Yankees Turn Tables on Sox (6/20/70)

After the Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees yesterday, today it was the Yankees turn to stick it to the Sox. The Yankees bats pounded out 15 hits and 8 runs, knocking out Sox starter Mike Nagy (1-1, 4.67 ERA) in 4 innings. The Sox bullpen didn't do Nagy any favors by allowing 4 runs of their own. Mel Stottlemyre went the distance for the Yankees as the Bombers knocked out the Sox 8-3 at Fenway Park.

                                               Joel doesn't like bad pitching

The Yankees wasted no time getting to Nagy in the top of the first inning. Horace Clarke struck out to begin the game but Jerry Kenney singled to center. Kenney swiped second and Bobby Murcer singled to right. Tony Conigilaro booted the ball in right which allowed Kenney to score and advance Murcer to third. A wild pitch by Nagy allowed Murcer to score another run. Roy White popped up to third but Danny Cater and Curt Blefary stroked back to back singles. Rob Hansen popped up to first to end the inning with the Yankees ahead 2-0.

                                                          Dammit Tony

The Sox answered in the bottom of the first against Stottlemyre as Mike Andrews led off by dumping a base hit to left. Reggie Smith flied out to center but Carl Yastrzemski walked. Tony C struck out but Rico Petrocelli singled home Andrews to cut the lead. George Scott struck out to end the inning with the Sox down 2-1.

                                                            Petrocelli drives in a run

The Yankees countered in the top of the second as Jake Gibbs flied out to center to begin. Stottlemyre walked and Clarke flied out to left. Kenney doubled home Stottlemyre to increase the lead. Murcer walked but White flied out to left to end the inning with the Yankees up 3-1.

Billy Conigliaro grounded out to second to open the bottom of the second before Jerry Moses grounded out to short. Nagy struck out to end the inning.

The Yankees kept up the attack in the top of the third inning as Cater popped up to second to begin. Blefary grounded back to the mound but Hansen singled to right. Gibbs doubled home Hansen to push the Sox down further. Stottlemyre popped up to second but it was now 4-1 Yankees.

Andrews walked to begin the bottom of the third but Smith grounded out to second. Andrews moved to second on the out then to third on the grounder by Yaz. Tony C flied out to center to end the inning.

Nagy finally kept the Yankees off the board in the top of the fourth as Clarke popped up to second to begin. Kenney took strike three but Murcer doubled to left. White grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Sox had a chance to come back in the bottom of the fourth although Petrocelli flied out to center to start. Scott flied out to right but Billy C walked and Moses singled to bring the tying run to the plate. Sox manager Eddie Kasko had rookie Mike Derrick pinch hit for Nagy... only to strike out to end the inning.

                                                That's not how you pinch hit, Derrick

Lee Strange came in for the top of the fifth inning and got hammered as well. Cater singled and Blefary was hit with a pitch to start the inning. Hansen singled home Cater and moved Blefary to third, Blefary scoring on the sac fly by Gibbs. Stottlemyre popped up to short but Clarke singled Hansen to third. Kenney flied out to center to end the inning but the game was in hand for the Yankees 6-1.

                                                        Nice relief Lee

The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the fifth as Andrews grounded out to third to start. Smith grounded out to first and Yaz popped up to short to end the inning.

Strange cruised in the top of the sixth as Murcer popped up to third to start. White flied out to left and Cater grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox got a run back in the bottom of the sixth although Tony C lined out to left to start. Petrocelli smashed his 12th home run of the season to cut the deficit. Scott singled but Billy C forced him at second and Moses lined out to short to end the inning with the Sox down 6-2.

                                                        Home run Rico

Strange came back for the top of the seventh and Blefary popped up to third to start. Hansen lined out to center but Gibbs singled to left. Stottlemyre took strike three to end the inning. Jim Lyttle took over for Blefary with Dick Schofield pinch hitting for Strange to begin the bottom of the seventh. Dick grounded out to first before Andrews flied out to right. Smith doubled to left but Yaz grounded out to second to end the inning.

                                              Not the best pinch hitting by Schofield

Jose Santiago took over for the top of the eighth and the Yankees got to him too. Clarke flied out to left but Kenney walked. Murcer popped up to third but White doubled home Kenney. Cater singled home White to increase the lead. Lyttle took strike three to end the inning with the Yankees up 8-2.

                                                             Bad relief Jose

The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the eighth as Tony C flied out to right to start. Petrocelli lined out to center and Scott struck out to end the inning.

Santiago came back for the top of the ninth and Hansen flied out to center to begin. Gibbs popped up to short but Stottlemyre singled to center. Clarke grounded out to first to end the inning. Stottlemyre came back to complete the game but the Sox had one last raspberry to blow in the bottom of the ninth. Billy C of all people smashed his 5th home run of the year just to stick it to the Yankees. Moses grounded out and Tom Satriano pinch hit for Santiago, only to fly out to left. Andrews popped up to short to end the game. The Yankees had won it 8-3.

Jackass of the Night is Mike Nagy. He got lit up for 4 runs in just 4 innings in a clear sophomore slump to take the loss.

                                                           Jackass Nagy


The Good:

Rico Petrocelli was 2 for 4 with 2 total rbis and a home run.

Billy Conigliaro was 1 for 3 with a walk and a solo home run.



The Bad:

Tony Conigliaro was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Mike Derrick struck out as a pinch hitter.

Dick Schofield grounded out as a pinch hitter.

Tom Satriano was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter

Lee Strange allowed 2 runs in 3 innings of work.

Jose Santiago allowed 2 runs in 2 innings of work.



The Ugly:

Mike Andrews was just 1 for 4 but walked and scored.

Reggie Smith was just 1 for 4.

Carl Yastrzemski was 0 for 3 but walked.

George Scott was just 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Jerry Moses was just 1 for 4.




Final Thoughts:

If you wonder why the Sox are a game under .500, the regression of Nagy has to be one of the main reasons. Lots of fans thought he was going to be the second coming of Jim Lonborg but it hasn't worked out this season. The offense has been fine for the most part but the Sox simply dont have the pitching to match some of the great teams in baseball. Maybe they can make a trade but as of right now it doesnt look good moving forward this season. The loss dropped the Sox to 30-31, 10 games behind the Baltimore Orioles for 1st place in the American League East. Tomorrow afternoon the Sox are back in action against the Yankees with Gary Peters going for the Sox up against Fritz Peterson at 2:05 PM at Fenway Park.

Perry, Twins Hold Off Sox (6/12/70)

Its been that kind of season for the Boston Red Sox. After winning 8 out of 10 games including the possible win of the season against the Chicago White Sox, the Sox come back from an off-day and lay an egg against the Minnesota Twins. Jim Perry held the Sox bats to just one run in 6 innings and the Twins bullpen allowed just one run the rest of the way. Meanwhile Gary Peters (3-7, 5.33 ERA) got tagged for 3 runs in 5 innings. The Sox did cut the lead to 1 but Cal Koonce imploded in the bottom of the eighth and the Twins scored two big insurance runs. Ron Perrranoski slammed the door and the Twins had beaten the Sox 5-2 at Metropolitan Stadium.

                                                               "Damn you Koonce"

Perry got the ball in the top of the first inning and Mike Andrews got a base hit to left to start. Dick Schofield grounded into a double play but Carl Yastrzemski walked. Yaz was thrown out trying to steal to end the inning. Peters got the ball in the bottom of the first and Cesar Tovar flied out to right to start. Rod Carew grounded out to third but Harmon Killebrew walked. Tony Oliva flied out to right to end the inning.

Reggie Smith grounded out to second to start the top of the second but Leo Cardenas booted a grounder by Rico Petrocelli for an error. Petrocelli was thrown out at second trying to steal when George Scott struck out swinging to end the inning. The Twins struck first in the bottom of the second as Rick Renick grounded out to short to start. Schofield booted a grounder by Brant Alyea. Cardenas got a base hit to left but George Mitterwald flied out to right to move Alyea to third. Perry beat out a roller to third to score Alyea and Tovar walked to load the bases. Carew flied out to left to end the inning with the Twins up 1-0.

                                                                Perry drives in a run

Billy Conigliaro struck out swinging to start the top of the third and Tom Satriano took strike three. Peters got a base hit to right but Andrews lined out to left to end the inning. Peters got in trouble in the bottom of the third as Killebrew walked to start. Oliva walked but Renick popped up to short. Alyea  struck out swinging but Cardenas got a base hit to left to load the bases. Mitterwald flied out to center to end the inning.

Schofield walked to start the top of the fourth and he was thrown out at second trying to steal. Might want to stop running on Mitterwald. Yaz flied out to left and Smith popped up to first to end the inning. Perry popped up to short to start the bottom of the fourth and Tovar struck out swinging. Carew lined out to left to end the inning.

Petrocelli flied out to right to open the top of the fifth but Scott grounded out to short. Billy C lined out to short to end the inning. The Twins finished off Peters in the bottom of the fifth as Killebrew popped up to second to start. Oliva singled to left but Renick flied out to left. A wild pitch moved Oliva to second but Alyea doubled to left to score Tony. Jim Holt ran for Alyea and Cardenas got a base hit up the middle to score him. Mitterwald forced Cardenas at second to end the inning with the Twins up 3-0. Peters was done after 5 innings, 3 runs, 6 hits and 4 walks.

                                                                Not his best stuff

The Sox struck back in the top of the sixth as Satriano blasted his first home run of the season to start. Mike Derrick pinch hit for Peters and struck out swinging, begging the question why didn't Sox manager Eddie Kasko just let Peters hit there? Andrews and Schofield both got base hits to left but Yaz lined out to right. Smith grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox down 3-1.

                                                                 Satriano's first of the year

Lee Strange came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth and Charlie Manuel pinch hit for Perry. Manuel popped up to short and Tovar grounded out to short. Carew grounded out to second to end the inning.

The Sox rallied in the top of the seventh with Stan Williams now on the mound for Minnesota. Petrocelli got a base hit to center and Scott lined out to right. Conigliaro popped up to short but Satriano beat out a roller to third. Mike Fiore pinch hit for Strange and ripped a base hit to center to score Rico, moving Satriano to third. Ron Perranoski came in to face Andrews with the tying run at third. Andrews struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox down 3-2.

                                                            Fiore drives in a run

Cal Koonce came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Killebrew singled to center to start. Oliva hit a bullet to Koonce who doubled off Harmon. Rich Reese pinch hit for Renick and grounded out to second to end the inning.

Schofield led off the top of the eighth with a grounder to short. Yaz struck out swinging and Smith grounded out to short to end the inning. The Twins iced the game in the bottom of the eighth as Holt walked to start. Cardenas got a base hit to left and Mitterwald also got a base hit to left to score Holt with the insurance run. Sox manager Eddie Kasko brought in Sparky Lyle to stop the bleeding and Perranoski struck out swinging. Tovar lined out to left but Carew doubled to left to score Cardenas. Killebrew was intentionally walked and Frank Quilici ran for him. Oliva flied out to center to end the inning but the Twins were up 5-2.

                                                               Carew ices it

Petrocelli grounded out to third to start the top of the ninth but Scott got a base hit to left. Conigliaro grounded out to third to move Scott to second and Jerry Moses pinch hit for Satriano. For some stupid reason Moses tried to bunt and popped it up to Perranoski to end the game. The Twins had won it 5-2.

Jackass of The Night is Cal Koonce. He allowed 2 runs in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach.

The Good:

Mike Andrews was 2 for 4.

Tom Satriano was 2 for 3 with a home run.

Mike Fiore singled and drove in a run as a pinch hitter.

Lee Strange pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

The Bad:

Reggie Smith was 0 for 4.

Billy Conigliaro was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Jerry Moses was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Mike Derrick struck out as a pinch hitter.

Gary Peters got tagged for 3 runs in 5 innings off 6 hits and 4 walks.

The Ugly:

Dick Schofield was 1 for 3 with a walk but committed an error.

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

Rico Petrocelli was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

George Scott was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Sparky Lyle allowed an inherited runner to score but none of his own in an inning of work.

Final Thoughts:

That game was a kick in the pants. The Sox are clearly in a different bracket compared to teams like the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles. Jim Perry didn't even pitch that great but him and the bullpen shut down the Sox. Not having Tony Conigliaro hurt but at the same time, Cal Koonce and Sparky Lyle allowing the final two runs hurt even more. The Sox just can't seem to play consistent baseball either on the field or on the mound. Peters dropped to 3-7 and if he was supposed to be your big off-season acquisition to topple the Orioles, he failed big time so far. He got outpitched by Jim Perry in this one. Still, its only June and the Sox have another two months to go on a run. Beating teams like the Twins and Orioles are crucial for them to get back in the race.....if they can. The loss dropped the Sox to 26-27, 9.5 games behind Baltimore for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow when Ray Culp (4-6) takes on Jim Kaat of Minnesota. The game begins at 2:00 PM at Metropolitan Stadium.

Sox Bash Sloppy Royals in Game 1 (6/7/70)

This was a win giftwrapped on a silver platter for the Boston Red Sox in the first game of a day night doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals. Old friend Dave Morehead didn't get out of the first inning as the Boston bats pounded out 7 runs including a home run from Ken Brett....yes, HIM. The Royals committed 3 errors and the Sox bullpen led by Brett and Lee Strange slammed the door as the Sox took Game 1 7-4 at Fenway Park

                                                   Jennifer Liano approves of the win

Sox starter Ray Culp got the ball in the top of the first inning and Pat Kelly beat out an infield single to third to start. Kelly was thrown out trying to steal before Rich Severson struck out swinging. Amos Otis popped up to third to end the inning. The Sox struck first against Morehead in the bottom of the first as Mike Andrews walked to start. Reggie Smith singled to right and Carl Yastrzemski walked to load the bases with nobody out. Tony Conigliaro ripped a base hit to left that got under the glove of left fielder Lou Piniella. Andrews and Smith scored, Yaz took third and Moreland had to leave the game. Royals manager Charlie Metro brought in Tom Burgmeier to pitch and Petrocelli walked to re-load the bases. George Scott banged into a double play but Yaz scored to increase the lead. Jim Campanis came in to catch for Ed Kirkpatrick and Tom Satriano grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.

                                                             Conigliaro drives in a pair

Culp got Bob Oliver to fly out to center to start the top of the second but Piniella got a base hit to left. Joe Keough flied out to left but Jackie Hernandez walked. Campanis struck out swinging to end the inning. Luis Alvarado flied out to right to start the bottom of the second but Culp struck out swinging. Andrews walked but Smith forced him at second to end the inning.

The Royals struck back in the top of the third inning as Burgmeier singled to center to start. Kelly clobbered a home run all the way to Utica to cut the lead. Severson singled to left but Otis struck out swinging. Oliver lined out to left but Piniella singled Severson to third. Keough walked to load the bases but Hernandez grounded into a force at second to end the inning with the Sox still ahead 3-2.

                                                         The pitcher scores a run

The Sox answered in the bottom of the third as Yaz lined one off Burgmeier but right to Hernandez who threw to first for the out. Tony C grounded out to short but Petrocelli tripled to center. Scott bashed a base hit to right to score Rico for another run but Satriano forced Scott at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-2.

                                                            Scott drives in a run

Campanis was plunked to start the top of the fourth but Burgmeier struck out swinging. Campanis moved to second on the grounder to second by Kelly but Severson grounded out to short to end the inning. Alvarado struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth before Culp grounded out to short. Andrews singled to center but Smith forced him at second to end the inning.

Culp cruised in the top of the fifth inning as Otis struck out swinging to start. Oliver grounded out to short and Piniella flied out to left to end the inning. The sox blew a rally in the bottom of the fifth as Yaz grounded out to second to start. Tony C singled to center but was forced at second by Petrocelli. Scott singled to left and Satriano walked to load the bases. Alvarado flied out to center to end the inning.

The Royals chased Culp in the top of the sixth as Keough walked to start. Hernandez hit a home run all the way to Bismarck, North Dakota to tie the game and Campanis walked. That was it for Culp who left after allowing 4 runs in just 5 plus innings. Lee Strange came in and Burgmeier forced Campanis at second before Kelly walked. Both runners moved over on the grounder to first by Severson and Otis walked to load the bases. Oliver grounded out to third to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                          Culp couldn't get it done

The Sox struck back in the bottom of the sixth with Dick Schofield pinch hitting for Strange. Schofield walked and Burgmeier booted a grounder by Andrews for an error before throwing the ball away for another error to send Schofield to third. Smith hit a sac fly to score Schofield plus move Andrews to second but Yaz flied out to right. Tony C got a base hit to left to score Andrews with an insurance run and chase Burgmeier. Ken Wright came in and Petrocelli grounded into a force to end the inning with the Sox ahead 6-4.

                                                       Schofield scores the go-ahead run

Ken Brett came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Piniella walked to start. Keough popped up to short but Hernandez walked. Campanis struck out swinging and Hawk Taylor pinch hit for Wright. Taylor struck out swinging to end the inning. Moe Drabowski came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh and Scott took strike three to start. Satriano flied out to right and Alvardo grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Mike Fiore came in to play first for Scott in the top of the eighth and Kelly grounded out to first to start. Severson flied out to center and Otis struck out swinging to end the inning. The Sox iced the game in the bottom of the eighth when Brett himself hit his first home run of the season. Andrews his one up the elevator shaft and Smith struck out looking, but Yaz walked. Tony C flied out to right to end the inning with Boston up 7-4.

                                                           Home run Brett

Brett returned to finish the job in the top of the ninth and Oliver struck out swinging to start. Piniella doubled to right and moved to third on the grounder to second by Keough, but Hernandez grounded out to second to end the game. The Sox had won Game 1 by a score of 7-4.

Hero of the Night is Ken Brett. He tossed 3 scoreless innings to get the save and hit a home run.

                                                        Hero Brett

The Good:

Mike Andrews was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.

Tony Conigliaro was 3 for 5 with 3 runs batted in.

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

George Scott was 2 for 4 with an rbi.

Dick Schofield walked and scored a run as a pinch hitter.

Lee Strange got the win by pitching a scoreless sixth inning.

The Bad:

Luis Alvarado was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Ray Culp allowed 4 runs in just 5 plus innings. He was 0 for 2 with a strikeout at the plate.

The Ugly:

Reggie Smith was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in a run and scored a run.

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

Tom Satriano was 0 for 3 but walked.

Honorable Mention:

Mike Fiore played first base in the final two innings.

Final Thoughts:

Culp not lasting long wasn't good and neither was Scott getting yanked from the game after watching strike three go by. Kudos to Brett and Strange for holding the fort but the pitching on this team has been atrocious this season as a whole. Losing Jim Lonborg hurt but the Sox needed ace pitching from Sonny Siebert, Culp and Mike Nagy....but aren't getting it. The Baltimore Orioles have a huge lead and it doesn't look like the Sox can get out of their mediocrity even with their powerful offense. Its a shame considering the season Tony Conigliaro is having, hopefully the pitching improves as the season moves along. The win improved the Sox to 24-25. The Sox play Game 2 of the doubleheader in an hour against these same Royals. Gary Peters starts for the Red Sox against Bob Johnson of Kansas City. The game begins at 5 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.

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.

Sox Rally Leads To Sweeping Yankees (4/16/70)

It was a great night for Boston sports. First the Boston Bruins eliminated the New York Rangers in Game 6 of their first round NHL playoff series and the Boston Red Sox rallied to sweep the New York Yankees out of Fenway. Sonny Siebert got knocked out in the third inning by the Bronx Bombers and the Sox trailed 5-4 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. Reggie Smith tied the game with an rbi single and Carl Yasztremski beat out an infield single to put the Sox ahead. The Sox tacked on more runs and never looked back. Vicente Romo earned his first save of the season by slamming the door in the ninth and the Sox had won the game 8-5 at Fenway Park.

                                                     Fred Stanfield approves of the win

Siebert got the ball in the top of the first inning and Horace Clarke led off with a fly out to right. Thurman Munson walked and Roy White singled to center before Bobby Murcer singled to center to load the bases. Curt Blefary banged into a double play to end the inning. Yankees starter Stan Bahnsen got Mike Andrews to ground back to the mound to start the bottom of the first. Reggie Smith flied out to right but Carl Yastrzemski singled to left. Yaz swiped second but George Scott flied out to center to end the inning.

Danny Cater doubled to right to start the top of the second but Jerry Kenney lined back to Siebert. Gene Michael flied out to right and Bahnsen grounded out to first to end the inning. Rico Petrocelli flied out to left to begin the bottom of the second but Tony Conigliaro walked. Luis Alvardo lined back to the mound and Jerry Moses flied out to center to end the inning.

The Yankees pounced on Siebert in the top of the third as Clarke singled to right to begin. Munson flied out to right but White doubled to left. Murcer singled home both men to put the Yankees on top and Blefary drew a walk. Cater singled to left to score Murcer and send Blefary to third. Sox manager Eddie Kasko knew something was wrong and pulled Siebert before the game got out of hand. Siebert would be charged with 4 runs in just 2 1/3 innings. Lee Strange came in and Kenney singled home Blefary and Michael walked to load the bases. Bahnsen popped up to short and Clarke grounded out to second to end the inning with the Yankees ahead 4-0.

                                                            Not today Siebert

The Sox roared back in the bottom of the third inning although Strange struck out swinging to start. Andrews cracked his first run of the season to cut the lead and Smith singled to center. Yaz walked but Scott flied out to center. Petrocelli then smashed a three run home run to tie the game, but Tony C popped up to second to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                   Home runs from Andrews & Petrocelli

Munson flied out to center to start the top of the fourth inning but White walked. White stole second but Murcer struck out swinging. Blefary flied out to left to end the inning. Alvarado grounded out to short to start the bottom of the fourth and Moses grounded out to first. Strange struck out swinging to end the inning.

Cater struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth but Kenney walked. Michael flied out to right and Bahnsen struck out swinging to end the inning. Andrews doubled to left to open the bottom of the fifth and Smith moved him to third with a grounder to second. Scott flied out to right to end the inning.

The Yankees struck back in the top of the sixth although Clarke flied out to left to start. Munson walked and took second on a wild pitch before moving to third on a fly ball to center by White. Murcer walked and Blefary singled to right to score Munson with the go-ahead run. Cater forced Blefary at second to end the inning with the Yankees ahead 5-4.

                                                      Blefary gives the Yankees the lead

Petrocelli flied out to center to start the bottom of the sixth but Tony C singled to center. Alvarado grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Kenney grounded back to the mound to start the top of the seventh before Michael walked. Bahnsen dropped down a bunt to move Michael to second but Clarke lined out to second to end the inning. The Sox came out swinging in the bottom of the seventh although Moses swung at air for strike three to start. Dick Schofield pinch hit for Strange and singled to second to chase Bahnsen. Jack Aker came in and Andrews singled to right. Smith lashed a base hit to right to score Schofield to tie the game and Yaz beat out a fielder's choice to score Andrews with the go-ahead run. Yaz and Smith went for a double steal and Munson heaved the ball away, Smith scoring another run. Scott walked to put runners at the corners and Petrocelli scored Yaz with a sac fly to increase the lead. Tony C popped up to short to end the inning with the Sox ahead 8-5.

                                                       Schofield gets the rally started

Vicente Romo came in for the top of the eighth and Munson popped up to short to begin. White lined out to right and Murcer flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the eighth as Alvarado grounded back to the mound to start. Moses and Romo both grounded out to short to end the inning.

Romo came back to close out the top of the ninth and Blefary grounded out to first to start. Cater grounded out to short and Kenney grounded out to third to end the game. The Sox had won it 8-5 to sweep the Yankees.

Hero of the Night is Reggie Smith. He drove in the tying run, stole a base and scored the insurance run in the seventh.

                                                             Reggie Hero

The Good:

Mike Andrews was 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 total runs scored.

Carl Yastrzemski was 1 for 3 with a walk, 2 stolen bases, an rbi and 2 total runs scored.

Rico Petrocelli was 1 for 3 with a 3 run homer and 4 total rbis.

Tony Conigliaro was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Dick Schofield singled and scored as a pinch hitter.

Lee Strange got the win by allowing just 1 run in 4 2/3 innings.

Vicente Romo earned the save with 2 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Luis Alvarado was 0 for 4.

Jerry Moses was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Sonny Siebert allowed 4 runs while lasting just 2 1/3 innings.

The Ugly:

George Scott was 0 for 3 but walked.

Final Thoughts:

That was a nice comeback win but that was an absolute stinker by Siebert. If the Sox have any hope of contending this season, they need Siebert to step up and be an ace along with Jim Lonborg and Ray Culp. Today was not going to cut it but at least the Sox were able to win the game. Lee Strange did the best he could to limit the mess Siebert created and Romo slammed the door once the Sox took the lead. Andrews is starting to heat up and it was nice to see 6 of the 9 hitters all contribute one way or another. Kudos to Dick Schofield for coming off the bench ice cold and getting the rally started in the seventh. Beating the Yankees isn't exactly as important as it would have been 6 years ago but the Sox need to win these games to keep pace with Baltimore. The Sox now travel to Detroit to play a set with the Tigers. Tomorrow Gary Peters takes the mound for the Sox up against Joe Niekro of the Tigers at 2:05 PM Eastern time at Tiger Stadium.