great to get number 2000,” Aparicio said afterward, “especially since we won the game.”

Athletics 5 vs Senators 4
WP – P. Lindblad (2-0)
LP – J. Dukes (2-4)
HR – WAS: E. Stroud (3), K. Suarez (2) OAK: R. Jackson (6)

Dick Green gets two hits and pushes his hit streak to 13 games.

Yankees 15 @ Angels 2
WP – S. Bahnsen (3-1)
LP – C. Wright (0-1)
HR – NY: J. Ellis (3), B. Murcer (3) CAL: T. Kubiak (2)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Dodgers 4 @ Cubs 3
WP – C. Osteen (3-2)
LP – P. Regan (0-2)

Expos 8 @ Braves 1
WP – J. Robertson (4-1)
LP – G. Stone (2-3)
HR – MON: M. Mota (3), J. Robertson (1)

Felix Millan’s hit streak extends to 12 games after his first inning single.

Mets 4 vs Reds 0
WP – J. Koosman (1-2)
LP – J. Merritt (1-6)
HR – NY: J. Koosman (1), M. Sanguillen (1)

Alex Johnson’s sixth inning single keeps his hit streak active at 12 games.

Jerry Koosman shuts out the Reds on 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6.

Cardinals 2 vs Giants 1
WP – M. Torrez (3-3)
LP – G. Perry (1-5)

Vada Pinson tripled and scored on Joe Hague’s sac fly in the ninth to give the Redbirds the win.

Pirates 11 vs Padres 0
WP – D. Ellis (4-1)
LP – A. Santorini (2-2)

Phillies 2 vs Astros 1 (10 inn)
WP – A. Raffo (2-1)
LP – D. Lemaster (3-3)

Dick Allen’s sac fly in the bottom of the tenth scored Cookie Rojas with the winning run.

INJURY NEWS
San Diego Padres – P Al Santorini – damaged meniscus – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

05.07.1969
SP – KC: M. Hedlund (1-1 2.50) DET: J. Sparma (0-2 6.00)
GAME #028 @ Detroit L 4-3
WP – J. Sparma (1-2) LP – M. Hedlund (1-2) SV – D. McMahon (2)
HR – DET: N. Cash (3)

KC dug themselves an early 4-0 deficit that they just couldn’t quite overcome. Juan Rios’ 2 run pinch hit double got the Royals close in the seventh but they just couldn’t get the game tied.

Mike Hedlund didn’t pitch terrible but he did allow 9 hits and 4 runs in his 6 innings. Galen Cisco threw two perfect innings in relief.

POG – Detroit’s Jim Northrup – 2 for 4, 2 RBI, 1 R

“Hey, you’ll have to ask skip,” was the terse reply from CF Ed Kirkpatrick, the team leader in HR and RBI, when asked about being lifted for pinch hitter Scott Northey in the eighth inning. “I wasn’t hurt and I obviously don’t agree with it, but that’s all I’ll say right now.”

“I thought it was a bit strange,” said Tigers manager Ken Knollys. “But if he wants to pull his best hitter from the game, I don’t have a problem with it from my side.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Red Sox 8 @ Pilots 3
WP – B. Landis (3-0)
LP – S. Blass (1-4)
HR – BOS: B. Landis (1), R. Petrocelli (8), R. Smith (8) SEA: D. Mincher (7)

What more can be said about Reggie Smith? If anything, he’s getting even hotter as he went 4 for 5 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in extending his hit streak to 25 games.

Orioles 5 vs White Sox 3
WP – D. Hall (1-0)
LP – B. Locker (1-2)
HR – CHI: B. Melton (3) BAL: D. Buford (1), B. Powell (8), F. Robinson (6)

The Sox scored 3 runs in the ninth to tie, but Boog Powell answered with a 2 run shot to reclaim the O’s victory.

Twins 7 @ Indians 5
WP – J. Kaat (5-1)
LP – G. Boyd (0-2)
SV – D. Woodson (1)
HR – MIN: T. Oliva (6) CLE: V. Fuller (2)

Tony Oliva homered to give himself a 10 game hitting streak.

Athletics 10 vs Senators 6
WP – B. Odom (3-1)
LP – J. Coleman (3-3)
SV – L. Krausse (1)
HR – WAS: K. McMullen (3) OAK: R. Jackson 2 (8), R. Monday (3)

Dick Green went 2 for 5 to push his hit streak to 14 games.

Yankees 4 @ Angels 3 (11 inn)
WP – F. Peterson (3-3)
LP – H. Wilhelm (1-5)
SV – S. Hamilton (3)
HR – NY: J. Pepitone (6)

Joe Pepitone’s solo homer to left center lifted the Yankees to an extra innings win.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Dodgers 5 @ Cubs 0
WP – A. Foster (3-1)
LP – F. Jenkins (3-3)
HR – LA: W. Parker (3)

Astros 9 @ Phillies 4
WP – J. Billingham (3-0)
LP – C. Short (0-5)
HR – HOU: J. Herrera (2), J. Wynn (5) PHI: J. Briggs (3), D. Money (2)

Padres 5 @ Pirates 4
WP – S. Arlin (4-3)
LP – J. Bunning (4-2)
SV – B. McCool (1)
HR – PIT: A. Oliver (4)

Reds 4 @ Mets 3
WP – T. Cloninger (2-2)
LP – G. Gentry (2-3)
SV – W. Granger (5)
HR – NY: A. Shamsky (5)

Cincinnati’s Alex Johnson sees his hit streak come to an end at 12 games after going hitless in the win over New York.

Expos 5 @ Braves 2
WP – B. Stoneman (3-2)
LP – R. Reed (1-2)
SV – D. McGinn (4)
HR – MON: R. Staub (1)

Felix Millan goes 2 for 4 to keep his hit streak alive at 13 games.

Giants 8 @ Cardinals 2
WP – J. Marichal (4-1)
LP – J. Reuss (2-4)
HR – SF: W. Comer (2), W. McCovey (6)

INJURY NEWS
Boston Red Sox – P Mike Nagy – finger blister – 1 week