Basebawful Report of The Month

Juan Beniquez - 5 Good, 4 Bad, 6 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention

Bernie Carbo - 6 Good, 4 Bad, 6 Ugly, 3 Hero

Danny Cater - 3 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Ugly

Lance Clemons - 2 Good, 2 Bad

Reggie Cleveland - 4 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Jackass

Cecil Cooper - 6 Good, 3 Bad, 10 Ugly, 1 Hero

Bob Didier - 1 Good, 2 Bad, 2 Ugly

Dick Drago - 3 Good, 1 Ugly, 1 Jackass

Dwight Evans - 6 Good, 2 Bad, 2 Ugly

Carlton Fisk - 1 Good, 3 Ugly

Doug Griffin - 10 Good, 1 Bad, 8 Ugly, 2 Jackass

Mario Guerrero - 8 Good, 8 Bad, 5 Ugly

Tommy Harper - 3 Good, 3 Bad, 8 Good, 1 Jackass

Terry Hughes - 1 Good, 3 Bad, 2 Ugly, 2 Honorable Mention

John Kennedy - 1 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Ugly, 1 Honorable Mention

Bill Lee - 3 Good, 1 Bad, 2 Ugly

Juan Marichal - 1 Bad, 1 Jackass

Dick McAuliffe - 6 Good, 4 Bad, 5 Ugly, 1 Hero, 4 Honorable Mention

Rick Miller - 7 Good, 2 Bad, 5 Ugly, 2 Honorable Mention

Bob Montgomery - 5 Good, 4 Bad, 5 Ugly, 3 Jackass

Roger Moret - 2 Good, 1 Ugly

Rico Petrocelli - 3 Good, 5 Bad, 2 Ugly, 1 Hero

Diego Segui - 4 Good, 3 Bad, 3 Ugly

Luis Tiant - 2 Good, 1 Bad, 1 Ugly, 2 Jackass

Rick Wise - 1 Good, 1 Hero, 1 Jackass

Carl Yastrzemski - 12 Good, 1 Bad, 6 Ugly, 3 Hero

Most Valuable Player is Carl Yastrzemski with 12 Good

Least Valuable Player is Mario Guerrero with 8 Bad

Ugliest Player of The Month is Doug Griffin with 8 Ugly

Heroes of The Month are Carl Yastrzemski and Bernie Carbo with 3 Hero

Jackass of the Month is Bob Montgomery with 3 Jackass

Honorable Player of The Month is Dick McAuliffe with 4 Honorable Mention

Angels Crush Cleveland, Sox (4/30/74)

The good news was the Boston Bruins eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 6 of their NHL Semifinal series but the bad news was the Boston Celtics lost Game 2 of the NBA Finals and the Boston Red Sox got destroyed by the California Angels. Reggie Cleveland (1-3, 4.55 ERA) got lit up for 9 runs by a relentless Angels offense before he was knocked out in the fourth inning. The Angels teed off on Diego Segui and Lance Clemmons for a combined seven more runs. Even worse, Doug Griffin was sent to the hospital when he got hit in the head by a Nolan Ryan fastball. The Boston bats got to Angels Ryan for 6 runs after that, but he still went the distance in this one. Cecil Cooper hit a two run home run but that was one of very few highlights as the Angels wont the game 16-6 at Fenway Park.

                                                                 "DAMN THOSE ANGELS!"

The Angels wasted no time getting to Cleveland in the top of the first as Mickey Rivers singled to rigth to start. Denny Doyle got a base hit to left but Bobby Valentine popped up to second. Frank Robinson drew a walk to load the bases and Bob Oliver hit a sac fly to center to score Rivers. Morris Nettles grounded out to first to end the inning with the Angels up 1-0.

                                                                 Angels strike first

Tragedy struck in the bottom of the first with Ryan on the mound. Rick Miller singled to right but Doug Griffin was hit in the head by Nolan's fastball and had to be rushed to the hospital, shades of Tony Conigliaro. John Kennedy ran for Doug but Cecil Cooper struck out swinging. Carl Yastrzemski was hit with a pitch as well and Carl got hot at Ryan. The bases were loaded but Rico Petrocelli struck out swinging. Dwight Evans got a base hit to center to score Kennedy and Miller, but Yastrzemski was caught up at second to end the inning with the Sox up 2-1.

                                                            Get well soon, Doug

The Angels took command in the top of the second as Tommy McCraw got a base hit to center to start. McCraw moved to second on a grounder to short by Ellie Rodrguez, then to third on a grounder back to Cleveland by Dave Chalk. Rivers tripled into the centerfield triangle to score McCraw and Doyle ripped a base hit to center to score Rivers. Valentine forced Rivers at second to end the inning with the Angels up 3-2.

                                                           Doyle drives in a run

Dick McAuliffe walked to start the bottom of the second but Carlton Fisk flied out to center. Mario Guerrero flied out to center and Miller took strike three to end the inning. 

The Angels poured it on in the top of the third as Robinson doubled to right to start. Oliver flied out to right but Nettles walked. McCraw hit a double play ball to short but Kennedy dropped the throw for an error to score Robinson. Rodriguez got a base hit to left to score Nettles with another run. Chalk grounded into a double play to end the inning but it was 5-2 Angels.

                                                               Catch the ball John!

Kenny popped up to short to start the bottom of the third before Cooper struck out swinging. Yaz walked but Petrocelli struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Angels finished off Cleveland in the top of the fourth as Rivers walked to start. Rivers stole second and moved to third on a Doyle base hit to right. Valentine hit one up the elevator shaft but Robinson walked to load the bases. A balk was called on Reggie to score Rivers and Oliver doubled home both remaining runners to signal the end for Cleveland. He got hammered for 9 hits, 9 runs and 4 walks and Diego Segui took his place on the mound. Nettles grounded out to short to move Oliver to third but McCraw walked. Rodriguez doubled to left to score both runners and Chalk also doubled off the Monster to score Ellie. Rivers flied out to center to end the inning with the Angels up 11-2.

                                                              "Aye carumba!" - Segui

Joe Lahoud took over for Valentine to begin the bottom of the fourth and Evans walked to start. McAuliffe got a base hit to right and Fisk walked to load the bases. Guerrero hit a sac fly to right to score Evans and Miller walked to re-load the bases. Kennedy grounded into a double play to end the inning with the Sox down 11-3.

                                                                  RBI for Guerrero

Doyle grounded back to the mound to start the top of the fifth but Lahoud struck out swinging. Robinson popped up to short to end the inning. Cooper struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fifth and Yaz popped up to short. Petrocelli took strike three to end the inning.

Juan Beniquez took over for Yaz to start the top of the sixth and Oliver got a base hit to center. Nettles forced Oliver at second and moved to second himself on a grounder to third by McCraw. Rodriguez struck out swinging to end the inning. Evans struck out swinging to start the bottom of the sixth but McAuliffe walked. Fisk struck out swinging and Guerrero grounded out to short to end the inning,

Bob Montgomery took over behind the plate with Lance Clemons now on the mound for the top of the seventh. Chalk hit a routine grounder to McAuliffe who threw himself on the ball and swam on it for an error. Chalk moved to second on a grounder to second by Rivers and scored on the Doyle base hit to center. Lahoud forced Doyle at second then took second on a wild pitch. Robinson was intentionally walked and Oliver flied out to center to end the inning with the Angels up 12-3.

                                                           Rivers scores another run

Miller took strike three to begin the bottom of the seventh but Kennedy walked. Cooper flied out to left and Beniquez watched strike three go by to end the inning.

The Angels were relentless in the top of the eighth as Nettles got a base hit to left to start. McCraw flied out to right but Rodriguez forced Nettles at second. Chalk then hit a home run all the way to Shelbyville, Kentucky to increase the lead. Rivers grounded out to third to end the inning with the Angels up 14-3.

                                                          "Make it stop!" - Clemons

The Sox got a run in the bottom of the eighth as Petrocelli struck out swinging to start. Evans also went down hacking but McAuliffe hit his first home run of the season. Montgomery struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 14-4.

                                                             Home run McAuliffe

The Angels scored AGAIN in the top of the ninth as Doyle got another base hit in the hole at second. A wild pitch moved him to second and took third on a grounder to first by Lahoud. Robinson drilled a base hit to left to score Doyle and took second on a wild pitch. Oliver tripled to center to score Robinson but Nettles struck out swinging. McCraw walked but Rodriguez flied out to right to end the inning with the Angels up 16-4.

                                                     Robinson adds to the misery

Ryan came back to complete the game in the bottom of the ninth and Guerrero got a base hit to center to begin. Miller flied out to left and Kennedy struck out swinging, but Cooper belted his third home run of the year to cut the lead. Beniquez popped up to first to end the game. The Angels had won it 16-6.

Jackass of the Night is Reggie Cleveland. He allowed 9 hits, 4 walks and 9 runs in just 3 1/3 innings to take the loss.

                                                                 Jackass Cleveland

The Good:

Doug Griffin was hit by a pitch in the first inning.

Carl Yastrzemski walked and was hit with a pitch before leaving.

Dwight Evans was 1 for 3 with a walk, 2 rbis and a run scored.

Dick McAuliffe was 2 for 2 with 2 walks and a home run.

Mario Guerrero was 1 for 3 with an rbi and a run scored.

The Bad:

Juan Beniquez was 0 for 2 with a strikeout.

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 4 with the golden sombrero of 4 strikeouts.

Bob Montgomery struck out in his only plate appearance.

Diego Segui allowed 2 runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Lance Clemons allowed 5 runs in 3 innings.

The Ugly:

Rick Miller was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but walked and scored a run.

John Kennedy was 0 for 3 with a strikeout and an error but walked and scored a run.

Cecil Cooper was just 1 for 5 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts but hit a 2 run home run.

Carlton Fisk was 0 for 2 with a strikeout but walked.

Final Thoughts:

That was bawful in more ways than one. Its bad enough to get your ass kicked, its another to lose Griffin like that Tony Conigliaro style. He's currently in ICU but it looks like he's going to pull through. The worst part was Tony C was hit by Jack Hamilton of the Angels so Yastrzemski and Petrocelli definitely had a little PTSD in this one. The Angels bats couldn't miss as they pounded out 18 hits as a unit against Sox pitching. Cleveland and Segui had pitched relatively well this year so it was just one of those days. Its bad enough Rick Wise has felt shoulder pain since that snowy game he pitched in but losing Griffin like this hurts big time the way he was hitting. The Sox have been banged up this month as it is with injuries to Fisk and Petrocelli but things are getting worse. The Sox end the month of April with a 10-12 record, 2.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to rebound tomorrow afternoon against the Angels when Bill Lee (2-2) takes on Bill Stoneman of California. The game begins at 3:30 PM at Fenway Park.

McCraw, Angels Stop Sox (4/29/74)

What happened to Luis Tiant (1-3, 5.79 ERA)? Two years ago he led the league in ERA and won 20 games last year, yet he's been batting practice so far this year. Tiant got nailed by the California Angels for 12 hits and 7 runs in a dominating effort by the Angels bats, mainly Tommy McCraw. Meanwhile Bill Singer tossed a complete game 7 hitter against the lifeless Red Sox offense. Lance Clemons had to finish the game because Tiant couldn't and the Angels sent the Sox further down the standings with a 7-2 win at Fenway Park

                                                "START PITCHING BETTER TIANT!"

Tiant got the ball in the top of the first inning and Mickey Rivers singled to center to start. Denny Doyle flied out to right and Bobby Valentine moved Rivers to second with a grounder to third. Bob Oliver popped up to left to end the inning. Singer got the ball in the bottom of the first and Rick Miller struck out swinging to start. Doug Griffin walked and Cecil Cooper drilled a base hit to right to move Griffin to third. Carl Yastrzemski hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Griffin and Dwight Evans took strike three to end the inning with the Sox up 1-0.

                                                             RBI for Yaz

The Angels struck back in the top of the second as Winston Llenas flied out to right. Old pal Joe Lahoud grounded out to second but Tommy McCraw hit a home run all the way to Edmonton to tie the game. Ellie Rodriguez grounded out to third to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                                                                  Tie game

The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the second as Bernie Carbo grounded out to short to start. Dick McAuliffe grounded back to the mound and Carlton Fisk grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Angels struck again in the top of the third as Dave Chalk grounded out to second to begin. Rivers ripped a base hit to left and promptly stole second. Doyle hit one up the elevator shaft but Valentine got a base hit to center. Rivers came around to score and Valentine took second on the throw home, but Oliver struck out swinging to end the inning with the Angels ahead 2-1.

                                                              RBI for Valentine

Morris Nettles came in for Lahoud for the bottom of the third and Mario Guerrero got a base hit to left to start. Miller forced Guerrero at second before moving to second himself on the grounder to third by Griffin. Cooper struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Angels got another one in the top of the fourth as Llenas got a base hit to center to start. Nettles popped up a bunt to Fisk but McCraw doubled to left. Rodriguez was intentionally walked to load the bases and Chalk scored Llenas with a sac fly to center. Rivers popped up to third to end the inning with the Angels up 3-1.

                                                          Chalk gets an rbi

Yaz walked to start the bottom of the fourth but Evans took strike three. Carbo struck out swinging but McAuliffe doubled to left. Fisk popped up to center to end the inning.

Doyle flied out to left to open the top of the fifth before Valentine grounded out to short. Oliver grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Guerrero flied out to right to start the bottom of the fifth before Miller flied out to center. Griffin grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Angels got another run in the top of the sixth as Richie Scheinblum pinch hit for Llenas only to pop up to short. Nettles singled in the hole at short and immediatley stole second. McCraw doubled to right to score Nettles and Rodriguez flied out to center. Chalk tripled into the left field corner to score McCraw and Rivers flied out to center to end the inning with California on top 5-1.

                                                           McCraw does it again

The Sox failed to respond in the bottom of the sixth as Cooper grounded back to the mound to start. Yaz and Evans both struck out swinging to end the inning.

Doyle popped up to center to begin the top of the seventh and Valentine grounded out to short. Oliver walked but Scheinblum flied out to center to end the inning. Carbo grounded out to second to start the bottom of the seventh before McAuliffe flied out to left. Fisk walked and Guerrero singled to center to load the bases, but Miller grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Angels finished off Tiant in the top of the eighth as Nettles beat out a roller to short to start. McCraw then hit his second home run of the game to put it on ice. Rodriguez grounded out to short but Chalk tripled into the left field corner. Chalk tried to go for the inside the park home run but was thrown out at home. Rivers lined out to first to end the inning with the Angels up 7-1.

                                                               One man wrecking crew

The Sox did fight back in the bottom of the eighth as Griffin popped up to short to start. Cooper walked and Yaz got a base hit off the first base bag, but Evans popped up to first. Carbo singled to left to score Cooper. McAuliffe grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox down 7-2.

                                                                  Carbo drives in a run

Lance Clemons came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Doyle grounded out to second to start. Valentine flied out to center and Oliver flied out to right to end the inning. Singer returned to finish the job in the bottom of the ninth and Fisk popped up a bunt to the catcher to begin. Guerrero popped up to left but Miller got a base hit down the third base line. Griffin forced Miller at second to end the game. The Angels had won it 7-2.

Jackass of the Night is Luis Tiant. He got lit up for 12 hits and 7 runs in 8 innings of work.

                                                                 El Burro

The Good:

Cecil Cooper was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Carl Yastrzemski was 1 for 2 with a walk and an rbi.

Mario Guerrero was 2 for 4.

Lance Clemons tossed a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Dwight Evans was 0 for 4 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

The Ugly:

Rick Miller was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout.

Doug Griffin was 0 for 4 but walked and scored.

Bernie Carbo was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run.

Dick McAuliffe was just 1 for 4.

Carlton Fisk was 0 for 3 but walked.

Final Thoughts:

Tiant was god awful in this game but so were the Red Sox with runners in scoring position. They could have had a few more runs if they could get a hit when it counted. Still, Tiant getting dominated by Tom McCraw was not on my bingo card as he was a one man gang for the most part. Carlton Fisk doesn't look right but then again, no one has. The bottom of the order is still struggling and even with Sox manager Darrell Johnson juggling the lineup, they're still not generating much offense. Carl Yastrzemski is off to a hot start but everyone around him has been mediocre or worse. Hopefully things turn around because they're not going to last very long in the pennant race the more games they lose. Hopefully Tiant can shake off this bad month and dominate from here on in or else it could be time to look elsewhere for an ace. The Sox play their final game of the month of April tomorrow night when Reggie Cleveland (1-2) faces Angels ace Nolan Ryan. The game begins at 10:30 PM Eastern time at Anaheim Stadium.

Sox Beat Royals in 13 Innings (4/28/74)

It was a great night for Boston sports. The Boston Bruins defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 5 of their NHL Semifinal series, the Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals and the Boston Red Sox knocked off the Kansas City Royals in 13 innings. For eight innings it looked like the Sox were cruising toward a win against the Royals as they led 4-2. The Sox got 4 runs off old pal Marty Pattin while Roger Moret held the Royals to two runs in 7 1/3 innings. Then in the bottom of the ninth Hal McRae hit a two run home run off Dick Drago to send the game to extras. In the top of the 13th, Cecil Cooper hit a home run off Doug Bird to put the Sox ahead. Drago was still in the game and he finished off the Royals for some redemption in the bottom of the frame. The Sox had beaten the Royals 5-4 in 13 innings at Royals Stadium.

                                                   Dave Cowens approves of the win

Pattin got the ball in the top of the first inning as Rick Miller flied out to center to start. Doug Griffin also flied out to center and Cecil Cooper struck out swinging to end the inning. Moret got the start in the bottom of the first and Freddie Patek flied out to left to start. Cookie Rojas got a base hit to center and Amos Otis grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Carl Yastrzemski got a base hit to center to begin the top of the second inning but Bernie Carbo popped up to short. Dwight Evans flied out to left but Carlton Fisk forced Yaz at second to end the inning. The Royals struck first in the bottom of the second as John Mayberry singled to right and Fran Healy hit a home run all the way to Quebec to put the Royals on top. Jim Wohlford popped up to third but Hal McRae singled to center. McRae stole second but Paul Schaal walked. Al Cowens struck out swinging and Patek popped up to first to end the inning with the Royals up 2-0.

                                                                      Home run Healy

The Sox struck back in the top of the third as Dick McAuliffe flied out to center to start. Guerrero struck out swinging but Miller launched his first home run of the year to cut the lead. Griffin popped up to second to end the inning with the Sox down 2-1.

                                                            Miller cuts the lead

Rojas got a base hit to right to start the bottom of the third but Otis hit into another double play. Mayberry lined out to right to end the inning.

Cooper lined out to right to begin the top of the fourth and Yaz flied out to center. Carbo grounded out to second to end the inning. Healy grounded out to short to start the bottom of the fourth and Wohlford got a base hit to center. Moret threw the pickoff throw away and Wohlford moved all the way to third on the error, but McRae struck out swinging. Schaal grounded out to second to end the inning.

Evans lined out to left to begin the top of the fifth and Fisk grounded out to third. McAuliffe took strike three to end the inning. Cowens popped up to third to open the bottom of the fifth but Patek singled in the hole at second. Rojas grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox struck back in the top of the sixth as Guerrero got a base hit to left to begin. Guerrero swiped second but Miller struck out swinging. Griffin got a base hit to center to score Guerrero with the tying run but Cooper flied out to left. Yaz drew a walk but Carbo grounded out to first to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                          Griffin drives in a run

Otis flied out to right to start the bottom of the sixth before Mayberry flied out to left. Healy popped up to first to end the inning.

The Sox took command in the top of the seventh as Evans smashed his second home run of the year to put the Sox on top. Fisk walked and McAuliffe dropped down a bunt, only for Fisk to slide in safe at second anyway. Guerrero grounded into a double play but Miller walked to put runners at the corners. Griffin forced Miller at second to end the inning with the Sox up 3-2.

                                                               Evans hits one out

Wohlford grounded out to third to start the bottom of the seventh but McRae walked. McRae stole second but Schaal popped up to second. Cowens grounded out to short to end the inning.

Cooper flied out to left to begin the top of the eighth and Yaz did the same. Carbo doubled to center and moved to third on the infield single to short by Evans to chase Pattin. Doug Bird came in and Evans took off for second. Healy threw to second and Carbo made a mad dash home. Evans was safe at second and Carbo was safe at home for a double steal. Evans tried to be greedy and steal third but was thrown out to end the inning with the Sox up 4-2.

                                                                 Carbo steals home

Patek flied out to right to start the bottom of the eighth but Rojas singled to left. Otis singled to left and Sox manager Darrell Johnson had seen enough of Moret. Roger allowed 2 runs in 7 1/3 innings, putting the Sox in line for the win. Bill Lee came in just to face one batter, getting Mayberry to ground out to first. The runners moved over but Dick Drago got Healy to ground out to first to end the inning.

                                                                   Good work Moret

Fisk struck out swinging to start the top of the ninth but McAuliffe got a base hit to center. Guerrero flied into a double play to end the inning. Drago came back to close out the bottom of the ninth and failed miserably. Wohlford singled to center and McRae hit a home run all the way to Russia to tie the game. Schaal grounded back to the mound and Vada Pinson pinch hit for Cowens. Pinson struck out swinging and Patek flied out to right to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                           McRae ties it

Miller took strike three to start the top of the tenth before Griffin flied out to left. Cooper popped up to third to end the inning. Rojas grounded out to short to start the bottom of the tenth and Otis grounded out to third. Mayberry walked but Healy grounded out to third to end the inning.

Yaz grounded out to second to open the top of the eleventh and Carbo did the same. Evans doubled to center but Fisk grounded out to third to end the inning. Wohlford grounded out to second to begin the bottom of the eleventh and McRae grounded back to the mound. Schaal lined out to right to end the inning.

McAuliffe got a base hit in the hole at second to start the top of the 12th but Guerrero grounded into a double play. Miller got a base hit to center but Griffin flied out to right to end the inning. Things looked bleak in the bottom of the 12th when Pinson doubled to left to start. Patek dropped down a bunt to move Pinson to third but Rojas grounded out to second with the infield in. Amos and Mayberry were intentionally walked to load the bases and Healy struck out swinging to end the inning.

                                               Gave up the lead but held the fort after

The Sox finally broke the tie in the top of the 13th as Cooper belted a solo home run to put the Sox up instantly. Yaz grounded back to the mound, Carbo struck out swinging and Evans struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 5-4.

                                                                 Cooper gets it done

Drago returned to close out the bottom of the 13th and Wohlford grounded out to short to start. McRae grounded out to third and Tony Solaita pinch hit for Schaal. Solaita doubled to left and Frank White pinch ran for him. Pinson struck out swinging to end the game. The Sox had won it 5-4 in 13 innings.

                  

Hero of The Night is Cecil Cooper. His home run in the 13th inning was the decisive blow in the game.

The Good:

Rick Miller was 2 for 5 with a walk and a home run.

Dwight Evans was 3 for 6 with a home run and a stolen base.

Dick McAuliffe was 2 for 4.

Roger Moret allowed 2 runs in 7 1/3 innings giving up 9 hits and 2 walks while striking out two.

Bill Lee retired the only man he faced.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Doug Griffin was just 1 for 6 but drove in a run.

Carl Yastrzemski was just 1 for 5 with a walk.

Bernie Carbo was just 1 for 6 with a strikeout but scored a run and a stolen base.

Carlton Fisk was 0 for 4 with a strikeout and a walk.

Mario Guerrero was just 1 for 5 with a strikeout but stole a base and scored a run.

Dick Drago blew the save in the ninth but earned the win with 5 1/3 innings pitched.

Final Thoughts:

That was a marathon and one of the most frustrating games of the season. The Sox had the game won going into the ninth but Drago blew it....then proceeded to be lights out almost the rest of the game. The Sox bats were timely until the ninth inning then went asleep the rest of the game except for one swing by Cooper. Cecil really saved the Sox bacon in this one, otherwise who knows how long the game would have went. Its good to see Fisk back so the Sox bats are starting to return back to normal. Let's hope the pitching holds up as the season progresses. The Sox now return home for a series against the California Angels beginning tomorrow night. Luis Tiant (1-3) takes on Bill Singer of the Angels and the game begins at 7:30 PM at Fenway Park.

Royals Pound Marichal, Sox Drop Fifth Straight (4/27/74)

Looks like the Boston Red Sox are limping toward the end of the month of April. The Sox have now lost their fifth straight game and this one was utter domination by the Kansas City Royals. "The Dominican Dandy" Juan Marichal (0-1, 10.13 ERA) may want to call it a career after getting pounded in this one. The Royals got 4 runs off Marichal in the bottom of the first and took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the eighth. Things fell apart as the Royals scored five runs off Marichal, Lance Clemons and Diego Segui to put the game on ice. The Sox mustered just three runs off Al Fitzmorris and Doug Bird pulled a Houdini in the top of the ninth as the Royals won the game 10-3 at Royals Stadium.

                                                      "Five straight losses"

The Sox wasted no time getting to Fitzmorris in the top of the first inning as Rick Miller flied out to left to start. Doug Griffin got a base hit to left. Cecil Cooper grounded out to second to move Griffin to second and a wild pitch moved Doug to third. Carl Yastrzemski drew a walk and Danny Cater hit a rocket to left for a bases clearing double. Dwight Evans grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                              Cater drives in a pair

Marichal got pounded in the bottom of the first as Freddie Patek got a base hit to center. A balk moved Patek to second and Cookie Rojas hit a routine grounder to Mario Guerrero. Mario tried to throw to third and the ball sailed into the stans for an error to score Patek. Amos Otis singled to center to score Rojas but John Mayberry popped up to third. Fran Healy hit a home run all the way to South Korea to put the Royals up for good already. Jim Wohlford got a base hit to center but was immediately picked off. Vada Pinson lined out to right to end the inning with the Royals ahead 4-2.

                                                     Home run Healy

Bob Montgomery grounded out to short to start the top of the second before Dick McAuliffe flied out to left. Guerrero grounded out to short to end the inning. The Royals beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the second as Hal McRae grounded out to third to start. Paul Schaal grounded out to short and Patek also grounded out to short to end the inning.

Miller singled to right to start the top of the third but was doubled off first on a line drive to short by Griffin. Cecil Cooper flied out to left to end the inning. Rojas grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the third before Otis flied out to left. Mayberry grounded out to first to end the inning.

Yaz grounded out to second to begin the top of the fourth and Cater popped up to second. Evans flied out to right to end the inning. Healy popped up to third to start the bottom of the fourth and Wohlford struck out swinging. Pinson grounded out to first to end the inning.

Montgomery flied out to left to start the top of the fifth but Rojas booted a grounder by McAuliffe for an error. Guerrero flied out to right but Miller singled to center, only for Griffin to force Rick at second to end the inning. The Royals struck again in the bottom of the fifth as McRae doubled to center to start. Schaal flied out to right and Patek flied out to center, but Rojas tripled to center to score McRae. Otis hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning with the Royals up 5-2.

                                                             Rojas drives in a run

Cooper flied out to center to start the top of the sixth and Yaz also flied out to center. Cater grounded out to third to end the inning. Mayberry flied out to left to start the bottom of the sixth before Healy also flied out to left. Wohlford flied out to center to end the inning.

The Sox struck back in the top of the seventh as Evans doubled to center to start. Montgomery lined out to first but McAuliffe flied out to center. Rico Petrocelli pinch hit for Guerrero and hit a grounder to Patek who threw the ball away for an error to score Evans. Terry Hughes pinch ran for Petrocelli but Miller grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox down 5-3.

                                                            Evans scores a run

Pinson popped up to second to start the bottom of the seventh and McRae grounded out to first. Schaal grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

The Sox blew another rally in the top of the eighth as Griffin grounded out to third to start. Cooper singled to center but a wild pitch moved him to second. Yaz popped up to third and Cater grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Suddenly the Royals exploded in the bottom of the eighth as Patek grounded out to third to start. Rojas doubled to center and Otis tripled to left to chase Marichal. Juan would be charged with 7 runs in 7 1/3 innings allowing 9 hits. Lance Clemons came in to pour gas on the fire as Mayberry doubled to left to score Otis and Healy doubled to right to score Mayberry. Wohlford was intentionally walked and Pinson was plunked to load the bases. Sox manager Darrell Johnson facepalmed as he removed Clemons in favor of Diego Segui. McRae walked to score Healy and Schaal scored Wohlford with a sac fly to left. Patek walked to load the bases again and Tony Solaita pinch hit for Rojas. Solaita struck out swinging to end the inning but the Royals blew it open 10-3.

                                             "GADZOOKS! This pitching is bad" - DJ

Frank White took over at second to start the top of the ninth and Evans got a base hit in the hole at short to start. Montgomery also beat out a roller to short and McAuliffe walked to load the bases. That was it for Fitzmorris as Doug Bird came in to close the game out. Guerrero struck out swinging and Miller grounded into a double play to end the game. The Royals had won the game 10-3.

Jackass of the Night is Juan Marichal. He was charged with 7 runs in 7 1/3 innings to put the Sox in a hole they couldn't climb out of.

                                                                      Jackass Marichal

The Good:

Rick Miller was 2 for 5.

Dwight Evans was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

The Bad:

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Terry Hughes struck out as a pinch hitter.

Lance Clemons allowed 3 runs without getting an out.

The Ugly:

Doug Griffin was just 1 for 4 with a run scored.

Cecil Cooper was just 1 for 4.

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

Danny Cater was just 1 for 4 but drove in two runs.

Bob Montgomery was just 1 for 4.

Dick McAuliffe was 0 for 3 but walked.

Diego Segui allowed 2 inherited runners to score but none of his own in 2/3 of an inning.

Final Thoughts:

The Sox just can't get any consistency. Some days they can't score, some days they can't pitch. They lose 1-0, they lose 10-3, they just lose. The injury to Carlton Fisk and earlier injury to Rico Petrocelli hurt but they can't generate any offense. Tommy Harper, Mario Guerrero and others just aren't getting it done. If that doesn't change soon, the season is going to go down the drain by the middle of May. Hopefully the Sox have some reinforcements in Pawtucket because what they have now aren't getting it done. Marichal looks old and it may be time for him to retire. Its a shame because on paper the Sox had a good rotation but who saw Rick Wise getting hurt trying to pitch in the snow or Marichal washing up. The less said of this game, the better. The Sox look to avoid a sweep tomorrow afternoon against the Royals when Roger Moret gets the start for Boston against old buddy Marty Pattin. The game begins at 2:00 PM Eastern time at Royals Stadium.

Busby, Royals Defeat Sox (4/26/74)

For the third game in a row the Boston Red Sox were knocked off in a complete game effort by an opposing starter. This time it was the Kansas City Royals and Steve Busby that dominated the Sox. Busby tossed a complete game 6 hitter allowing just two runs to the punchless Sox offense. Bill Lee (2-2, 2.35 ERA) was game but got tagged for four runs by the Royals. The only silver lining was the return of Carlton Fisk from injury as he scored a run in his first game back. Unfortunately he didn't score enough as the Sox dropped their fourth straight game 4-2 to the Royals at Royals Stadium.

                                                "HOW DO YOU LOSE IN FISK'S RETURN?"

Busby got the ball in the top of the first and Tommy Harper grounded out to short to start. Rick Miller doubled to left and a wild pitch moved him to third. Doug Griffin struck out swinging but Carl Yastrzemski walked. Yaz stole second but Bernie Carbo struck out swinging to end the inning. Lee got the ball in the bottom of the first and Freddie Patek grounded out to first to start. Cookie Rojas got a seeing eye single into right but Amos Otis forced him at second. Otis stole second and John Mayberry was hit with a pitch. Fran Healy struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Sox took the lead in the top of the second as the returning Carlton Fisk walked to begin. Bob Montgomery doubled to center to score Fisk but was thrown out at third on a Terry Hughes grounder back to Busby. Mario Guerrero grounded into a double play to end the inning but the Sox were up 1-0.

                                                                     Welcome back Fisk

Jim Wohlford singled in the hole at short to begin the bottom of the second and promptly stole second. Hal McRae dropped down a bunt to move Wohlford to third but Paul Schaal took strike three. Al Cowens grounded out to short to end the inning.

Harper beat out a roller to start the top of the third but Miller grounded into a double play. Griffin struck out swinging to end the inning. Patek popped up to first to start the bottom of the third before Rojas grounded out to third. Otis tripled to left but Mayberry grounded out to second to end the inning.

Yaz walked to begin the top of the fourth but Carbo grounded back to the mound to move Carl to second. Fisk beat out a roller to third to put runners at the corners but Montgomery grounded into a double play to end the inning. The Royals fought back in the bottom of the fourth as Healy struck out swinging to start. Wohlford lined out to right but McRae hit a home run all the way to Osaka, Japan to tie the game. Schaal grounded out to short to end the inning with the game tied 1-1.

                                                              Home run McRae

The Sox blew a big rally in the top of the fifth as Hughes singled past the first base bag to start. Guerrero dropped down a bunt but it got Hughes thrown out at second and Harper popped up to second. Miller and Griffin both walked to load the bases but Yaz flied out to right to end the inning. The Royals took command in the bottom of the fifth as Cowens lined out to center to start. Patek tripled into the left field corner and Rojas lashed a base hit to center to score Freddie. Otis singled to center and both runners moved over on the Mayberry grounder to second. Healy grounded out to second to end the inning.

                                                               Rojas drives in a run

Carbo struck out swinging to start the top of the sixth before Fisk lined out to left. Montgomery grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Wohlford singled to center to start the bottom of the sixth and promptly stole second. McRae got Wohlford thrown out at third on a force and he himself was picked off. Schaal grounded out to third to end the inning.

Hughes grounded out to third to start the top of the seventh and Dick McAuliffe pinch hit for Guerrero. McAuliffe walked but Harper grounded into the fourth double play of the game to end the inning. The Royals finished off Lee in the bottom of the seventh as Cowens got a base hit in the hole at short to start. Patek dropped down a bunt and Lee threw it away for an error to put runners at the corners. Rojas grounded into a double play but Cowens scored. Otis doubled to left and somehow stole third before Mayberry walked to chase Lee. Bill fought bravely but allowed 3 runs in just 6 2/3 innings. Diego Segui came in to pitch and Mayberry stole second. Healy flied out to left to end the inning with the Royals up 3-1.

                                         "Can Montgomery throw anyone out?" - Lee

The Sox did get a run back in the top of the eighth as Miller flied out to left to begin Carbo smacked a triple to left field and came home on the sac fly to center by Yaz. Carbo flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox down 3-2.

                                                              Yaz drives in a run

Wohlford beat out a roller to third to begin the bottom of the eighth and stole his third base of the game. McRae beat out a roller to short and Schaal dropped down a bunt to move the runners over. Vada Pinson pinch hit for Cowens and hit a sac fly to center to score Wohlford. Patek popped up to first and somehow Schaal tagged up and moved to second. Rojas grounded out to third to end the inning with the Royals up 4-2.

                                                               Pinson drives in a run

Fisk popped up to third to start the top of the ninth and Cecil Cooper pinch hit for Montgomery and struck out swinging. Rico Petrocelli pinch hit for McAuliffe and popped up to third to end the game. The Royals had won it 4-2.

Jackass of The Night is Bob Montgomery. He allowed SIX stolen bases, the last one leading to the insurance run scoring.

                                                             Jackass Montgomery

The Good:

Rick Miller was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Doug Griffin was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Carl Yastrzemski walked twice and drove in a run.

Carlton Fisk was 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.

Terry Hughes was 1 for 3.

Dick McAuliffe walked as a pinch hitter.

The Bad:

Bernie Carbo was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Cecil Cooper struck out as a pinch hitter.

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Mario Guerrero was 0 for 2.

Diego Segui allowed a run in 1 1/3 innings.

The Ugly:

Tommy Harper was just 1 for 4.

Bill Lee took the loss but allowed just 3 runs in 6 2/3 innings. He allowed 11 hits and a walk while striking out three.

Final Thoughts:

That was bawful defined. The Sox grounded into four double plays, let the Royals steal SIX bags and Lee threw a ball away. They couldn't do anything right today and its a wonder Sox manager Darrell Johnson doesn't jump into the ocean after the game. The only bright spot is Carlton Fisk is back and as soon as he's ready to catch again, you can say goodbye to Montgomery behind the plate. The pitching has been solid with Rick Wise, Lee, Reggie Cleveland and Luis Tiant, they just need the bats and the defense to come around. Not every game will be as incompetent as this one....we hope. The less said of this, the better. The Sox look to snap their four game losing streak tomorrow afternoon when "The Dominican Dandy" Juan Marichal takes on Al Fitzmorris of Kansas City. The game begins at 2:00 PM Eastern time at Royals Stadium.