Basebawful Report of The Month

Luis Alvarado - 8 Good, 5 Bad, 6 Ugly

Mike Andrews - 7 Good, 1 Bad, 11 Ugly

Ken Brett - 2 Good, 2 Bad, 2 Jackass

Billy Conigliaro - 1 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Hero

Tony Conigliaro - 8 Good, 3 Bad, 5 Ugly, 1 Hero

Ray Culp - 1 Good, 1 Hero, 2 Jackass

Mike Derrick - 2 Good, 3 Bad, 1 Ugly

Ray Jarvis - 3 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass

Bill Lee - 2 Good, 2 Hero, 1 Jackass

Jim Lonborg - 1 Good, 2 Hero

Sparky Lyle - 6 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly

Tommy Matchick - 1 Good, 2 Bad

Gerry Moses - 8 Good, 4 Bad, 4 Ugly

Don Pavletich - 2 Bad

Gary Peters - 2 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Hero, 1 Jackass

Rico Petrocelli - 10 Good, 4 Bad, 5 Ugly

Ed Phillips - 3 Good, 3 Ugly

Vicente Romo - 5 Good

Tom Satriano - 1 Good

Dick Schofield - 4 Good, 2 Bad

George Scott - 7 Good, 1 Bad, 11 Ugly

Sonny Siebert - 1 Good, 2 Bad, 1 Jackass

Reggie Smith - 9 Good, 2 Bad, 5 Ugly, 2 Hero, 1 Honorable Mention

Lee Strange - 2 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Ugly

Carl Yastrzemski - 7 Good, 1 Bad, 10 Ugly, 1 Hero

Most Valuable Player is Rico Petrocelli with 10 Good

Least Valuable Player is Luis Alvarado with 5 Bad

Ugliest Player of the Month is Mike Andrews with 11 Ugly

Heroes of the Month are Bill Lee, Jim Lonborg and Reggie Smith with 2 Heroes

Jackasses of the Month are Ken Brett and Ray Culp with 2 Jackass

Honorable Player of the Month is Reggie Smith with 1 Honorable Mention

Sox Outslug, Sweep A's (4/30/70)

It was an up and down month for the Boston Red Sox but it ended on a high note with 4 straight wins over the Oakland Athletics, including tonight's game. With the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals this Sunday, the Red Sox have been overlooked so far but those who attended Fenway got their money's worth in today's game. There were 19 total hits, 6 home runs and 15 total runs scored between the two teams which had the Sox coming out on top. Rico Petrocelli, George Scott and Billy Conigliaro all went deep for the Sox as they scored 8 total runs. Gary Peters (3-1, 4.18 ERA) battled for 7 innings and allowed all 7 runs the A's would score, including three homers. Bill Lee, Ed Phillips and Sparky Lyle slammed the door in the final few innings and the Sox ended April with a four game sweep of the A's including an 8-7 slugfest at Fenway Park.

                                                              Don Chaney approves of the win

Peters got the ball in the top of the first and the A's went up big early. Bert Campaneris walked and Joe Rudi singled to right. Reggie Jackson popped up to first but Sal Bando took strike three. Felipe Alou then hit a 3 run home run all the way to Miami, Florida to put the A's on top. Don Mincher flied out to center to end the inning with the A's ahead 3-0.

                                                      Alou with a 3 run blast

Jim Roland got the ball in the bottom of the first and Mike Andrews grounded out to short to start. Reggie Smith singled to left but Carl Yastrzemski banged into a double play to end the inning.

Peters turned up the heat in the top of the second as Dave Duncan, Dick Green and Roland all struck out swinging in short order. The Sox began the comeback in the bottom of the second as Rico Petrocelli singled to left. George Scott doubled to left and Billy Conigliaro scored Petrocelli with a sac fly to right to cut the lead. Luis Alvarado popped up to short but Gerry Moses hit a roller to short that was booted  by Campaneris for an error to score Scott. Peters walked but Andrews popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox down 3-2.

                                                          Billy C drives in a run

Campaneris grounded out to short to start the top of the third before Rudi flied out to center. Jackson lined out to left to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the third as Smith grounded out to short to start. Yaz walked and Petrocelli mashed his third home run of the season to give the Sox the lead. Roberto Rodriguez came in to pitch to Scott and George doubled to left. Billy C lashed a base hit to right to score Scott with another run, but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Alvarado flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-3.

                                                         Home run Petrocelli

Bando popped up to second to start the top of the fourth and Alou grounded out to short. Mincher popped up to short to end the inning. Moses popped up to third to begin the bottom of the fourth before Peters lined out to right. Andrews flied out to left to end the inning.

The A's struck back in the top of the fifth as Duncan doubled to right and took third on a passed ball. Green walked and Bob Johnson pinch hit for Rodriguez. Johnson banged into a double play but Duncan scored to cut the lead. Campaneris grounded out to third to end the inning with the A's down 5-4.

                                                      Johnson's double play brings in a run

The Sox added to the lead in the bottom of the fifth with Paul Lindblad now on the mound. Smith popped up to third  Yaz struck out swinging but Petrocelli walked. Scott pulverized his third home run of the season to increase the lead. Billy C then blasted his first home run of the season to go back to back, but Alvarado grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 8-4.

                                                        Scott goes deep

The A's wasted no time getting a run back when Rudi smashed a home run all the way to British Columbia to start the top of the sixth. Jackson took strike three, Bando flied out to center and Alou popped up to second to end the inning with the A's down 8-5.

                                                         Rudi goes yard

Moses grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the sixth before Peters struck out swinging. Andrews grounded out to second to end the inning.

Mincher popped up to second to start the top of the seventh and Duncan flied out to center. Green flied out to right to end the inning. Smith singled to right to start the bottom of the seventh but moved to second on the Yaz grounder to second. Petrocelli struck out swinging and Scott grounded out to short to end the inning.

Sox manager Eddie Kasko wore a path to the mound in the top of the eighth and it started with Frank Fernandez pinch hitting for Lindblad. Fernandez hit a home run all the way to Jupiter and Campaneris doubled to left to chase Peters. Peters had far from his best game but he pitched into the eighth inning with the Sox in the lead. Roberto Pena pinch ran for Campaneris, Rick Monday pinch hit for Rudi and Ray Jarvis came in to pitch. A wild pitch moved Pena to third and Monday walked to put runners at the corners. Kasko brought in Bill Lee to pitch to Jackson and Lee struck him out swinging. Kasko then brought in Ed Phillips to face Bando and Sal ripped a base hit to center to score Pena and put the tying run at second. Alou lined out to center and Kasko came out AGAIN, this time to bring in Sparky Lyle. Mincher lined out to first to end the inning with the A's down 8-7.

                                                Kasko gets a lot of exercise in that inning

Rollie Fingers came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Billy C grounded out to third to start. Alvarado doubled to left but Moses lined out to left. Lyle grounded out to first to end the inning.

Lyle came back to close out the top of the ninth and Duncan grounded out to short to start. Green lined out to center and Tito Francona came in to pinch hit for Fingers. Francona walked and Jose Tartabull pinch ran for him. Pena popped up to third in foul territory to end the game. The Sox had swept the A's with an 8-7 win.

Hero of the Night is Billy Conigliaro. He drove in 3 big runs including a home run which ended up the difference in the game.

                                                        Billy C The Hero

The Good:

Reggie Smith was 2 for 4.

Rico Petrocelli was 3 for 4 with a 2 run homer and 3 total runs scored.

George Scott was 3 for 4 with a 2 run homer and 3 total runs scored.

Bill Lee struck out the only man he faced.

Sparky Lyle earned his sixth save with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Mike Andrews was 0 for 4.

Gary Peters was charged with 7 runs in 7 innings of work. He allowed 6 hits and 2 walks.

Ray Jarvis walked the only man he faced.

The Ugly:

Carl Yastrzemski was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

Luis Alvarado was just 1 for 4.

Gerry Moses was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.

Ed Phillips allowed an inherited runner to score in 1/3 of an inning.

Final Thoughts:

After the Red Sox lost 2 of 3 to the Milwaukee Brewers I said nothing short of a sweep of the Oakland A's would do in terms of momentum going into May. Turns out the Sox DID sweep the A's and the Sox ended the month on a hot streak. The offense has been pretty good but, as usual, the pitching hasn't held up in April. Sonny Siebert has been awful, Jim Lonborg got hurt AGAIN and Gary Peters has been iffy. Mike Nagy was 12-2 last year and took second in AL Rookie of The Year honors but he hasn't pitched yet this season. Still, the Sox are hanging in there and need to keep the ball rolling if they want to stay with the Baltimore Orioles. I don't know what Kasko was doing in the eighth inning by managing like it was Game 7 of the World Series but at least the Sox won. Sparky Lyle has worked four straight games now and he needs a break. It would be nice if the Sox get a good ol fashioned blowout win in the next game. The Sox end the month of April with an 11-8 record, 2 games behind the Orioles for first place in the AL East. The Sox look for win number 5 in a row tomorrow night when the California Angels are in town. Ray Culp (1-3) takes on Tom Murphy of the Angels at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Beat A's in Beanball War (4/29/70)

After the first two games of this four game set between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland A's were clean, hard fought contests....tonight's game eroded into a beanball war that erupted into a full fledged brawl in the sixth inning. It started when Sox starter Sonny Siebert (1-1, 7.71 ERA) nearly hit A's starter Chuck Dobson in the head in the top of the fifth. Dobson responded by plunking Sonny in the bottom of the frame. Siebert retaliated by hitting Reggie Jackson and a melee ensued. Siebert and George Thomas of the Red Sox were ejected while Blue Moon Odom and Jackson of the A's were tossed as well. Once the brawl was over, the Sox held on to win the game 5-3 over the Athletics at Fenway Park.

                     World middleweight champ Paul Pender approves of the fighting Sox

Siebert got the ball in the top of the first inning and Felipe Alou grounded out to second to start. Rick Monday struck out swinging and Reggie Jackson went down hacking to end the inning. The Sox got to Dobson in the bottom of the first as Mike Andrews singled to center to start. Luis Alvarado singled to right and a wild pitch moved both runners over. Carl Yastrzemski put the Sox on top with a base hit to center to score both runners but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Tony Conigliaro walked but Rico Petrocelli popped up to first in foul territory. George Scott forced Petrocelli at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                          Yaz drives in a pair

Siebert struck out Sal Bando swinging to start the top of the second and Don Mincher went down hacking as well. Dick Green singled to left but Dave Duncan hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. Billy Conigliaro grounded out to third to start the bottom of the second and Tom Satriano made his season debut with a base hit to center. Satriano moved to second on the grounder by Siebert but Andrews lined out to right to end the inning.

Roberto Pena lined out to center to start the top of the third before Dobson struck out swinging. Alou popped up to second to end the inning. Alvarado popped up to short to begin the bottom of the third before Yaz flied out to left. Tony C grounded out to third to end the inning.

All of a sudden Petrocelli keeled over in the dugout for no reason and had to be carried out on a stretcher, loaded into an ambulance and was rushed to Mass General's ICU. Dick Schofield came in to play short in the top of the fourth and as Monday struck out swinging to start. Jackson singled to center and stole second before Bando walked. Both runners pulled off a double steal but Mincher took strike three. Green struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                                 "Here I come to save the dayyyyyyy" - DS

Schofield flied out to center to start the bottom of the fourth and Scott struck out swinging. Billy C was retired on a squibber in front of the plate to end the inning.

Things got testy in the top of the fifth as Duncan singled to left to start. Pena flied out to right but Siebert threw at the head of Dobson. Dobson was mad and ended up popping up to first. Alou singled to center but Monday struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fifth as Satriano popped up to third to begin. Dobson hit Siebert in the back but Andrews singled up the middle. Alvarado doubled to left to score Siebert and Yaz was intentionally walked to load the bases. Tony C dropped a base hit to left to score Andrews and chase Dobson from the game. Paul Lindblad came in and Schofield banged into a double play to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-0.

                                                     Alvarado drives in a run

Jackson stepped to the plate to start the top of the sixth and Siebert hit him with a pitch. Jackson charged the mound and a pier six brawl ensued. When the dust settled, George Thomas, Blue Moon Odom, Siebert and Jackson were all ejected. Jose Tartabull came in to run for Jackson as Lee Strange came in for Siebert who ended up tossing 5 shutout innings. Bando popped up to first but Mincher walked. Green and Duncan both struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                                Starts a fight while pitching a shutout

Scott tripled into the right field corner to start the bottom of the sixth but Billy C struck out swinging. Satriano walked and Strange hit a fly ball to right. Scott took off for home and was thrown out to end the inning.

The A's struck back in the top of the seventh although Pena flied out to center to start. Tito Francona pinch hit for Lindblad and hit a home run all the way to Portland, Maine. That was it for Strange as Ken Brett came in and Alou walked to greet him. Monday struck out swinging and Taratabull grounded into a force to end the inning with the A's down 4-1.

                                                        Francona pinch hits with a home run

Diego Segui took over for the bottom of the seventh and Andrews popped up to first to start. Alvarado doubled to left and Yaz was intentionally walked, but Tony C singled home Alvarado to increase the lead. Reggie Smith pinch ran for Tony C and Mudcat Grant came in to pitch and Schofield hit into a double play to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-1.

                                                      Conigliaro drives in a run

The A's struck back in the top of the eighth as Bando walked to start. Mincher doubled to center and that was it for Brett. Ed Phillips came in and Green scored Bando with a grounder to short. A wild pitch moved Mincher to third but Duncan struck out swinging. Pena singled in the hole at second to score Mincher with another run. Bob Johnson pinch hit for Grant and flied out to left to end the inning with the A's down 5-3.

                                    Can you not allow inherited runners to score, Ed?

Rollie Fingers came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Scott flied out to right to start. A wild pitch moved Scott to second and Billy C moved him to third with a fly ball to center. Satriano and Phillips both grounded out to third to end the inning.

Alou singled to left to start the top of the ninth and Sparky Lyle was brought in to put out the fire. Monday took strike three and Tartabull dropped down a bunt to move Alou to second but Bando lined out to second to end the game. The Sox had won it 5-3.

Hero of the Night is Tony Conigliaro. His two rbis were the difference in the game.

                                                              Tony C the Hero

The Good:

Mike Andrews was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored.

Luis Alvarado was 3 for 4 with an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Carl Yastrzemski was 1 for 2 with 2 walks and 2 rbis.

George Scott was 2 for 4.

Tom Satriano was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Sonny Siebert tossed 5 shutout innings and scored a run as a batter.

Sparky Lyle earned his 5th save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 1.

Dick Schofield was 0 for 3.

Billy Conigliaro was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Lee Strange was charged with a run in 1 1/3 innings.

Ken Brett was charged with 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Ed Phillips allowed 2 inherited runners to score but none of his own in an inning of work.

Honorable Mention:

Reggie Smith played center in the final 2 innings.

Final Thoughts:

The Sox needed a strong end to the month to get some momentum going and they've won 3 straight games to put them in a position to not only sweep the A's but to finish April over .500. The Sox were perfectly mediocre this month and they couldn't afford to be with the 109 win Baltimore Orioles looking for a repeat with almost the exact same team back this year. As for this game, Siebert getting himself thrown out by throwing at people wasn't the smartest decision considering the A's scored 3 runs in the next 3 innings after he was gone. The A's are going to want revenge tomorrow and the odds of the Sox sweeping four straight just dropped. Sox manager Eddie Kasko switched up the lineup a little bit by starting Satirano and Billy Conigliaro. Alvarado and Andrews got hot so it would behoove Kasko to not tinker too much with what's working. Siebert got his first win of the season but both Conigliaro and Petrocelli had to leave the game. Hopefully they won't be out too long. The Sox look for the series sweep in the final game of the month tomorrow afternoon. Gary Peters (2-1) goes up against Jim Roland of the Athletics at 2:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Lee, Sox Edge A's (4/28/70)

For the second night in a row an unsung spot starter came up big for the Boston Red Sox. Last night it was Vicente Romo mowing down the Oakland A's and tonight it was 23 year old Bill Lee (1-1, 2.81 ERA) who did the honors. Lee was sensational, allowing just 1 run in 7 2/3 innings to keep the Athletics off the board. A's start Al Downing was just as tough but home runs by Tony Conigliaro and Mike Andrews would be all the offense the Sox needed. After Lee was lifted in the eighth inning, Ray Jarvis and Sparky Lyle nailed down the save as the Sox made it two in a row against the A's with a 2-1 victory at Fenway Park.

                                                  George Harrison approves of the win

Lee got the ball in the top of the first and Felipe Alou popped up to short to start. Rick Monday took strike three and Reggie Jackson flied out to left to end the inning. Mike Andrews tried to start a rally off Al Downing in the bottom of the first with a double to left. Reggie Smith took strike three Carl Yastrzemski popped up to short and Tony Conigliaro grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Sal Bando lined out to left to start the top of the second and Dick Green grounded out to second. Don Mincher struck out swinging to end the inning. Rico Petrocelli led off the bottom of the second with a line out to left. George Scott grounded out to third and Gerry Moses lined out to right to end the inning.

The Athletics beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the third as Frank Fernandez grounded out to short to start. Roberto Pena grounded out to third and Downing grounded out to second to end the inning. Luis Alvarado grounded out to short to start the bottom of the third before Lee grounded out to third. Andrews struck out swinging to end the inning.

Alou grounded out to third to start the top of the fourth and Monday grounded out to second. Jackson broke up the perfect game with a double off the Monster but Bando grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the fourth as Smith lined out to center to begin. Yaz grounded back to the mound but Tony C smashed his second home run of the season to give the Sox the lead. Petrocelli walked and Scott singled to center but Moses popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                             Home run for Conigliaro

Green grounded out to short to begin the top of the fifth before Mincher grounded out to first. Fernandez struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the fifth as Alvarado flied out to left to start. Lee grounded back to the mound but Andrews clocked his third home run of the season to increase the lead. Smith flied out to right to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                        Andrews goes deep

Pena grounded out to third to start the top of the sixth and Athletics manager Jon McNamara sacrificed Downing for offense when he sent Bob Johnson to pinch hit for Al. Johnson and Alou both grounded out to short to end the inning. Mudcat Grant came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Yaz grounded out to second to start. Tony C grounded out to third but Petrocelli walked. Scott singled to center but Moses grounded out to second to end the inning.

Monday took strike three to start the top of the seventh before Jackson lined out to short. Bando struck out swinging to end the inning. Lee had allowed just 1 hit the entire game without walking anyone. Alvarado hit one up the elevator shaft to start the bottom of the seventh before Lee lined out to short. Andrews lined out to the mound to end the inning.

Lee looked like he was on his way to a one hitter in the top of the eighth when Green grounded back to the mound to start. Mincher struck out swinging but the wheels fell off for Lee when Fernandez singled to left. Jose Tartabull ran for Fernandez and Pena singled to center. Bert Campaneris pinch hit for Grant and singled home Fernandez to cut the lead in half. That was it for Lee who ran out of gas after 7 2/3 innings and a run allowed. Blue Moon Odom pinch ran for Campaneris and Ray Jarvis was brought in to pitch to Alou. Alou flied out to center to end the inning with the A's down 2-1.

                                              "Its okay lee, I got this" - Jarvis

Dave Duncan took over behind the plate and Diego Segui came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Smith grounded out to first, Yaz grounded out to second and Tony C hit a pop up to second to end the inning.

Sparky Lyle came in to close out the top of the ninth and Monday took strike three to begin. Jackson grounded out to second and Bando popped up to Andrews to end the game. The Sox had won it 2-1.

Hero of the Night is Bill Lee. He held the Athletics to just 1 run in 7 2/3 innings and just 1 hit through 7.

                                                      Bill Hero

The Good:

Mike Andrews was 2 for 4 with a home run.

Rico Petrocelli walked twice in 3 plate appearances.

George Scott was 2 for 3.

Ray Jarvis retired the only man he faced.

Sparky Lyle earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Reggie Smith was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Carl Yastrzemski was 0 for 4.

Gerry Moses was 0 for 3.

Luis Alvarado was 0 for 3.

The Ugly:

Tony Conigliaro was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a solo home run/

Final Thoughts:

That was another gutsy win in a one run game that the Sox fought hard for. The Sox bats did almost nothing tonight but the 2 home runs they hit just happened to be enough. Bill Lee stepped it up tonight and he should be in the rotation if Sonny Siebert falters or Jim Lonborg can't go. He's not an overpowering pitcher but his junkballs did the job big time, allowing 1 hit through 7 2/3 before the wheels fell off. Jarvis and Lyle also nailed down the win and once again Lyle came up big in the ninth inning. The offense will be there this season, its a question of if the Sox can pitch their way to the American League pennant. More games like this from Vicente Romo and Lee would help big time. The A's have gotten good pitching from Catfish Hunter and Al Downing but have nothing to show for it, look out for them tomorrow. The Sox look to make it three in a row against the A's tomorrow night when Sonny Siebert (0-1) looks to rebound against Chuck Dobson of the Athletics. The game begins at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Romo Outduels Hunter, Sox Beat A's (4/27/70)

The Boston Red Sox needed a big lift from spot starter Vicente Romo (1-0) when tasked against arguably the Oakland Athletics' best pitcher Catfish Hunter, and they got it. Hunter allowed 4 runs in a complete game effort against the Boston offense but Romo allowed just 3 in 8 innings of work. Reggie Smith scored on a wild pitch and hit a home run, Carl Yastrzemski knocked in Mike Andrews and George Scott doubled home Rico Petrocelli for all the offense the Sox would need. Sparky Lyle slammed the door in the top of the ninth inning and the Red Sox had beaten the A's in the first game of a four game set 4-3 at Fenway Park.

                                                         Pete Townshend approves of the win

Romo got the ball in the top of the first inning and Felipe Alou flied out to left to start. Rick Monday singled to center but was picked off trying to steal. Reggie Jackson flied out to center to end the inning. Hunter got the ball in the bottom of the first and Mike Andrews struck out swinging to start. Reggie Smith tripled into the centerfield triangle and scored on a wild pitch to give the Sox the lead. Carl Yastrzemski flied out to left and Tony Conigliaro grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                         Smith triples and scores

Sal Bando popped up to first to open the bottom of the second but Don Mincher walked. Dick Green singled to second but Frank Fernandez struck out swinging. Roberto Pena flied out to left to end the inning. Hunter cruised in the bottom of the second as Rico Petrocelli popped up to third in foul territory to start. George Scott lined out to Hunter and Gerry Moses grounded out to short to end the inning.

Hunter flied out to right to begin the top of the third but Alou got a base hit to center. Smith dove on the ball and clawed at it like a cat for an error to advance Alou to second. Monday singled to left and Yaz threw home to keep Alou from scoring but Monday took second on the throw. Romo got a big out when Jackson struck out swinging and Bando grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox got another run in the bottom of the third as Luis Alvarado grounded out to third to start. Romo grounded out to third but Andrews walked. Smith atoned for his error with a base hit to center and Yaz scored Andrews with a base hit to right. Yaz stole second but Tony C flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                          Yaz drives in a run

The Athletics struck back in the top of the fourth as Mincher flied out to center to start. Green struck out swinging but Fernandez hit a home run all the way to Calgary, Alberta Canada to cut the lead. Pena popped up to first to end the inning but the A's were down 2-1.

                                                                 Fernandez goes deep

Petrocelli struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth and Scott also went down hacking. Moses popped up to short to end the inning.

Romo cruised in the top of the fifth as Hunter grounded out to short to start. Alou struck out swinging and Monday grounded out to second to end the inning. Alvarado singled to left to start the bottom of the fifth but was doubled off first on a bullet hit to Green by Romo. Andrews grounded out to third to end the inning.

The A's struck again in the top of the sixth as Jackson grounded out to first to start. Bando dropped a base hit to left but Yaz gunned him down trying to stretch a double. Mincher then hit a 59,000 foot home run to tie the game. Green popped up to short to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                           Mincher ties the game

Smith walked to start the bottom of the sixth but was doubled off first on the bullet to Mincher hit by Yaz. Tony C grounded out to short to end the inning.

Fernandez hit one up the elevator shaft to start the top of the seventh but Moses dropped it for an error. Frank flied out to center anyway and Pena flied out to right. Hunter struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox took the lead in the bottom of the seventh as Petrocelli doubled off the Monster to start. Scott doubled to right to score Rico to give the Sox the lead. Moses grounded out to third and Alvarado was intentionally walked. Romo dropped down a bunt to move the runners over but Andrews popped up to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-2.

                                                         Scott drives in a run

The A's wasted no time tying the game in the top of the eighth as Alou popped up to short to start. Monday then cracked a 10,000 foot home run to tie the game. Jackson popped up to third and Bando grounded out to short to end the inning with the game tied 3-3. Romo did well, tossing 8 innings and allowing 3 long balls on a spot start.

                                                       Romo goes 8 innings

The Sox went up for good in the bottom of the eighth as Smith launched his third home run of the season to give the Sox the lead. Yaz grounded out to first and Tony C grounded out to third, but Petrocelli singled to left. Scott forced Rico at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-3.

                                                         Smith puts the Sox on top

Romo tried to go the distance but was chased in the top of the ninth when Mincher singled to left. Sparky Lyle came in to pitch and old friend Jose Tartabull came in to run for Mincher. Green banged into a double play and Fernandez took strike three to end the game. The Sox had won it 4-3.

Hero of the Night is Reggie Smith. He scored the first run and hit the go-ahead home run in the bottom of the eighth.

                                                             Reggie Hero

The Good:

Rico Petrocelli was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Luis Alvarado was 1 for 2 with a walk.

Vicente Romo got the win with 8 innings of 3 run ball. He allowed 9 hits and a walk while striking out five.

Sparky Lyle earned his third save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Tony Conigliaro was 0 for 4.

Gerry Moses was 0 for 3 with an error.

The Ugly:

Mike Andrews was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked and scored a run.

Carl Yastrzemski was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run and stole a base.

George Scott was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Final Thoughts:

That was a good start to the series and kudos to Sox manager Eddie Kasko for switching up the lineup for once. Dropping Petrocelli and Scott for their struggles seems to have worked considering they both got big hits today. Rolling the dice on Romo worked out this time as he responded with a great game that outdid Catfish Hunter, one of the best young pitchers in the game. Lyle hasn't allowed an earned run yet so he definitely should be in consideration for someone to close out the games if the starters can't go the distance. Reggie Smith was the hero today with the eighth inning home run and hopefully that can spark the Sox on a long winning streak to close the gap between them and the Baltimore Orioles. Tomorrow night Bill Lee (0-1) looks to rebound from his last start when he takes on Al Downing of the Athletics. The game begins at 7:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Brabender, Brewers Beat Sox (4/26/70)

The good news was the Boston Bruins eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks in with a Game 4 win in their NHL Semi-Final playoff series, the bad news was the Boston Red Sox dropped another game to the lowly Milwaukee Brewers. Gene Brabender almost went the distance for Milwaukee, allowing 3 runs in 8 2/3 innings. Sox starter Ray Culp (1-3, 3.86 ERA) matched Brabender as best as he could but left the game trailing 2-1 after 7 innings. Ken Brett threw up on himself in the top of the eighth, allowing 3 runs to put the game out of reach. The Sox did rally in the bottom of the ninth with a Gerry Moses home run and had the tying run at the plate, but Bob Locker got the final out to end the game and save it for Milwaukee 5-3 at Fenway Park.

                                                          Captain Kirk is mad the Sox lost

Culp cruised in the top of the first inning as Tommy Harper flied out to left to start. Russ Snyder and Steve Hovley both popped up to third to end the inning. The Sox blew a rally right out of the gate in the bottom of the first as Mike Andrews walked. Reggie Smith walked but Carl Yastrzemski grounded into a double play and George Scott grounded out to second to end the inning.

Danny Walton lined out to center to start the top of the second and Mike Hegan grounded out to second. Jerry McNertney singled to left but Max Alvis hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the second as Rico Petrocelli grounded out to third to start. Tony Conigliaro grounded back to the mound and Luis Alvarado was retired on a nubber in front of the plate to end the inning.

Kubiak walked to start the top of the third and Brabender sacrificed him to second. Harper popped up to short and Snyder took strike three to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the third as Gerry Moses flied out to left to start. Culp grounded out to second but Andrews and Smith both walked. Yaz walked to load the bases and Scott hit a grounder to third to score Andrews when Smith beat the force to re-load the bases. With a chance to do damage, Petrocelli struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                             Scott drives in a run

The Brewers answered in the top of the fourth as Hovley singled to center to begin. Walton walked and Hegan singled in the hole at second to load the bases. McNertney scored Hovley to tie the game but Walton was thrown out at third on the strikeout by Alvis to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                    McNertney drives in a run and apparently Topps didn't get the memo the Pilots moved

Tony C singled to left to start the bottom of the fourth but Alvarado struck out swinging. Moses forced Conigliaro at second and Culp took strike three to end the inning.

Kubiak singled to center to start the top of the fifth but Brabender struck out swinging. Harper flied out to left and Snyder lined out to short to end the inning. Andrews struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth and Smith grounded out to second. Yaz also grounded out to second to end the inning.

Hovley grounded out to first to start the top of the sixth but Walton struck out swinging. Hegan flied out to center to end the inning. Scott struck out swinging to start the bottom of the sixth and Petrocelli grounded back to the mound. Tony C lined out to center to end the inning.

The Brewers struck in the top of the seventh as McNertney walked to start. Alvis forced him at second and moved to third when Kubiak singled in the hole at short. Somehow Culp uncorked a wild pitch to score Alvis to give the Brewers the lead. Brabender struck out swinging but Harper walked. Snyder grounded out to second to end the inning with the Brewers ahead 2-1. Culp was undone by a wild pitch and lack of run support as he allowed just 2 runs in 7 innings.

                                                      Culp deserved a better fate

The Sox tried to rally in the bottom of the seventh as Alvarado grounded out to third to start. Moses singled to left and Dick Schofield pinch hit for Culp. Schofield struck out swinging and Andrews popped up to first to end the inning.

The Brewers iced the game when Ken Brett came in to pitch the top of the eighth. Mike Hershberger pinch hit for Hovley and doubled to left to start. Walton and Hegan both walked to load the bases and chase Brett. Ed Phillips came in and walked McNertney to score Hershberger. Alvis then singled home Walton and Hegan to ice the game. Kubiak popped up to short, Brabender struck out swinging and Harper whiffed to end the inning with the Brewers ahead 5-1.

                                                             Nice going Phillips

Smith popped up to first to start the bottom of the eighth and Yaz grounded back to the mound. Scott grounded out to short to end the inning.

Phillips returned for the top of the ninth and Snyder got a base hit to center but was thrown out at second trying to stretch a double by Smith. Hershberger flied out to center and Walton hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. Wayne Comer took over in left to start the bottom of the ninth and Petrocelli grounded back to the mound to start. Tony C grounded out to third and Sox manager Eddie Kasko sent in Tommy Matchick to pinch hit for Alvarado. Matchick walked and Moses struck his second home run of the year to cut the lead. How big was the 2 run single by Alvis now? That was it for Brabender as Bob Locker came in to get the final out. Mike Derrick pinch hit for Phillips and got a base hit to left. Representing the tying run, Andrews forced Derrick at second to end the game. The Sox rally fell short and they lost 5-3.

Jackass of the Night is Ken Brett. He put all 3 runners on that came around to score without recording an out.

                                                      Jackass Brett

The Good:

Reggie Smith walked twice in four plate appearances and had an outfield assist.

Tommy Matchick walked and scored a run.

Gerry Moses was 2 for 4 with a 2 run home run.

Mike Derrick singled as a pinch hitter.

One of the rare times the losing pitcher ends up on the Good list but Ray Culp tossed 7 strong innings and allowed just 2 runs.

The Bad:

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Luis Alvarado was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Dick Schofield struck out as a pinch hitter.

The Ugly:

Mike Andrews was 0 for 3 with a strikeout but walked twice and scored a run.

Carl Yastrzemski was 0 for 3 but walked.

George Scott was 0 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Tony Conigliaro was just 1 for 4.

Ed Phillips allowed 3 inherited runners to score but none of his own in 2 innings.

Final Thoughts:

If its not one thing, its another for the Red Sox this season. Some days the starting pitching sucks, some days they can't hit, some days the bullpen blows it. Today it was the bullpen with Ken Brett putting 3 guys on and Phillips allowing them all to score. That last hit by Alvis was the difference in the game and its a shame because of hell well Brett pitched in Game 1 of yesterday's doubleheader. The offense did almost nothing until the ninth inning as well and the Sox are falling too far behind in the AL East race early. The Sox needed to have a good April for when they make their move but they failed miserably. The Sox would have to win 3 out of their last 4 games to even be looked at as mediocre. How's a team like this supposed to go on a winning streak if they can't play consistently? Culp took the loss but didn't deserve it if the bullpen had done their job. The Sox now welcome the Oakland A's for a four game set to end the month of April. Vicente Romo (1-0) gets the start for the Red Sox against Catfish Hunter of the Athletics tomorrow afternoon. The game begins at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Peters, Sox Shut Out Brewers in Game 2 (4/25/70)

The Boston Red Sox were in trouble after they were smacked around in the first game of today's doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers. Sonny Siebert got knocked out in the second inning and the Sox had to use 4 relief pitchers to get to the end. With the bullpen already taxed, the Sox turned to Gary Peters (2-1, 3.20 ERA) to save them. Peters did just that as he put the team on his back with a complete game 4 hit shutout against the Brewers. The Sox offense had 12 hits in the first game but only 4 in this one but ironically they were much bigger. George Scott and Mike Andrews both hit home runs to give Peters all the support he needed. Tony Conigliaro added an rbi of his own and the Sox took Game 2 by the score of 3-0 at Fenway Park.

                                                                 Jo-Jo White approves of the win

Peters got the ball in the top of the first inning and almost had a repeat of Game 1. Tommy Harper singled to right then promptly stole second. Ted Savage popped up to second but Mike Hershberger walked. Both runners pulled off a double steal but Danny Walton flied out to center. Wayne Comer grounded out to short to end the inning. Bobby Bolin got the start for Milwaukee and Mike Andrews grounded out to first to start. Reggie Smith took strike three but Carl Yastrzemski walked. Yaz stole second but George Scott hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning.

Max Alvis popped up to second to begin the top of the second and Phil Roof grounded out to third. Ted Kubiak grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the second as Rico Petrocelli doubled off the Monster to start. Tony Conigliaro drove in Rico with a base hit to left but Luis Alvarado flied out to center. Don Pavletich forced Tony C at second and Peters flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                              Tony C drives in a run

Bolin took strike three to start the top of the third before Harper popped up to first. Savage grounded out to third to end the inning. Bolin cruised in the bottom of the third as Andrews struck out swinging to start. Smith popped up to short and Yaz hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning.

The Brewers threatened in the top of the fourth as Hershberger doubled to left to start. Walton grounded out to short and Comer flied out to center, but Alvis walked. Roof popped up to first to end the inning. The Sox struck back in the bottom of the fourth as Scott belted his second home run of the season to increase the lead. Petrocelli walked but Tony C flied out to center. Alvarado reached on an error by Harper to put runners at the corners but Pavletich struck out swinging. Peters popped up to first to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                           Scott hits his second homer

Peters cruised in the top of the fifth as Kubiak grounded out to third to start. Bolin took strike three and Harper grounded out to first to end the inning. The Sox wrapped up the scoring in the bottom of the fifth when Andrews smashed his second home run of the year to ice the game. Smith lined out to first but Yaz walked. Scott flied out to center and Petrocelli flied out to left to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.

                                                           Andrews hits one out

Savage grounded out to short to begin the top of the sixth and Hershberger struck out swinging. Walton singled to left but Comer grounded out to third to end the inning. Tony C walked to start the bottom of the sixth but Alvarado flied out to left. Pavletich flied out to right and Peters grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Brewers tried to rally in the top of the seventh when Alvis and Roof walked to start. The pitcher Marty Pattin pinch ran for Roof and both runners moved over on the Kubiak grounder to third. Jerry McNertney pinch hit for Bolin but popped up to short. Harper flied out to center to end the inning, good work Peters. McNertney took over behind the plate with John Gelnar on the mound to begin the bottom of the seventh. Andrews took strike three and Smith grounded out to second, but Yaz walked. Scott foolishly got in the way of McNertney on a squibber in front of the plate for an interference out to end the inning.

Savage singled to left to open the top of the eighth but Hershberger grounded into a double play. Walton struck out swinging to end the inning. Petrocelli reached on an Alvis error to start the bottom of the eighth but Tony C hit one up the elevator shaft. Alvarado popped up to short and Pavletich struck out swinging to end the inning.

Peters returned to finish the job in the top of the ninth and Comer grounded out to second to start. Alvis grounded out to second and Greg Goossen pinch hit for Gelnar. Goossen grounded out to short to end the game. Peters had thrown a shutout to beat the Brewers 3-0.

Hero of the Night is Gary Peters. He pitched a complete game 4 hit shutout while striking out 4 batters.

                                                       Peters The Hero

The Good:

Carl Yastrzemski walked 3 times in 4 at-bats.

Rico Petrocelli was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Tony Conigliaro was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

The Bad:

Reggie Smith was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Luis Alvarado was 0 for 4.

Don Pavletich was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Mike Andrews was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but the one hit was a home run.

George Scott was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a home run.

Final Thoughts:

That was a big game in more ways than one for Peters. Not only did he pitch a hell of a game to get the win but he saved the Sox a lot of hassle after they had to use the bullpen in Game 1. The Sox are going to need a rotation to match Baltimore and if Jim Lonborg is back healthy, Ray Culp has a great year and Peters is pitching well, they'll be in good shape. The Sox offense only had 4 hits but 3 of them went for rbis, go figure. Maybe this will get Scott back on track as he's only hitting .226 at the moment. Its not as if he's completely lost like he was in 68 but a home run might get him on track to a hot streak. Scott has as many home runs as Mike Andrews, that's not a good thing. Andrews is playing well though so its not a knock on him. The Brewers have a legitimate leadoff weapon in Harper but apart from him, there's not much there. The Sox are going to need to beat the Brewers consistently if they want to keep pace with Baltimore. The Sox play the rubber game of this series tomorrow afternoon when Ray Culp (1-2) takes on Gene Brabender of the Brewers. The game begins at 1:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Brewers Smack Sox in Game 1 (4/25/70)

After a rainout last night turned today into a doubleheader, the Milwaukee Brewers knocked out the Boston Red Sox in this afternoon's Game 1. Sonny Siebert and Lee Strange (1-1, 1.35 ERA) got hammered for 9 runs in 3 innings while the Sox defense committed 3 total errors. On the other side, Lew Krausse almost went the distance, holding the Sox to just 4 total runs. The Sox managed to outhit the Brewers 12-10 but couldn't get the clutch hits to drive men home. Bob Locker shut the door in the ninth and the Brewers took Game 1 by the score of 10-4 at Fenway Park.

                                              "Hello operator? The Sox are bums" - Cary Grant

The Brewers wasted no time getting to Siebert in the top of the first inning as Tommy Harper singled to left to start. Harper stole second then took third on a wild pitch. Russ Snyder walked and Harper scored on a wild pitch to give the Brewers the lead. Steve Hovley forced Snyder at second then stole second. Danny Walton took strike three and Mike Hegan flied out to left to end the inning with the Brewers ahead 1-0.

                                                                Harper scores a run

The Sox struck back against Krausse in the bottom of the first as Mike Andrews flied out to left to start. Reggie Smith walked and took second on a wild pitch before Carl Yastrzemski walked. George Sxott took strike three but Rico Petrocelli mauled a 3 run home run to put the Red Sox on top. Tony Conigliaro hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-1.

                                                            Petrocelli with a 3 run jack

The Brewers knocked out Siebert in the top of the second as Jerry McNertney singled to right to begin. Rich Rollins took strike three but Ted Kubiak walked. Krausse himself dropped down a bunt to move the runners along and Harper got a base hit to left to score McNertney. Harper stole second again and Snyder walked to load the bases and chase the incompetent Siebert. Lee Strange came in and Hovley singled home both Kubiak and Harper to put the Brewers up for good. Walton hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning but it was 4-3 Brewers. Siebert lasted just 1 2/3 innings and was charged with 4 runs. On a day where the Sox are playing a doubleheader, this was NOT what they needed.

                                                           Siebert sucked today

The Sox did fight back in the bottom of the second as Luis Alvarado singled to center to start. Gerry Moses got a base hit to left and Strange dropped down a bunt to move the runners over. Andrews scored Alvarado with a sac fly to tie the game but Smith flied out to center to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                        Herculean sac fly by Andrews

The floodgates opened in the top of the third as Hegan hit a routine grounder to Alvarado who dove on the ball and punched at it for an error to start. McNertney doubled to left and Rollins hit a routine fly to right. Conigliaro tried to catch the ball in his hat and it dropped for an error to score Hegan to tie the game. Kubiak grounded back to the mound and Krausse hit a routine grounder to second...booted by Andrews for Boston's third error of the inning. Naturally Harper singled to center to score McNertney to increase the lead. Sox manager Eddie Kasko pulled Strange who turned and gave the middle finger to his defense for their putrid performance. Ray Jarvis came in and poured gas on the fire as Snyder singled home Rollins and yet another wild pitch scored Krausse. Hovley walked and Walton singled home Harper, moving Snyder to third. Hegan hit a sac fly to center to score Snyder. McNertney struck out swinging to end the nightmare but the Brewers had scored 6 runs on 3 errors, brutal.

                                            "You guys can all kiss my foot!" - Strange

The Sox were deflated at that point as Yaz grounded out to first to begin the bottom of the third. Scott Singled to left but Petrocelli banged into a double play to end the inning.

Jarvis got Rollins to ground out to third to start the top of the fourth but Kubiak walked. Krausse dropped down a bunt to move Kubiak to second but Harper grounded out to third to end the inning. Tony C grounded back to the mound to begin the bottom of the fourth but Alvarado hit one up the elevator shaft. Mike Derrick pinch hit for Jarvis and reached on an error by Hegan. Andrews grounded out to second to end the inning.

Ken Brett came in to pitch the top of the fifth and Snyder struck out swinging to start. Hovley doubled to center and Walton walked, but Hegan struck out swinging. McNertney grounded out to third to end the inning. Smith grounded out to first to start the bottom of the fifth but Yaz beat out a roller to third. Scott popped up to first and Petrocelli struck out swinging to end the inning.

Brett dominated the top of the sixth as Rollins struck out swinging to start. Kubiak watched strike three go by and Krausse whiffed to end the inning. 

                                                    "You ain't gettin a run on me" - Brett

Tony C grounded out to first to start the bottom of the sixth but Alvarado singled to center. Moses flied out to center and Tommy Matchick pinch hit for Brett. Matchick flied out to center to end the inning.

Bill Lee came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Harper singled to left to start. Snyder banged into a double play and Hovley flied out to center to end the inning. Krausse cruised in the bottom of the seventh as Andrews popped up to first to start. Smith grounded out to first and Yaz grounded out to second to end the inning.

Lee returned for the top of the eighth and Walton grounded out to third to start. Hegan walked but McNertney lined out to center. Rollins walked and John Kennedy pinch ran for him. Kubiak grounded out to short to end the inning. Scott grounded out to third to begin the bottom of the eighth but Petrocelli singled to left. Tony C flied out to right but Alvarado singled to left. Moses grounded into a force to end the inning.

Krausse grounded out to third to begin the top of the ninth but Harper walked. Harper moved to second on a wild pitch but Snyder flied out to left. Hovley grounded out to third to end the inning. Good work by Lee to be the lone bright spot in the game.

                                                           Good work Lee

Dick Schofield pinch hit for Lee to begin the bottom of the ninth and got a base hit to left to start. Andrews got a base hit to center but Smith flied out to center. Yaz got a base hit to right to chase Krausse who was 2 outs away from a complete game. Bob Locker came in and got Scott to ground into a double play to end the game. The Brewers had won it 10-4.

Jackass of the Night is Ray Jarvis. He entered a 6-4 game and allowed 3 inherited runners to score and one of his own to put the game out of reach.

                                                             Jarvis the Jackass

The Good:

Carl Yastrzmeski was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.

Rico Petrocelli was 2 for 4 with a 3 run home run.

Luis Alvarado was 3 for 4.

Gerry Moses was 2 for 4.

Dick Schofield singled as a pinch hitter.

Ken Brett pitched 2 scoreless innings.

Bill Lee pitched 3 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Tony Conigliaro was 0 for 4.

Tommy Matchick flied out as a pinch hitter.

Sonny Siebert got hammered for 4 runs in 1 2/3 innings.

The Ugly:

Mike Andrews was just 1 for 4 but drove in a run.

Reggie Smith was 0 for 4 but walked and scored.

George Scott was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout.

Mike Derrick reached on an error in his only at-bat.

Lee Strange took the loss but all 5 runs he was charged with were unearned due to 3 errors.

Final Thoughts:

Well today got off to a terrible start. The Sox have to play 18 innings of baseball and their starter in Game 1 got knocked out in the second inning. Hell, Sox manager Eddie Kasko could probably throw Siebert into the bullpen for Game 2, why not? The offense got to Krausse early but once the Brewers went up by six, it was like the air went out of the balloon. Double plays and striking out will kill you every time and the Sox did plenty of both. Lee Strange probably was kicking things in the clubhouse after an inning like that, the Sox owe him dinner tonight if nothing else. That was a sloppy, horrible game and the worst part is they have to play another one. The worst part is this came off a big win over the Baltimore Orioles and winning both ends of a doubleheader would have been a confidence builder. Once again the Sox have a good offense but the pitching has been letting them down big time this season. The Sox play Game 2 shortly and Gary Peters (1-1) takes on Bobby Bolin of the Brewers in a game Peters must go long if the Sox have any hope of winning. The game begins officially at 5:00 PM at Fenway Park.