Red Sox Sweep White Sox (4/25/71)

How about those Boston Red Sox? The Red Sox successfully swept the Chicago White Sox out of Fenway for their fourth straight overall win. After the White Sox turned a 4-0 Red Sox lead into a tie game in the top of the seventh, the Sox needed a rally in the bottom of the eighth to seal the deal. Carl Yastrzemski walked home the go-ahead run before Ken Tatum shut the door in the top of the ninth. Once again timely offense and timely pitching led to the BoSox beating the ChiSox 5-4 at Fenway Park.

                                                         Carolyn Jones approves of the win

Gary Peters got the start for the Sox in the top of the first and Lee Richard was snuffed out on a bunt by Gary to start. Mike Andrews doubled to left but Carlos May lined out to center. Bill Melton grounded out to third to end the inning. The Sox got to old pal Wilbur Wood to start the bottom of the first as Luis Aparicio walked to start. Aparicio was forced at second by Reggie Smith but Carl Yastrzemski clobbered his 4th home run of the season to give the Sox the lead. Rico Petrocelli flied out to left but George Scott singled to right. Duane Josephson doubled to left and BoSox manager Eddie Kasko switched his starting lineup for only the second time all season by starting Joe Lahoud over Billy Conigliaro. Lahoud struck out to end the inning with the BoSox ahead 2-0.

                                                                Yaz hits a home run

Rick Reichardt struck out looking to start the top of the second before Walt Williams grounded out to third. Tom Egan struck out swinging to end the inning. Doug Griffin grounded out to short to start the bottom of the second before Peters grounded out to first. Aparicio whiffed to end the inning.

Luis Alvarado grounded out to second to open the top of the third before Wood took strike three. Richard grounded out to third to end the inning. The BoSox got another run in the bottom of the third as Smith grounded out to short to start. Yaz singled to right and stole second before scoring on the double by Petrocelli. Scott struck out swinging and Josephson grounded out to third to end the inning with the BoSox ahead 3-0.

                                                           Petrocelli drives in a run

Andrews grounded out to short to begin the top of the fourth but May singled to right. Melton lined out to center and Reichardt flied out to center to end the inning. The BoSox chased Wood in the bottom of the fourth although Lahoud grounded out to second to start. Griffin and Peters stroked back to back singles then Aparicio doubled home Griffin to send Wood to the showers. Pat Jacquez took over on the mound and Smith grounded back to the mound. Jim Magnuson came in to face Yaz and Carl walked to load the bases. Petrocelli flied out to center to end the inning with the BoSox ahead 4-0.

                                                         Aparicio drives in a run

The White Sox struck back in the top of the 5th as Williams doubled to start. Egan hit a home run all the way to the U.S.S.R. to cut the lead in half. Alvarado flied out to left and Rich Morales pinch hit for Magnuson and was plunked. Richard flied out to right and Andrews grounded into a force to end the inning but the ChiSox cut the lead 4-2.

                                                         Egan cuts the lead in half

The BoSox threatened in the bottom of the fifth against Steve Kealey as Scott singled to right to start. Josephson and Lahoud both popped up to third but Griffin singled to center. Peters grounded out to first to end the inning.

May struck out to open the top if the sixth then Melton walked. Rich McKinney pinch hit for Reichardt and walked but Williams flied out to center. Egan whiffed to end the inning. The BoSox did nothing in the bottom of the sixth as Aparicio flied out to left to start. Smith popped up to first in foul territory and Yaz grounded out to third to end the inning. 

The White Sox tied the game in the top of the seventh as Alvarado grounded out to third to start. Kealey struck out looking but Richard singled to right. None other than Andrews belted a 2 run bomb into the Charles River to tie the game.

                                                          It had to have been Andrews?

May walked and that was it for Peters. Peters got bit by the long ball as he lasted 6 2/3 innings but gave up 4 runs. Bobby Bolin came in and got Melton to popped up to third to end the inning with the game tied 4-4.

                                                           Not good enough, Gary

The BoSox did nothing in the bottom of the seventh as Petrocelli hit one up the elevator shaft to start. Scott struck out swinging and Josephson popped up to second to end the inning.

McKinney grounded out to short to start the top of the eighth but Williams drew a walk. Egan flied out to center but Alvarado beat out an infield single to chase Bolin. Sparky Lyle came in and Ed Herrmann pinch hit for Kealey. Ed grounded out to second to end the inning. The BoSox rallied in the bottom of then eighth against Don Eddy although Lahoud grounded out to first to start. Griffin lined out to second and Phil Gagliano pinch hit for Lyle. Gagliano walked then Aparicio and Smith stroked back to back singles to load the bases. Yaz walked home Gagliano to give the BoSox the lead. Vincente Romo replaced Eddy and Petrocelli flied out to right to end the inning but the BoSox were ahead 5-4.

                                                          Gagliano walks and scores

Ken Tatum came in to close out the top of the ninth and Richard grounded back to the mound to start. Andrews hit one up the elevator shaft and May grounded out to second to end the game. The BoSox had stolen another one 5-4.

Hero of the Night is Carl Yastrzemski. He hit the 2 run homer to give the Sox the early lead then walked home the eventual winning run in the bottom of the eighth.

                                                                        Yaz is the Hero

The Good:

Luis Aparicio was 2 for 4 with a walk and an rbi.

George Scott was 2 for 4.

Doug Griffin was 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Bobby Bolin tossed a full scoreless inning.

Sparky Lyle earned the win by retiring the only man he faced.

Ken Tatum earned his third save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Joe Lahoud was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Reggie Smith was just 1 for 5 but scored a run.

Rico Petrocelli was just 1 for 5 but drove in a run.

Duane Josephson was just 1 for 4.

Gary Peters allowed 4 runs in 6 2/3 innings. He was 1 for 3 at the plate.

Final Thoughts:

The White Sox are nothing special but the BoSox are finding ways to win games. The relief pitching was damn good today and the offense stepped up when needed. Kudos to Phil Gagliano for coming off the bench ice cold and drawing the walk to start the rally. Yaz is the leader of this team and he carried them today to the victory. Hopefully Sox manager Eddie Kasko learned from his early April mistakes of leaving guys in too long as he pulled Peters at just the right time. Bolin, Lyle and Tatum slammed the door big time and they're gonna need more of that as the season progresses. Its funny that this was only the third lineup used this season by Kasko in 16 games. The win was the Sox fourth in a row and they look for number 5 in a row when they take on the visiting Milwaukee Brewers tomorrow night. Ray Culp (2-0) goes for the Sox up against Marty Pattin of the Brewers at 7 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Outslug Indians (4/21/71)

Its good to be on the winning side of a slugfest for once. The Cleveland Indians took a 7-2 lead over the Boston Red Sox by the top of the fifth inning, knocking out starting pitcher Ray Culp in the third inning. The Sox sprang back to life with a rally in the bottom of the fifth, tied the game in the sixth and took the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Billy Conigliaro led the charge back with a 3 run home run in the fifth and Carl Yastrzemski hit the go-ahead rbi single in the eighth to bring the Sox back to life. Sparky Lyle and Bobby Bolin slammed the door in the final innings as the Sox improved to a game over .500 for the first time all year with a 9-7 win at Fenway Park.

                                                         Diana Rigg approves of the win

Culp took the ball in the top of the first inning and Buddy Bradford struck out swinging to start. Vada Pinson flied out to right but Ray Fosse walked and took second on a passed ball. Graig Nettles flied out to center to end the inning. The Sox struck first in the bottom of the first against Indians starter Steve Hargan as John Kennedy grounded out to third to start. Reggie Smith walked then took second and third on wild pitches. Carl Yastrzemski singled home Smith to give the Sox the lead. Rico Petrocelli flied out to right but George Scott singled to center. Duane Josephson popped up to first to end the inning with Boston ahead 1-0.

                                                           Smith scores a run

Ken "Hawk" Harrelson struck out swinging to open the top of the second before Roy Foster went down hacking as well. John Lowenstein grounded out to first to end the inning. Billy Conigliaro tried to bunt his way on to start the bottom of the second but was snuffed out by Nettles. Doug Griffin grounded out to third and Culp popped up to second to end the inning.

The Indians attacked in the top of the third as Larry Brown caught Petrocelli asleep with a bunt single to start. Hargan popped up a bunt back to Culp but Bradford doubled Brown to third. Pinson doubled home both runners to give the Indians the lead and Fosse doubled home Pinson. Nettles then hit a home run all the way to the Azores to chase Culp from the game. After spending most of April leaving his starters in too long, now Sox manager Eddie Kasko was pulling them early. Culp was done after 2 1/3 innings and 5 runs allowed, not good. Cal Koonce came in and Harrelson grounded back to the mound before Foster lined out to third to end the inning. The Indians had knocked out Culp and led 5-1.

                                                            Not today Ray

The Sox tried to fight back in the bottom of the third although Kennedy flied out to right to start. Smith grounded out to first but Yaz smashed his 3rd home run of the season to cut the lead. Petrocelli walked but Scott grounded into a force to end the inning with the Sox down 5-2.

                                                        Yaz hits one out

The Indians took advantage of shoddy defense to score another run in the top of the fourth. Lowenstein beat out an infield single then swiped second base. Petrocelli booted a ground ball by Brown for an error and Lowenstein scored on a double play hit by Hargan. Bradford grounded out to short to end the inning but it was 6-2 Indians.

                                                        Another error by Rico

The Sox tried to rally when Josephson and Billy C stroked back to back singles to start the bottom of the fourth. Chuck Machemehl replaced Hargan and Griffin flied out to center. Gary Peters the pitcher pinch hit for Koonce and lined out to center. Kennedy grounded into a force to end the inning.

Bill Lee took over on the mound in the top of the fifth and he got smacked too. Pinson lined out to left but Fosse tripled to right. Nettles popped up to first but Harrelson singled home Fosse to increase the lead. Foster lined out to right to end the inning but it was 7-2 Indians.

                                                                 It had to be Hawk didn't it?

The Sox stormed back in the bottom of the fifth as Smith walked to start. Yaz singled to right and Petrocelli singled home Smith. Scott flied out to right and Josephson popped up to first, but Billy C crushed a 3 run bomb to cut the lead. Griffin grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox down 7-6.

                                                          "That ball is gone" - BC

Lee returned for the top of the sixth and Lowenstein grounded out to second to start. Brown grounded back to the mound and Machemehl struck out to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the sixth as Mike Fiore pinch hit for Lee only to pop up to third. Kennedy doubled to left and Smith singled him home to tie the game and chase Machemehl. "Rock Hard" Rick Austin came in just to walk Yaz before Vince Colbert came in to freeze Petrocelli for strike three. Scott grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the game tied 7-7.

                                                      Kennedy scores the tying run

Sparky Lyle came in to pitch the top of the seventh inning and Bradford walked to start. Pinson struck out swinging and Fosse forced Bradford at second. Nettles popped up to third to end the inning. The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the seventh as Josephson popped up to first in foul territory to start. Billy C walked but Griffin banged into a double play to end the inning.

Harrelson flied out to center to start the top of the eighth but Foster singled to left. Foster was forced at second by Lowenstein and Brown struck out to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the eighth as Joe Lahoud pinch hit for Lyle, drawing a walk. Kennedy bunted Lahoud to second but Smith grounded back to the mound. Yaz put the Sox on top with an rbi doubled to left and Petrocelli singled him in for the insurance run. Scott singled to left but Josephson grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 9-7.

Bobby Bolin came in to close out the top of the ninth and Ted Uhlaender pinch hit for Colbert to start. Uhlaender flied out to left and Gomer Hodge pinch hit for Braford, drawing a walk. Hodge moved to second on the Pinson grounder and Fosse popped up to first to end the game. The Sox had rallied to win it 9-7.

Hero of the Night is Carl Yastrzmeski. He homered early and drove in the winning run in the bottom of the eighth.

                                                             Yaz The Hero

The Good:

Reggie Smith was 1 for 3 with 2 walks, an rbi and a run scored.

Rico Petrocelli was 2 for 4 with a walk, 2 rbis and a run scored.

George Scott was 2 for 5.

Billy Conigliaro was 2 for 3 with a walk and a 3 run home run.

Joe Lahoud walked and scored a run as a pinch hitter.

Sparky Lyle got the win by pitching 2 shutout innings.

Bobby Bolin earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Doug Griffin was 0 for 4.

Gary Peters was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Mike Fiore was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Ray Culp was knocked out in the third inning after allowing 5 runs in 2 1/3 innings.

The Ugly:

John Kennedy was just 1 for 4 but scored a run.

Duane Josephson was just 1 for 5.

Cal Koonce allowed an unearned run in 1 2/3 innings.

Bill Lee allowed a run in 2 innings of work.

Final Thoughts:

Its a nice win but the Sox really need to stop falling behind in almost every game they've played this season. Ray Culp is supposed to be one of their best pitchers but he didn't pitch like it today. Luckily the offense was up to the task today and the home run by Billy Conigliaro was huge. Its about time Bolin pitched well and Lyle had a good game as well. Not much to complain about other than Griffin hitting a pathetic .167 to start the season. They couldn't have traded Tony Conigliaro for a better second baseman? Either way its a win and every one of them counts. After an off-day tomorrow the Red Sox welcome the Chicago White Sox to Fenway on Friday afternoon. Sonny Siebert (2-0) takes on Tommy John of the White Sox at 1 PM at Fenway Park.

Indians Outlast Sox in 13 Innings (4/19/71)

The Cleveland Indians have won 5 games this season and four of them have come against the Boston Red Sox. After sweeping the Sox out of Cleveland two weeks ago, the Indians came to Fenway and beat the Sox in extra innings. The Sox and Indians fought to a 3-3 tie by the eighth inning then were deadlocked  the next four innings. Roy Foster bashed a 2 run home run off Bill Lee (0-1, 4.15 ERA) to put the Indians ahead then survived a rally by the Sox in the bottom of the 13th. The Sox couldn't get the tying run in and the Indians had won it 5-4 at Fenway Park.

                                                    "DAMN INDIANS!!!!"

Mike Nagy got the start for the Sox in the top of the first inning and Ted Uhlaender struck out looking to start. Vada Pinson flied out to left but Ray Fosse singled to center. Graig Nettles popped up to first to end the inning. Alan Foster got the start for the Indians and Luis Aparicio started the bottom of the first with a fly out to left. Reggie Smith flied out to right and Carl Yastrzemski popped up a bunt back to Foster to end the inning.

Old pal Ken "Hawk" Harrelson grounded back to the mound to start the top of the second before John Lowenstein flied out to right. Larry Brown popped up to second to end the inning. The Sox threatened in the bottom of the second as Rico Petrocelli walked to start. George Scott struck out but Duane Josephson walked. Billy Conigliaro struck out but Doug Griffin walked. Nagy popped up to second to end the inning.

Buddy Bradford flied out to center to start the top of the third before Foster struck out looking. Uhlaender grounded out to first to end the inning. Aparicio grounded out to third to begin the bottom of the third but Smith singled to right. Smith was forced at second by Yaz and Petrocelli popped up to first in foul territory to end the inning.

The Indians struck first in the top of the fourth as Pinson singled to center to start. Pinson stole second but Fosse grounded out to short. Nettles walked and Harrelson clobbered a home run into the Charles River to give the Indians the lead. Lowenstein flied out to center and Brown grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Indians ahead 3-0.

                                                       Of course it had to be The Hawk

The Sox failed to answer in the bottom of the fourth as Scott grounded out to short to start. Josephson grounded out to third and Billy C flied out to center to end the inning.

The Indians ran themselves out of the top of the fifth as Bradford flied out to right to start. Foster grounded out to third but Uhlaender singled to right. Uhlaender was thrown out trying to steal by the alert Josephson to end the inning.

                                             "Hey Uhlaender, get the hell out of here" - DJ

The Sox did nothing in the bottom of the fifth as Griffin struck out to start. Nagy hit one up the elevator shaft and Aparicio flied out to center to end the inning.

Nagy got Pinson to ground out to first to start the top of the sixth but Petrocelli threw away a grounder by Fosse for an error. Nettles walked but Harrelson banged into a double play to end the inning. The Sox fought back in the bottom of the sixth as Smith walked to start. Yaz singled Smith to third and Petrocelli singled Reggie home...but was thrown out trying to stretch a double. Scott singled home Yaz to cut the lead and that was it for Foster. Chuck Machemehl came in and struck out Josephson before Billy C flied out to right to end the inning. The Sox had cut the lead 3-2 despite the Petrocelli blunder.

                                                         What the hell are you doing?

Lowenstein grounded out to second to start the top of the seventh before Brown flied out to center. Bradford grounded out to short to end the inning. Griffin flied out to right to begin the bottom of the seventh and Joe Lahoud pinch hit for Nagy. Lahoud flied out to center and Aparicio popped up to first to end the inning. Nagy was officially out of the game but had held the Indians to 3 runs in 7 innings.

                                                        One mistake cost him the win

Sparky Lyle came in for the top of the eighth and the pitcher Machemehl singled to center to start. Chuck Hinton pinch hit for Uhlaender and flied out to center before Pinson flied out to left. Fosse singled to left but Nettles flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox rallied in the bottom of the eighth with Ted Ford now in left. Smith walked to start the frame and Phil Gagliano ran for him. Yaz struck out but Petrocelli reached on an error by Nettles. Scott singled home Gagliano and Petrocelli advanced to third, but Josephson struck out. Billy C grounded out to first to end the inning with the game tied 3-3.

                                                           Gagliano ties the game

George Thomas took over in right for the top of the ninth and Harrelson singled to center to start. Roy Foster ran for Hawk and Lowenstein sacrificed him to second with a bunt. Sox manager Eddie Kasko brought Bobby Bolin in to pitch to Brown and Larry grounded out to third. Bradford struck out to end the inning. Griffin grounded out to third to start the bottom of the ninth and Mike Fiore pinch hit for Bolin. Fiore walked...but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Aparicio grounded out to short to end the inning.

                                                        Nice baserunning Fiore!

Ken Brett came in for the top of the tenth with Gomer Hodge pinch hitting for Machemehl to start. Hodge singled to left and Vince Colbert pinch ran for him. Ford sacrificed Colbert to second and Pinson walked, but Fosse flied out to center. Nettles grounded out to second to end the inning. The Sox had a chance to end it in the bottom of the tenth although Thomas grounded back to the mound to start. Yaz grounded back to the mound but Petrocelli and Scott drew back to back walks. With the winning run at second....Josephson grounded out to third to end the inning.

Foster popped up to second to start the top of the eleventh but Lowenstein doubled to left. Brown popped up to first and Bradford was intentionally walked. Eddie Leon pinch hit for Colbert and flied out to left to end the inning. The Sox had a chance to end it again in the bottom of the eleventh against Steve Mingori but Billy C watched strike three go by to start. Griffin flied out to left and Don Pavletich pinch hit for Brett. Pavletich and Aparicio drew back to back walks and with the winning run at second....Thomas popped up to first to end the inning.

Bill Lee came in to pitch the top of the 12th and Ford grounded out to third to start. Pinson grounded out to second and Fosse struck out to end the inning. Yaz popped up to second to start the bottom of the 12th before Petrocelli grounded out to short. Scott also grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Indians took command in the top of the 13th as Nettles walked to start. Foster hit a home run all the way to Alaska to give Cleveland the lead. Lowenstein struck out looking and Brown whiffed. Bradford swung at air to end the inning but the Indians now led 5-3.

                                                        Indians take the lead

The Sox didn't go quietly in the bottom of the 13th as Josephson singled to to center to start. Billy C singled to left and Griffin walked to load the bases with nobody out. Sox manager Eddie Kasko sent the pitcher Gary Peters to pinch hit for Lee and he took strike three. Aparicio beat out a double play ball to score Josephson and put runners at the corners. With the tying run at third....Thomas flied out to center to end the game. The Indians had held on to win 5-4 in 13 innings.

Jackass of the Night is a tough one but I'll go with George Thomas. He was 0 for 3 and failed twice with a chance to win or tie the game.

                                                             Thomas the Jackass

The Good:

Reggie Smith was 1 for 2 with 2 walks and a run scored.

Phil Gagliano scored a run as a pinch runner.

George Scott was 2 for 5 with a walk and 2 rbis.

Don Pavletich walked as a pinch hitter.

Mike Nagy tossed 7 solid innings of 3 run ball. His only mistake was the home run by Harrelson.

Sparky Lyle tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Bobby Bolin retired the only two men he faced.

Ken Brett tossed 2 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Joe Lahoud was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

Gary Peters struck out as a pinch hitter.

Bill Lee took the loss by allowing a 2 run homer in the top of the 13th.

The Ugly:

Luis Aparicio was 0 for 6 but walked and drove in a run.

Carl Yastrzemski was just 1 for 6 but scored a run.

Rico Petrocelli was just 1 for 4 but walked twice and drove in a run.

Duane Josephson was just 1 for 5 but walked and scored a run.

Billy Conigliaro was just 1 for 6.

Doug Griffin was 0 for 4 but walked twice.

Mike Fiore walked as a pinch hitter but was thrown out trying to steal.

Final Thoughts:

Sox manager Eddie Kasko needs his head examined. Why in the world would you pinch run George Thomas for Reggie Smith? Thomas ended up going 0 for 3 after Smith was out of the game, you don't think Reggie could have made a difference? Also with the bases loaded in the 13th why would you pinch hit Lee with another pitcher? There was nobody out, you could have had Lee bunt and catch everyone asleep. The Sox had plenty of chances to win this one but just couldn't get out of their own way. Mike Fiore getting thrown out trying to steal, Petrocelli getting thrown out trying to stretch a double...it all added up to a 13 inning defeat. Kasko was supposedly better to the players than Dick Williams was but I'd rather have Dick right now, at least he made moves that made sense even if he was a jerk to the players. Mike Nagy gave it his all and you can't even blame Lee for giving up the bomb if the game was over long before that. Once again, the Indians have won 5 games this year and beat the Sox for 4 of them. The Sox look to avoid another ignominious defeat to the Indians tomorrow afternoon when they send Gary Peters (1-1) against Camilo Pasqual at 1 PM at Fenway Park.

Sox Hold On to Beat Tigers (4/16/71)

It wasn't pretty but the Boston Red Sox posted a victory in today's game against the Detroit Tigers. Gary Peters (1-1, 4.60 ERA) tossed 8 outstanding innings to keep the Sox in the game. The offense didn't muster much but took advantage of some shoddy Detroit defense to take command in the top of the eighth inning. Once again Sox manager Eddie Kasko nearly lost the game by having his starter try to complete the game. Peters ran out of gas in the ninth inning, Sox closer Ken Tatum faltered but Sparky Lyle saved the day on the 5-3 win at Tiger Stadium.

                                                        Agent 99 approves of the win

Joe Niekro got the start for Detroit and the Sox beat the ball in the dirt to begin the top of the first. Luis Aparicio grounded out to third to start. Reggie Smith grounded out to second and Carl Yastrzmeski grounded back to the mound to end the inning. Peters got the ball in the bottom of the first and Ed Brinkman grounded out to third to start. Jim Northrup grounded out to second but Al Kaline singled to left. Willie Horton popped up to first in foul territory to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the second although Rico Petrocelli popped up to short to start. George Scott grounded back to the mound but Duane Josephson walked. Josephson swiped second and scored on the rbi single by Billy Conigliaro. Doug Griffin lined out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                      Billy C drives in a run

Peters cruised in the bottom of the second as Bill Freehan hit one up the elevator shaft to start. Aurelio Rodriguez popped up to second and Dick McAuliffe grounded out to second to end the inning.

Peters singled to right to start the top of the third but Aparicio banged into a double play. Smith singled to center and Yaz walked, but Petrocelli lined out to short to end the inning. Mickey Stanley grounded out to short to start the bottom of the third before Niekro struck out. Brinkman flied out to center to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the fourth although Scott grounded out to short to start. Josephson singled to center and took third on the error by Stanley. Billy C and Griffin worked back to back walks to load the bases and Peters beat out a double play ball to score Josephson. Aparicio grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                         Josephson scores a run

Northrup grounded out to first to start the bottom of the fourth but Kaline singled to left. Horton banged into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox scored another run in the top of the fifth when Smith cracked his first home run of the season to increase the lead. Yaz walked but Petrocelli banged into a double play. Scott grounded out to short to end the inning but the Sox lead 3-0.

                                                        Smith hits his first homer

Freehan flied out to left to start the bottom of the fifth before Rodriguez lined out to second. McAuliffe grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Sox did nothing in the top of the sixth as Josephson struck out to start. Billy C singled to center but Griffin popped up to second. Peters lined out to center to end the inning. The Tigers struck back in the bottom of the sixth as Stanley singled to start. Ike Brown pinch hit for Niekro and hit a home run all the way to British Columbia to cut the lead. Brinkman, Northrup and Kaline all grounded out to third to end the inning but it was 3-2 Sox.

                                               Brown with a pinch hit home run

Bill Zepp came in to pitch the top of the seventh and Aparicio grounded out to third to start. Smith and Yaz stroked back to back singles but Petrocelli struck out. Scott flied out to center to end the inning. Horton flied out to left to start the bottom of the seventh but Freehan doubled to left. Rodriguez struck out swinging and McAuliffe struck out looking to end the inning.

The Sox took advantage of shoddy defense to score in the top of the eighth. Josephson walked to start and Billy C singled to left. Josephson was forced at third on a grounder by Griffin and Peters walked to load the bases. Aparicio dropped down a bunt for the suicide squeeze and it ate Northrup up for an error to score Conigliaro and re-load the bases. Smith hit a sac fly to score Griffin and that was it for Zepp. Fred Scherman came in and Yaz walked to re-load the bases. Petrocelli flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-2.

                                                         Griffin scores a run

Peters cruised in the bottom of the eighth as Stanley grounded out to short to start. Cesar Gutierrez pinch hit for Scherman and popped up to first before Brinkman grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

Daryl Patterson came in to pitch the top of the ninth and Scott singled to center to start. Josephson popped up to first, Billy C struck out and Griffin grounded into a force to end the inning. For some inane reason Sox manager Eddie Kasko sent Peters out to finish the job in the bottom of the ninth. Northrup popped up to short but Kaline doubled to left. Horton singled Kaline to third to chase Peters. He was great and almost went the distance, tossing 8 1/3 innings of 3 run ball. Ken Tatum came in and Freehan singled home Kaline to cut the lead. Kevin Collins pinch ran for Freehan but Rodriguez took strike three. Kasko then brought in Sparky Lyle to face McAuliffe and Dick popped up to short to end the game. The Sox held on to win it 5-3.

Hero of the Night is Gary Peters. He was outstanding by tossing 8 1/3 innings of 3 run ball. He was also 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi at the plate.

                                                     Peters the Hero

The Good:

Reggie Smith was 3 for 4 with a solo home run and 2 total rbis.

Carl Yastrzemski was 1 for 2 with 3 walks.

Duane Josephson was 1 for 3 with 2 walks, a stolen base and 2 runs scored.

Billy Conigliaro was 3 for 4 with a walk, rbi and a run scored.

Sparky Lyle earned the save by retiring the only man he faced.

The Bad:

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 5 with a strikeout.

The Ugly:

Luis Aparicio was 0 for 4 but drove in a run.

George Scott was just 1 for 5.

Doug Griffin was 0 for 4 but walked and scored.

Ken Tatum allowed an inherited runner to score but struck out the other man he faced.

Final Thoughts:

I don't know what is with Eddie Kasko and trying desperately to have his starters finish games. When you have Sparky Lyle, Ken Brett, Ken Tatum and Bill Lee, why do you want your starters to burn their arms out? The Sox team ERA would be significantly lower if they had one of those four guys start the ninth instead of sending the starter back out there, especially in April! Gary Peters, Sonny Siebert and Ray Culp have pitched admirably so why not save them wear and tear come July, August and September? Not much to complain about on the offensive side other than Petrocelli was useless in this one. Billy Conigliaro had a good game though, he's never going to be his brother but he doesn't have to be if he can drive in runs and get on base. The Sox look to make it two in a row against the Tigers tomorrow in a battle of the aces. Ray Culp goes for the Sox up against Mickey Lolich at 2:00 PM Eastern time at Tiger Stadium.

Siebert, Sox Down Senators (4/13/71)

One thing is for sure, the Boston Red Sox have a chance to win a game whenever Ray Culp or Sonny Siebert (1-0, 0.59 ERA) pitches. Now if only Sox manager Eddie Kasko could get his head out of his rear end and stop leaving them in too long. Sonny was amazing as he dazzled the Senators for 2 runs in 8 innings of work. Just like with Ray Culp yesterday, Siebert was asked to finish the game and nearly blew it in the bottom of the ninth. Luckily, Sparky Lyle was able to save the day. The Sox offense got to former 30 game winner Denny McClain for 5 runs thanks to a clutch home run by Duane Josephson. The Sox got back to .500 with a 5-3 win over the Senators at RFK Stadium.

                                                    Willy Rey approves of the win

McClain got the ball to start the top of the first and Luis Aparicio lined out to second to start. Reggie Smith lashed a single to right but Carl Yastrzemski flied out to center. Rico Petrocelli flied out to center to end the inning. Siebert took the mound in the bottom of the first and Del Unser took strike three to start. Tim Cullen singled to right but Frank Howard banged into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the second as George Scott singled to center to start. Duane Josephson cracked his first home run of the season to put Boston on top. Billy Conigliaro popped up to second, Doug Griffin grounded out to third and Siebert struck out looking to end the inning with the Sox ahead 2-0.

                                                              Home run Duane

Siebert cruised in the bottom of the second as Mike Epstein grounded out to first to start. Joe Foy flied out to center and Richie Scheinblum grounded out to first to end the inning.

The Sox struck again in the top of the third although Aparicio struck out looking to start. Smith lined out to second but Yaz smashed his first home run of the year to increase the lead. Petrocelli took strike three to end the inning but it was 3-0 Boston.

                                                             About time you hit one out

The Sox defense played hot potato in the bottom of the third as Aparicio booted a grounder by Toby Harrah to start. Paul Casanova doubled Harrah home to put Washington on the board and McClain dropped down a bunt to move Paul over. A passed ball scored Casanova and Petrocelli booted a grounder by Unser for an error. Cullen singled to right but Howard banged into a double play to end the inning. 2 errors and a passed ball had the Senators back in the game 3-2.

                                                   Live look at the Sox defense in that inning

The Sox atoned for their bad defense by getting another run in the top of the fourth as Scott beat out an infield single to short. Josephson doubled George to third and Scott scored on the sac fly by Billy C. Griffin popped up to second and Siebert grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 4-2.

                                                      Herculean sac fly by Conigliaro

Siebert settled down in the bottom of the fourth as Epstein popped up to Yaz in foul territory to start. Foy flied out to right and Scheinblum grounded out to second to end the inning.

This time it was Washington's turn for bad defense in the top of the fifth as Aparicio singled to center to start. Harrah booted a grounder by Smith but Yaz banged into a double play. McClain balked home Smith to increase the lead and Petrocelli grounded back to the mound to end the inning with the Sox ahead 5-2.

                                                          Smith scores a run on a balk

Harrah grounded back to the mound to start the bottom of the fifth before Casanova flied out to right. Bernie Allen pinch hit for McClain and grounded out to second to end the inning.

Casey Cox came in to pitch the top of the sixth and Scott was plunked to start. Josephson banged into a double play and Billy C struck out to end the inning. Unser doubled to center to start the bottom of the sixth but Cullen struck out. Unser moved to second on the Howard grounder but Epstein struck out to end the inning.

The Sox beat the ball in the dirt in the top of the seventh as Griffin grounded back to the mound to start. Siebert and Aparicio both grounded out to short to end the inning. Siebert cruised in the bottom of the seventh as Foy popped up to short to start. Scheinblum flied out to right and Harrah grounded out to third to end the inning.

Smith doubled to right to start the top of the eighth and that was it for Cox. Joe Grzenda came in to pitch with Tom Ragland coming in to play second and Cullen moving to short to get Harrah out of the game. Smith moved to third on the fly ball by Yaz and Horacio Pina came in for Grzenda. Petrocelli was intentionally walked and moved to second on a wild pitch. Scott banged into a double play to end the inning. Casanova flied out to center to start the bottom of the eighth before Ragland flied out to left. Unser flied out to center to end the inning.

The Sox did nothing in the top of the ninth as Billy C grounded out to short to start. Griffin grounded back to the mound and Siebert took strike three to end the inning. For some reason Siebert was sent back to finish the game and at first the gamble worked when Cullen flied out to center to start the bottom of the ninth. Howard walked and Curt Flood pinch ran for him. Epstein hit a routine grounder to Griffin who kicked the ball over to first for an error. Foy singled to center to score Flood and finally the plug was pulled by Kasko. Sparky Lyle came in and got Scheinblum to bang into a double play to end the game. The Sox had won it 5-3.

Hero of the Night is Sonny Siebert. He nearly went the distance, going 8 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

                                                        Siebert the Hero of this one

The Good:

Reggie Smith was 2 for 4.

George Scott was 2 for 2 with a walk, a hit by pitch and scored 2 runs.

Duane Josephson was 2 for 4 with a 2 run home run.

Sparky Lyle got the final 2 outs to earn the save.

The Bad:

Doug Griffin was 0 for 4.

The Ugly:

Luis Aparicio was just 1 for 4 with an error but scored a run.

Carl Yastrzemski was just 1 for 4 but the one hit was a home run.

Rico Petrocelli was 0 for 3 with an error but walked.

Billy Conigliaro was 0 for 3 but drove in a run.

Final Thoughts:

This team has a lot of holes but if Siebert or Culp are pitching, they at least have a chance to win the game. The bottom of the order is a black hole if Conigliaro and Griffin aren't hitting, and that's going to be a problem all season. If Sox brass dumped Tony Conigliaro because he didn't get along with Yaz, they could have at least gotten someone competent to replace him. Going from a 30 home run hitter to a slap hitter like Griffin isn't exactly an upgrade. Still, a win is a win and Siebert pitched well. Kasko needs to learn how to trust Lyle and Ken Tatum to start the ninth inning. He's not doing the team ERA any good by leaving Culp and Siebert out too long. Still, its a long season and hopefully things will work itself out. The Sox look to sweep the Senators tomorrow night when Mike Nagy makes his season debut up against Jim Shellenback at 7:00 PM at RFK Stadium.

Indians Hand Sox Third Straight Loss (4/11/71)

Old Boston Braves fans remember "Spahn, Sain, pray for rain!" Well 20 years later its Siebert, Culp and gulp! The Sox have lost their third straight game and back to back game where the starting pitcher faltered. Gary Peters (0-1, 6.14 ERA) got pounded for 5 runs in 7 1/3 innings before Bobby Bolin surrendered two of his own. Meanwhile Alan Foster held the Sox to 2 runs and nearly threw a complete game against them. The game was a 2-2 tie until the Indians broke it open in the eighth inning. When the dust settled the Cleveland Indians had swept the Sox out of Cleveland with a 7-2 win at Cleveland Stadium.

                                               "How do you lose to the damn Indians?" - John Wayne

The Sox threatened to score first in the top of the first when Luis Aparicio walked to start. Luis swiped second but both Reggie Smith and Carl Yastrzemski hit one up the elevator shaft. Rico Petrocelli walked but George Scott grounded out to short to end the inning. Peters initially cruised in the bottom of the first as Larry Brown grounded out to third to start. Graig Nettles grounded out to first and Vada Pinson struck out to end the inning.

The Sox struck first in the top of the second as Duane Josephson and Billy Conigliaro drew back to back walks to start. Doug Griffin dropped down a bunt to move both runners over and Peters himself singled in Duane. Aparicio took strike three and Smith grounded out to second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 1-0.

                                                               Josephson scores a run

Naturally the Indians answered in the bottom of the second although Ray Fosse flied out to left to start. Ken "Hawk" Harrelson popped up to first but Chuck Hinton walked. Eddie Leon singled to center and Buddy Bradford doubled home both runners to give the Indians the lead. Foster grounded out to second to end the inning with the Indians leading 2-1.

                                                          Bradford puts Cleveland ahead

Yaz grounded out to first to start the top of the third but Petrocelli walked. Scott and Josephson both struck out to end the inning. Brown grounded out to short to start the bottom of the third but Nettles stroked a single to center. Pinson hit into a double play to end the inning.

The Sox tied it up in the top of the fourth as Billy C flied out to left to start. Griffin doubled to left and moved to third on the Peters grounder. Aparicio doubled home Griffin to tie the game. Smith lined out to short to end the inning with the game tied 2-2.

                                                          Luis ties it up

Fosse grounded out to short to start the bottom of the fourth before Harrelson grounded out to second. Hinton hit a routine pop up to center but Conigliaro tried to catch it in his hat, the ball falling in for an error. Peters recovered to catch Leon looking to end the inning.

Yaz grounded out to first to start the top of the fifth but Petrocelli walked. Scott grounded into a double play to end the inning. Peters stayed tough in the bottom of the fifth as Bradford lined out to third to start. Foster popped up to second and Brown flied out to left to end the inning.

Josephson struck out to open the top of the sixth before Billy C grounded out to short. Griffin walked but Peters popped up to right in shallow territory to end the inning. The duel continued in the bottom of the sixth as Nettles flied out to center to start. Pinson flied out to left but Fosse singled to center. Harrelson grounded into a force to end the inning.

Aparicio grounded out to short to start the top of the seventh before Smith popped up to short. Yaz grounded out to second to end the inning. Peters got the Indians to beat the ball in the dirt in the bottom of the seventh as Hinton grounded out to second to start. Leon grounded back to the mound and Bradford grounded out to short to end the inning.

Petrocelli grounded out to third to start the top of the eighth before Scott struck out. Josephson grounded out to short to end the inning. The Indians clobbered Peters in the bottom of the eighth as Foster doubled to left to start before Brown was plunked. Nettles moved both runners over with a sacrifice bunt and Pinson singled home Foster to give the Indians the lead. That was it for Peters and Bobby Bolin was summoned and Pinson hit a routine grounder to Aparicio who put the ball in his pocket to score Brown with the insurance run. Harrelson walked to load the bases and Ted Uhlaender was sent in to pinch hit for Hinton. Sparky Lyle was brought in to put out the fire and Indians manager Al Dark countered by pinch hitting Ted Ford for Uhlaender/Hinton. Ford walked to score another run and Leon singled in Fosse. Sox manager Eddie Kasko tried Ken Tatum to stop the bleeding but Gomer Hodge pinch hit for Bradford, naturally doubling home Harrelson although Ford was thrown out at home. John Lowenstein pinch ran for Hodge as Foster grounded back to the mound to end the inning. The Indians scored 5 runs off Peters, Bolin, Lyle and Tatum to take a 7-2 lead.

                                                                "I sucked today" - Bolin

Just to prolong the agony, Billy C walked to start the top of the ninth. Griffin flied out to center but Joe Lahoud pinch hit for Tatum and drew a walk. That was it for Foster and Chuck Machemehl came in to pitch. Aparicio popped up to short and Smith grounded out to second to end the game. The Indians had swept the Sox with a 7-2 win.

Jackass of the Night is Gary Peters. He got knocked around at the end for 5 runs in 7 1/3 innings. Having competent relief would have helped through.

                                                   Jackass Peters wants to set fire to the bullpen

The Good:

Rico Petrocelli walked 3 times in 4 plate appearances.

Doug Griffin was 1 for 2 with a walk and a run scored.

Joe Lahoud walked as a pinch hitter.

The Bad:

Reggie Smith was 0 for 5.

Carl Yastrzemski was 0 for 4.

George Scott was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts.

Bobby Bolin allowed 2 inherited runners to score and 2 of his own.

Sparky Lyle faced two guys and allowed a hit and a walk.

The Ugly:

Luis Aparicio was just 1 for 4 but walked and drove in a run.

Duane Josephson was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but walked and scored a run.

Billy Conigliaro was 0 for 2 with an error but walked twice.

Ken Tatum allowed an inherited runner to score but none of his own in 2/3 of an inning.

Final Thoughts:

4 games into the season and its clear the Sox already don't have what it takes to contend with the Baltimore Orioles this season. They can't compete with Mike Cuellar, Jim Palmer and Dave McNally with Sonny Siebert, Ray Culp and Gary Peters. Jim Lonborg was never the same after the ski accident and Cal Koonce isn't going to get it done. On the offensive side, the Sox desperately miss Tony Conigliaro's bat. His brother isn't the answer and Doug Griffin is a slap hitter. The Sox 1-5 is as good as anyone but they fall off a cliff after that. Hopefully the Sox can find someone or make a trade to make themselves more competitive because the squad they have now just got swept by the Cleveland Indians. The less said of this disaster, the better. The Sox look to bounce back tomorrow as they had to Washington for a set with the Senators. Ray Culp (1-0) goes for the Sox up against Gerry Janeski of the Senators. The game begins at 7:00 PM at RFK Stadium.