Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe: 1981

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Monday, July 6:

Baltimore 3, Boston 1 (ABC: Al Michaels, Bob Uecker)
WP - Jim Palmer (11-9)
LP - Mike Torrez (12-4)

Summary: Torrez pitched another complete game, but it was wasted as the Red Sox left twelve on base. They thus waste a chance to gain ground on the idle Yanks, whom they now trail by two and a half games.

Kansas City 7, Milwaukee 2 (ABC: Keith Jackson, Don Drysdale, Howard Cosell)
WP - Paul Splittorff (7-9)
LP - Jim Slaton (9-8)
HR - KC: George Brett 3 (20)

Summary: Brett had one of his most memorable days with his first regular season three-homer performance. The future Hall of Famer drove in six of the Royals' seven runs. (As most fans know, he also hit three home runs in Game 3 of the 1978 ALCS.) As for the Brewers, they once again fall into a third-place tie with the Tigers in the East.

California 6, Minnesota 3
WP - Mike Witt (14-9)
LP - Al Williams (9-13)
HR - CAL: Fred Lynn (8)
MIN: Danny Goodwin (3)

Summary: Lynn hit for the cycle in another great hitting performance on this Monday.

Oakland 7, Seattle 1
WP - Mike Norris (16-10)
LP - Ken Clay (2-11)
HR - SEA: Tom Paciorek (21)

Summary: "Billy Ball" was played to perfection in the Kingdome, as the A's scored exactly one run in each of seven innings. The A's now trail the Rangers by just a game in the West.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 77-56
Red Sox: 74-58- 2.5 GB
(tie) Brewers: 72-62- 5.5 GB
(tie) Tigers: 71-61- 5.5 GB

Orioles: 68-62- 7.5 GB
Indians: 64-69- 13 GB
Blue Jays: 46-84- 29.5 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 73-57
Athletics: 74-60- 1 GB
White Sox: 69-60- 3.5 GB
Angels: 71-63- 4 GB

Royals: 65-66- 8.5 GB
Mariners: 51-82- 23.5 GB
Twins: 49-84- 25.5 GB

NOTE: I corrected the White Sox' record; I forgot to count a win. These are the official and correct standings in the AL West.

Next: We look at July 7.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Tuesday, July 7:

Baltimore 1, Boston 0 (10 innings)
W: Tippy Martinez (4-4)
L: Tom Burgmeier (4-6)

Gary Roenicke knocked in the game-winning RBI in the tenth for Baltimore. Mike Flanagan allowed just three hits and struck out eight.

Texas 5, Cleveland 3 (10 innings)
W: Bob Babcock (3-1)
S: Dave J. Schmidt (3)
L: Bert Blyleven (13-8)
HR- TEX: Leon Roberts (6)

Another great pitching duel, as Bert Blyleven pitched nine and two-thirds innings (129 pitches) before Leon Roberts hit a game-winning two-run homer for the Rangers. Texas had a 2-0 lead going to the bottom of the ninth, but lost it due to Dave Rosello's single.

Detroit 4, White Sox 2
W: Dave Rozema (9-6)
S: Aurelio Lopez (6)
L: Britt Burns (13-9)
HR- DET: John Wockenfuss (12)
CWS: Wayne Nordhagen (9)

Britt Burns' complete game pitching effort was wasted. John Wockenfuss's three-run homer in the third powered a four-run inning for Detroit. Wayne Nordhagen homered for the Pale Hose in the bottom of the third.

Milwaukee 8, Kansas City 5
W: Randy Lerch (10-7)
S: Rollie Fingers (33)
L: Mike Jones (7-6)
HR- KC: Clint Hurdle (7)

Randy Lerch went six innings to get the win, allowing seven hits, and an army of relief pitchers led to Rollie Fingers getting the final out in the ninth to nail down the win. The Royals scored three in the ninth to make the game interesting. Clint Hurdle homered for the Royals in the fourth.

Yankees 4, Toronto 1
W: Tommy John (11-11)
L: Luis Leal (8-14)
HR- NYY: Oscar Gamble (17)

Tommy John threw a complete game five-hitter despite striking out just one Toronto batter. The Yankees scored three in the sixth, taking the lead for good on Oscar Gamble's home run. Toronto scored its run on an error in the fifth by Graig Nettles.

California 8, Minnesota 2
W: Ken Forsch (14-8)
L: Roger Erickson (3-10)

Rod Carew drove in three runs with a fourth-inning double to break the game open for the Angels. Ken Forsch threw eight strong innings, scattering eight hits. The Angels added another run in the ninth on a bases-loaded walk. John Castino had the only two RBIs for the Twins. The crowd was announced at just over 20,000, most of whom are there to see Carew for the last time at Metropolitan Stadium. In other news, the game of leapfrog over third place in the West continues; now it's the Angels' turn.

Oakland 21, Seattle 2
W: Matt Keough (11-9)
L: Jerry Don Gleaton (4-9)

HR- OAK: Tony Armas 3 (30), Cliff Johnson 2 (20), Mike Heath (11), Wayne Gross (11)

A crazy game for the Athletics and the 11,303 in attendance at the Kingdome. Oakland scored twenty-one runs on twenty-two hits, and Tony Armas hit three home runs: one in the fourth and two (a grand slam and a two-run homer) in the ninth. Cliff Johnson and Mike Heath also homered in the ninth for Oakland, Johnson for the second time in the game. His other homer was in the fourth. Wayne Gross also goes deep for the A's in the third. The Mariners committed four errors in a game that they would like to forget. Look at this stat line from pitcher Bob Galasso of Seattle: 2 IP, 10 H, 13 R, 7 ER, 4 HR allowed.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 78-56
Red Sox: 74-59- 3.5 GB
(tie) Brewers: 73-62- 5.5 GB
(tie) Tigers: 72-61- 5.5 GB

Orioles: 69-62- 7.5 GB
Indians: 64-70- 14 GB
Blue Jays: 46-85- 30.5 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 74-57
Athletics: 75-60- 1 GB
Angels: 72-63- 4 GB
White Sox: 69-61- 4.5 GB
Royals: 65-67- 9.5 GB
Mariners: 51-83- 24.5 GB
Twins: 49-85- 26.5 GB

Special thanks to Joe Ray for filling in for Desmond, who will be back tomorrow.

Next: We look at July 8.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Wednesday, July 8:

Texas 2, Cleveland 0
WP - Doc Medich (10-7)
LP - Len Barker (10-12)
HR - TEX: Buddy Bell (15)

Summary: Bell's blast scored the only runs of the game. This game was delayed for an hour and thirty-nine minutes due to wet field conditions.

Chicago 5, Detroit 2
WP - Britt Burns (14-9)
LP - Dan Petry (13-12)
HR - CWS: Carlton Fisk (15)

Summary: The White Sox scored five times in the fourth inning, and those were the only runs they needed. The Tigers left the bases loaded twice and stranded a total of fourteen runners in the game. As was the case in Cleveland, bad weather delayed the start of the game for close to two hours.

Baltimore 5, Boston 1
WP - Scott McGregor (16-9)
LP - Frank Tanana (6-15)
HR - BAL: Ken Singleton (17)

Summary: A brilliant pitching performance by McGregor lifted the O's to victory. He allowed just six hits and one run and struck out twelve.

Kansas City 9, Milwaukee 8 (12 innings)
WP - Rich Gale (8-6)
LP - Reggie Cleveland (5-5)
HR - MIL: Ben Ogilvie (21), Gorman Thomas (30)
KC: Willie Aikens (21), George Brett (21)

Summary: Brett's twelfth-inning home run was the difference as the Royals completed a comeback from 7-2 down. Thomas had hit a grand slam completely out of County Stadium earlier in the game.

NY Yankees 11, Toronto 1
WP - Ron Guidry (15-7)
LP - Dave Stieb (12-13)
HR - NYY: Oscar Gamble (18), Bucky Dent (9), Bob Watson (8)

Summary: Believe it or not, this was a 1-1 tie until the Yanks scored nine times in the fifth inning. They now lead the Red Sox by four and a half games in the East.

Minnesota 5, California 3
WP - Fernando Arroyo (8-13)
LP - Mike Witt (14-10)
HR - MIN: Dave Engle (6)

Summary: The Twins defeated an Angels team that, while talented, can't seem to make a run at the A's and Rangers. Engle's home run was hit into the future home of Abercrombie & Fitch. The loss drops the Angels back into fourth place in the West.

Oakland 4, Seattle 1
WP - Brian Kingman (5-9)
LP - Jim Beattie (3-3)

Summary: It wasn't as much of a foregone conclusion as it was on Tuesday, but the A's beat the M's yet again to stay a game behind the Rangers in the West.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 79-56
Red Sox: 74-60- 4.5 GB
(tie) Brewers: 73-63- 6.5 GB
(tie) Tigers: 72-62- 6.5 GB

Orioles: 70-62- 7.5 GB
Indians: 64-71- 15 GB
Blue Jays: 46-86- 31.5 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 75-57
Athletics: 76-60- 1 GB
White Sox: 70-61- 4.5 GB
Angels: 72-64- 5 GB
Royals: 66-67- 9.5 GB
Mariners: 51-84- 25.5 GB
Twins: 50-85- 26.5 GB

Next: We look at July 9.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Thursday, July 9:

Cleveland 6, Texas 2
WP - Bert Blyleven (14-8)
LP - Jon Matlack (4-9)
HR - CLE: Andre Thornton (14)

Summary: Just one dinger in this game: Thornton's three-run homer in the second inning. Matlack had to leave in the sixth with shoulder tightness.

Detroit 2, Chicago 1
WP - Milt Wilcox (16-9)
LP - Dennis Lamp (10-9)

Summary: This was a rare double complete game. The victory by the Tigers moves them into third place by themselves in the East.

Boston 8, Baltimore 6 (USA: Monte Moore, Wes Parker)
WP - Mike Torrez (13-4)
SV- Bill Campbell (9)
LP - Tippy Martinez (4-5)
HR - BOS: Jim Rice (29), Dwight Evans (31)
BAL: Ken Singleton (18), Rick Dempsey (9)

Summary: Rice untied the score with a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

NY Yankees 8, Toronto 2
WP - Ron Guidry (16-7)
LP - Luis Leal (8-15)
HR - NYY: Reggie Jackson (21), Dave Winfield 2 (25)

Summary: The Yanks completed the sweep of the Jays with lots of power from future Hall of Famers Jackson and Winfield.

Kansas City 3, California 2
WP - Dennis Leonard (17-13)
SV- Dan Quisenberry (22)
LP - Don Aase (6-5)

Summary: Royals manager Dick Howser got two and a third innings from Quiz as he nailed down the save.

Oakland 5, Seattle 0
WP - Mike Norris (16-10)
LP - Ken Clay (2-11)

Summary: Norris was the A's star with a four-hit shutout and ten strikeouts. The A's and Rangers are now tied for first place in the West.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 80-56
Red Sox: 75-60- 4.5 GB
Tigers: 73-62- 6.5 GB
Brewers: 73-63- 7 GB
Orioles: 71-63- 8 GB
Indians: 65-71- 15 GB
Blue Jays: 46-87- 32.5 GB

In the West:

(tie) Athletics: 77-59
(tie) Rangers: 76-58
White Sox: 70-62- 5 GB
Angels: 72-65- 5.5 GB
Royals: 67-67- 9 GB
Mariners: 51-85- 26 GB
Twins: 50-85- 26.5 GB

NOTE: I re-updated the standings in the AL West again. The A's had one loss too many and the Rangers one win too few. I also updated the Orioles' record; I forgot to count a win.

Next: We look at July 10.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Friday, July 10:

Baltimore 10, Cleveland 4
WP - Jim Palmer (12-9)
LP - Rick Waits (9-14)
HR - BAL: Ken Singleton (19)
CLE: Rick Manning (8), Andre Thornton (15)

Summary: The Orioles did all their damage in just three innings: four runs in the second, four in the third, and two in the seventh.

Boston 16, Texas 4
WP - Frank Tanana (7-15)
LP - Doc Medich (10-8)
HR - BOS: Dwight Evans (32), Carney Lansford (6), Jim Rice (30), Rick Miller (5)

Summary: The Red Sox scored eleven runs in the fourth to break a 2-2 tie. Rice, Evans, and Lansford hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in that inning.

Toronto 4, Milwaukee 2
WP - Jim Clancy (9-16)
LP - Jim Slaton (9-9)
HR - TOR: George Bell (13)

Summary: The Blue Jays come into Milwaukee and begin the three-game series with a victory. The loss sends the Brewers into a tie with the Orioles for fourth in the East.

NY Yankees 1, Detroit 0 (11 innings)
WP - Ron Davis (7-7)
LP - Kevin Saucier (4-3)

Summary: Oscar Gamble's RBI double in the eleventh won the game for the Yankees. Tigers starter Dan Petry struck out thirteen and allowed just three hits, but received no offensive support in return. In all, the teams combined to strike out twenty-four times.

Chicago 3, Seattle 0
WP - Rich Dotson (11-9)
LP - Floyd Bannister (10-13)

Summary: Dotson pitched a complete game shutout and struck out eight.

California 7, Kansas City 5
WP - Don Aase (7-5)
SV- Luis Sanchez (4)
LP - Ken Brett (1-3)
HR - KC: George Brett (22), John Wathan (3)
CAL: Brian Downing (20)

Summary: Downing's three-run homer in the ninth was the key to victory for the Angels.

Oakland 10, Minnesota 1
WP - Rick Langford (13-10)
LP - Fernando Arroyo (8-14)
HR - OAK: Rickey Henderson (11)

Summary: Yet another leadoff home run from Henderson set the tone for the A's. In the sixth, the A's sent ten batters to the plate and scored six times. They've now taken over sole possession of first place in the West.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 81-56
Red Sox: 76-60- 4.5 GB
Tigers: 73-63- 7.5 GB
(tie) Brewers: 73-64- 8 GB
(tie) Orioles: 72-63- 8 GB

Indians: 65-72- 16 GB
Blue Jays: 47-87- 32.5 GB

In the West:

Athletics: 78-59
Rangers: 76-59- 1 GB
White Sox: 71-62- 5 GB
Angels: 73-65- 5.5 GB
Royals: 67-68- 10 GB
Mariners: 51-86- 27 GB
Twins: 50-86- 27.5 GB

Next: We look at July 11.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Saturday, July 11:

Cleveland 3, Baltimore 0
W: Bert Blyleven (15-8)
L: Steve Stone (4-8)
HR- CLE: Tom Veryzer (1)

Summary: Blyleven showed that he still has some stuff in him as he pitches eight and two-thirds innings of three-hit baseball, with only one of the hits coming after the first. Birds manager Earl Weaver gave his team its third closed-door scolding in a month after the game, but are they beginning to tune him out?

Texas 6, Boston 5 (NBC: Merle Harmon, Ron Luciano)
W: Steve Comer (11-2)
L: Bob Stanley (12-10)
HR- BOS: Jim Rice (31)

Summary: In an amazing comeback at Fenway, the Rangers stunned the capacity crowd with five runs in the ninth. Bump Wills and Mario Mendoza each tripled, and Mendoza finished the afternoon with three hits. Leon Roberts' bloop single scored Jim Sundberg to give the Rangers the lead in the top of the ninth. Steve Comer finished the Sox in the bottom of the ninth.

Detroit 4, Yankees 3
W: Howard Bailey (2-4)
S: Dave Tobik (2)
L: Gene Nelson (3-2)
HR- DET: Kirk Gibson (13)
NYY: Jerry Mumphrey (7)

Summary: The Tigers won a close one over the Yankees, as Kirk Gibson's two-run homer in the eighth gave them the lead and the Yanks wasted a two-on, nobody-out opportunity in the ninth.

Dave Winfield was ejected in the fifth after a fan ran on the field during his at-bat. Winfield thought that home plate umpire Bill Kunkel called time in order to get the fan off the field before the two-strike pitch, but he hadn't, so Winfield's swing and miss stood, and he was ejected for arguing the call.

Milwaukee 12, Toronto 5
W: Mike Caldwell (13-10)
L: Luis Leal (8-16)
HR: MIL: Roy Howell (7)
TOR: Lloyd Moseby (14)

Summary: Howell drove in six runs in this game. The Brewers once again occupy fourth place by themselves in the East.

Seattle 2, White Sox 1
W: Ken Clay (3-11)
S: Larry Andersen (6)
L: Britt Burns (14-10)
HR- SEA: Jeff Burroughs (13), Lenny Randle (5)

Summary: Clay gave up just four hits in seven innings, and the dingers by Burroughs and Randle were all the Ms needed to win.

Kansas City 6, California 5
W: Larry Gura (15-8)
S: Dan Quisenberry (23)
L: Andy Hassler (4-6)
HR- KC: George Brett (23)
CAL: Dan Ford (17)

Summary: Amos Otis drove in three runs for the Royals, who scored five in the eighth to get the win.

Minnesota 3, Oakland 1
W: Pete Redfern (13-9)
L: Rick Langford (13-11)

Summary: Pete Redfern pitched a complete game five-hitter to top the A's in Oakland. The Twins scored all three of their runs in the seventh and eighth innings. This loss combined with the Rangers' earlier win in Boston means that there's once again a tie atop the West.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 81-57
Red Sox: 76-61- 4.5 GB
Tigers: 74-63- 6.5 GB
Brewers: 74-64- 7 GB
Orioles: 72-64- 8 GB
Indians: 66-72- 15 GB
Blue Jays: 47-88- 32.5 GB

In the West:

(tie)Athletics: 78-60
(tie) Rangers: 77-59

White Sox: 71-63- 5 GB
Angels: 73-66- 5.5 GB
Royals: 68-68- 9 GB
Mariners: 52-86- 26 GB
Twins: 51-86- 26.5 GB

Special thanks to Joe Ray for today's report. Desmond will return tomorrow.

Next: We look at July 12.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Sunday, July 12:

Baltimore 9, Cleveland 0
WP - Scott McGregor (17-9)
LP - Rick Waits (9-15)
HR - BAL: Eddie Murray (19), Rick Dempsey (10)

Summary: The Indians got only four hits off of McGregor in a brilliant shutout performance.

Texas 7, Boston 6
WP - Charlie Hough (6-2)
SV- Dave Schmidt (4)
LP - Mark Clear (8-4)
HR - TEX: Jim Sundberg (6), Pat Putnam (10)
BOS: Jim Rice (32), Rick Miller (6)

Summary: The Red Sox blew a 6-1 lead as the Rangers scored four in the seventh and two in the ninth.

Milwaukee 20, Toronto 3
WP - Moose Haas (13-11)
LP - Mike Willis (2-6)
HR - MIL: Gorman Thomas 2 (32), Robin Yount (17), Ben Ogilvie (22), Don Money (4)
TOR: George Bell (14)

Summary: They're not Harvey's Wallbangers yet (that came the following year), but the Brewers hit five home runs in their dismantling of the last-place Jays.

Detroit 3, NY Yankees 2
WP - Dan Petry (14-12)
SV- Kevin Saucier (16)
LP - Ron Davis (7-8)
HR - NYY: Oscar Gamble (19)

Summary: Reggie Jackson struck out with two runners on base to end the game.

Seattle 5, Chicago 4 (1st game)
Chicago 8, Seattle 3 (2nd game)

1st game:
WP - Glenn Abbott (6-11)
LP - Britt Burns (14-11)
HR - SEA: Bruce Bochte 2 (12)
CWS: Harold Baines (12)

Summary: Bochte's second home run in the eighth inning was the margin of victory.

2nd game:
WP - Ross Baumgarten (6-9)
LP - Jerry Don Gleaton (4-10)
HR - CWS: Carlton Fisk (16), Harold Baines (13)

Summary: Baines went deep in both ends of the doubleheader.

Kansas City 5, California 0
WP - Paul Splittorff (8-9)
LP - Don Aase (7-6)
HR - KC: George Brett (24)

Summary: Splittorff and Renie Martin combined to allow just seven hits to the Angels. Aase has replaced the injured Mike Witt in the rotation.

Oakland 10, Minnesota 2
WP - Mike Norris (17-10)
LP - Pete Redfern (13-10)
HR - OAK: Dwayne Murphy (24), Rob Picciolo (10), Mike Heath (12)

Summary: The A's jumped out to a 7-0 lead after two innings and cruised to victory.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 81-58
Red Sox: 76-62- 4.5 GB
Tigers: 75-63- 5.5 GB
Brewers: 75-64- 6 GB
Orioles: 73-64- 7 GB
Indians: 66-73- 15 GB
Blue Jays: 47-89- 32.5 GB

In the West:

(tie) Athletics: 79-60
(tie) Rangers: 78-59

White Sox: 72-64- 5.5 GB
Angels: 73-67- 6.5 GB
Royals: 69-68- 9 GB
Mariners: 53-87- 26.5 GB
Twins: 51-87- 27.5 GB

Next: We look at July 13.

A reminder that the All-Star break has already happened; therefore, we continue with the schedule uninterrupted. If you're following along on a schedule, subtract three days from real-life game dates.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Monday, July 13:

Baltimore 11, Toronto 3 (1st game)
Baltimore 3, Toronto 1 (2nd game)

First game:
WP - Jim Palmer (13-9)
LP - Luis Leal (8-17)
HR - BAL: Eddie Murray 2 (21), Rick Dempsey (11)

Second game:
WP - Scott McGregor (18-9)
SV- Tippy Martinez (14)
LP - Jim Clancy (9-17)
HR - TOR: Lloyd Moseby (15)

Summary: Two different games unfolded at Memorial Stadium, but the result was the same: a sweep of the doubleheader by the Os. In the opener, Murray had two home runs and eight RBIs. In the second, the Jays got only five hits.

Boston 6, Minnesota 0
WP - Mike Torrez (14-4)
LP - Al Williams (9-14)
HR - BOS: Dwight Evans (33)

Summary: It was another gem for Torrez, as he allowed just four hits and struck out ten.

Chicago 10, Cleveland 8
WP - Lamarr Hoyt (10-4)
SV- Ed Farmer (11)
LP - Dan Spillner (6-5)
HR - CWS: Carlton Fisk (17), Ron LeFlore (1)
CLE: Andre Thornton 3 (18)

Summary: The lead changed hands four times before LeFlore's three-run shot in the ninth inning gave the White Sox the lead for good. Thornton's three home runs were not enough for the Tribe.

California 3, Milwaukee 2 (11 innings)
WP - Luis Sanchez (1-3)
LP - Jerry Augustine (2-3)

Summary: Brian Downing's double in the eleventh scored Butch Hobson with the winning run. The Brewers are now in fifth place in the East due to this loss and the Orioles' sweep of the Jays tonight.

NY Yankees 6, Oakland 2 (ABC: Keith Jackson, Don Drysdale, Howard Cosell)
WP - Ron Guidry (17-7)
LP - Steve McCatty (18-10)
HR - NYY: Reggie Jackson (22)

Summary: Jackson hit a home run estimated at 467 feet in his latest return to the Oakland Coliseum.

Seattle 10, Detroit 6
WP - Ken Clay (4-11)
LP - Dan Schatzeder (9-10)
HR - SEA: Bruce Bochte (13), Tom Paciorek (22)
DET: Steve Kemp (17), Tom Brookens (8)

Summary: Bochte went upper deck to pace the Mariners in the triumph. The Tigers now find themselves tied for third in the East with the surging Orioles.

Kansas City 8, Texas 4
WP - Paul Splittorff (9-9)
LP - Doc Medich (10-9)
HR - KC: Willie Aikens (22), Hal McRae (8), George Brett (25), John Wathan (4), Amos Otis (10)

Summary: Homers accounted for all eight Royals runs.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 82-58
Red Sox: 77-62- 4.5 GB
(tie) Tigers: 75-64- 6.5 GB
(tie) Orioles: 75-64- 6.5 GB

Brewers: 75-65- 7 GB
Indians: 65-74- 16.5 GB
Blue Jays: 48-91- 33.5 GB

In the West:

(tie) Athletics: 79-61
(tie) Rangers: 78-60

White Sox: 73-64- 4.5 GB
Angels: 74-67- 5.5 GB
Royals: 70-68- 8 GB
Mariners: 54-87- 25.5 GB
Twins: 51-88- 27.5 GB

Next: We look at July 14.

NOTE: I corrected the Blue Jays' record; they had one win too few. I also corrected the Indians' record; they had one win too many.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the American League Report for Tuesday, July 14:

Baltimore 6, Toronto 3
WP - Jim Palmer (14-9)
LP - Dave Stieb (12-14)
HR - BAL: Rick Dempsey (12)

Summary: Dempsey's three-run homer in the seventh was the margin of victory for the Orioles.

Minnesota 2, Boston 1
WP - Al Williams (10-14)
LP - Dennis Eckersley (14-11)

Summary: There were only ten hits in the game combined (Red Sox 6, Twins 4), as both pitchers threw complete games.

Cleveland 8, Chicago 5
WP - Rick Waits (10-15)
LP - Ross Baumgarten (6-10)
HR - CWS: Mike Squires (6), Carlton Fisk (18)
CLE: Rick Manning (9)

Summary: Manning was the hitting star: five for five, a grand slam and six RBIs overall.

Milwaukee 5, California 4 (13 innings)
WP - Jamie Easterly (6-3)
LP - Luis Sanchez (1-4)
HR - MIL: Gorman Thomas (33)
CAL: Fred Lynn (9)

Summary: The Brewers outlasted the Angels. Ken Forsch pinch-hit in the bottom of the twelfth inning and struck out.

Oakland 3, NY Yankees 2 (NBC: Joe Garagiola, Tony Kubek)
WP - Steve McCatty (19-10)
SV- Bob Owchinko (7)
LP - Ron Davis (7-9)
HR - OAK: Dwayne Murphy (25)

Summary: Another triumph of Billy Ball: The A's scored their first run of the game on a triple steal! Rickey Henderson scored, Rob Picciolo took third, and Mike Heath moved to second.

Detroit 5, Seattle 0
WP - Dan Petry (15-12)
LP - Jim Beattie (3-4)
HR - DET: Kirk Gibson (14)

Summary: Petry went all the way, allowing only five hits to the Mariners.

Texas 10, Kansas City 7
WP - Danny Darwin (14-11)
LP - Dennis Leonard (17-14)
HR - KC: Frank White (15), George Brett (26)
TEX: Pat Putnam (11), Leon Roberts (7), Jim Sundberg (7), Al Oliver (6)

Summary: This was another wild night in Arlington. The Royals led 3-0, the Rangers jumped ahead 4-3, the Royals led 6-4, then the Rangers scored six times in the eighth on back-to-back-to-back home runs from Sundberg, Roberts, and Oliver. Brett has now homered in five consecutive games.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 82-59
Red Sox: 77-63- 4.5 GB
(tie) Tigers: 76-64- 5.5 GB
(tie) Orioles: 76-64- 5.5 GB

Brewers: 76-65- 6 GB
Indians: 66-74- 15.5 GB
Blue Jays: 48-92- 33.5 GB

In the West:

(tie) Athletics: 80-61
(tie) Rangers: 79-60

White Sox: 73-65- 5.5 GB
Angels: 74-68- 6.5 GB
Royals: 70-69- 9 GB
Mariners: 54-88- 26.5 GB
Twins: 52-88- 27.5 GB

Next: We look at July 15.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Wednesday, July 15:

Minnesota 4, Baltimore 2
WP - Pete Redfern (14-10)
LP - Scott McGregor (18-10)
HR - MIN: Gary Ward (6)

Summary: The Orioles stranded eleven runners in a disappointing home loss that cost them a chance to be in a three-way tie for second place in the East.

Toronto 9, Cleveland 1
WP - Mike Willis (3-6)
LP - Rick Waits (10-16)
HR - TOR: Lloyd Moseby (16), Jesse Barfield (6), Danny Ainge (1), George Bell (15)

Summary: The Jays went back-to-back twice: Moseby and Ainge in the second inning, Barfield and Bell in the sixth.

California 8, New York 5
WP - Mike Witt (15-10)
SV- Don Aase (12)
LP - Dave Righetti (8-6)
HR - CAL: Brian Downing 3 (23)

Summary: Downing led the California attack with three home runs and seven RBIs. Also, Yankees manager Bob Lemon was ejected for bumping home plate umpire Tim McClelland. The Angels have once again taken over third place in the West.

Kansas City 16, Boston 4
WP - Dennis Leonard (18-14)
LP - Mike Torrez (14-5)
HR - KC: Frank White (16), George Brett (27), Hal McRae (9), Cesar Geronimo (3)

Summary: The Royals scored six runs each in the third and eighth innings. Red Sox center fielder Rick Miller pitches two-thirds of an inning in the eighth. In other news, Brett went deep for the sixth consecutive game; he's just two short of Dale Long's major league record.

Detroit 5, Oakland 1
WP - Jack Morris (17-10)
LP - Mike Norris (17-11)

Summary: Morris and two relievers held the A's to six hits. The Tigers are now tied with the Red Sox for second place in the East, just four and a half games behind the Yankees.

Seattle 6, Milwaukee 5
WP - Jim Beattie (4-4)
LP - Rollie Fingers (6-4)
HR - SEA: Bruce Bochte (14)
MIL: Gorman Thomas (34)

Summary: Bochte's walk-off double in the ninth won it for the Mariners. This was Fingers' first blown save in this period.

Texas 8, Chicago 4 (1st game)
Texas 3, Chicago 0 (2nd game)

1st game:
WP - Rick Honeycutt (13-8)
LP - Steve Trout (8-9)
HR - TEX: Al Oliver (7), Pat Putnam (12)
CWS: Carlton Fisk (19)

2nd game:
WP - Fergie Jenkins (7-9)
LP - Dennis Lamp (10-10)

Summary: The Rangers swept the Chisox to take a game and a half lead over the A's in the West. Oliver's first-game dinger was measured at 454 feet.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 82-60
(tie) Red Sox: 77-64- 4.5 GB
(tie) Tigers: 77-64- 4.5 GB

Orioles: 76-65- 5.5 GB
Brewers: 76-66- 6 GB
Indians: 66-75- 15.5 GB
Blue Jays: 49-92- 32.5 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 81-60
Athletics: 80-62- 1.5 GB
Angels: 75-68- 7 GB
White Sox: 73-67- 7.5 GB
Royals: 71-69- 9.5 GB
Mariners: 55-88- 27 GB
Twins: 53-88- 28 GB

Next: We look at July 16.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Thursday, July 16:

Baltimore 9, Minnesota 1
WP - Mike Flanagan (14-7)
LP - Fernando Arroyo (8-15)
HR - BAL: Eddie Murray (22), John Lowenstein (7)

Summary: The Orioles bounced back with a fourteen-hit performance against the outmanned Twins.

Toronto 5, Cleveland 4
WP - Luis Leal (9-16)
LP - Len Barker (10-13)
HR - TOR: Jesse Barfield (7)
CLE: Rick Manning (10), Andre Thornton (19)

Summary: The Blue Jays took a 5-0 lead and held on for the win.

NY Yankees 3, California 1
WP - Ron Guidry (18-7)
SV- Goose Gossage (22)
LP - Ken Forsch (14-9)

Summary: Gossage struck out the side after the Angels had runners on first and third with no outs in the ninth.

Boston 5, Kansas City 3
WP - Mike Torrez (15-5)
LP - Rich Gale (8-7)
HR - BOS: Dwight Evans (34)

Summary: The Royals left twelve on base. Elsewhere, George Brett's streak of consecutive games with a homer was snapped at six.

Oakland 6, Detroit 3 (1st game)
Oakland 4, Detroit 1 (2nd game)

1st game:
WP - Steve McCatty (20-10)
LP - Dan Petry (15-13)
HR - OAK: Rickey Henderson (12), Dwayne Murphy (26)

2nd game:
WP - Brian Kingman (6-9)
LP - Larry Rothschild (0-1)
HR - OAK: Rob Picciolo (11)

Summary: The A's bounced back with a convincing doubleheader sweep.

Milwaukee 4, Seattle 1
WP - Jim Slaton (10-9)
LP - Floyd Bannister (10-14)
HR - MIL: Ben Ogilvie (23)

Summary: The Mariners were held to only four hits by Slaton and Reggie Cleveland. The Brewers and Tigers are now tied for fourth place in the East.

Chicago 11, Texas 8
WP - LaMarr Hoyt (11-4)
LP - Dave Schmidt (1-3)
HR - CWS: Carlton Fisk (20), Bill Almon (7), Harold Baines (14), Greg Luzinski (23)
TEX: Al Oliver (8)

Summary: Neither starting pitcher (Britt Burns, Jon Matlack) lasted past the fifth inning on another wild night in Arlington. This loss means that the Rangers and A's are once again tied in the West, while the White Sox move back into third place.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 83-60
Red Sox: 78-64- 4.5 GB
Orioles: 77-65- 5.5 GB
(tie) Tigers: 77-66- 6 GB
(tie) Brewers: 77-66- 6 GB

Indians: 66-76- 16.5 GB
Blue Jays: 50-92- 32.5 GB

In the West:

(tie) Athletics: 82-62
(tie) Rangers: 81-61

White Sox: 74-67- 6.5 GB
Angels: 75-69- 7 GB
Royals: 71-70- 9.5 GB
Mariners: 55-89- 27 GB
Twins: 53-89- 28 GB

Next: We look at July 17.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Friday, July 17:

Baltimore 12, Minnesota 3
WP - Jim Palmer (15-9)
LP - Al Williams (10-15)
HR - BAL: Eddie Murray 2 (24), Ken Singleton (20)
MIN: John Castino (11)

Summary: With twelve runs and seventeen hits, the Orioles scored a much-needed win in the AL East chase.

Cleveland 4, Toronto 3
WP - Rick Waits (11-16)
SV- Sid Monge (9)
LP - Jim Clancy (9-18)
HR - CLE: Rick Manning (11)

Summary: Manning's eighth-inning homer was the tiebreaker.

California 3, Detroit 2 (11 innings)
WP - Don Aase (8-6)
LP - Dave Tobik (2-3)

Summary: The Angels won in the eleventh inning - on a balk! Fred Lynn scored the run.

Boston 6, Kansas City 0
WP - Frank Tanana (8-15)
LP - Rich Gale (8-8)
HR - BOS: Rick Miller (7), Jim Rice (33)

Summary: Tanana allowed just four hits in a brilliant shutout performance.

Milwaukee 8, Oakland 5
WP - Jim Slaton (11-9)
LP - Steve McCatty (20-11)
HR - MIL: Gorman Thomas 2 (36)
OAK: Dwayne Murphy 2 (28), Rob Piccolo (12)

Summary: Thomas took the American League home run lead with thirty-six, and the Brewers took over fourth place in the East by themselves.

NY Yankees 1, Seattle 0
WP - Ron Davis (8-9)
LP - Floyd Bannister (10-15)

Summary: Dave Winfield's RBI double in the fourth provided the game's only run.

Texas 18, Chicago 8
WP - Danny Darwin (15-11)
LP - Dennis Lamp (10-11)
HR - TEX: Pat Putnam (13), Billy Sample (5), Johnny Grubb (5), Al Oliver (9), Jim Sundberg (8)
CWS: Bill Almon (8), Carlton Fisk (21), Mike Squires (7)

Summary: In all, there were twenty-six runs, thirty-three hits, and eight home runs in this game. Lamp only lasted three and two-thirds innings and allowed eleven runs by himself. The Rangers have retaken the lead in the West by a full game over the A's, while the White Sox continue to exchange third and fourth places with the Angels. Tonight, they end up in fourth.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 84-60
Red Sox: 79-64- 4.5 GB
Orioles: 78-65- 5.5 GB
Brewers: 78-66- 6 GB
Tigers: 77-67- 7 GB
Indians: 67-76- 16.5 GB
Blue Jays: 50-93- 33.5 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 82-61
Athletics: 82-63- 1 GB
Angels: 76-69- 7 GB
White Sox: 74-68- 7.5 GB
Royals: 71-71- 10.5 GB
Mariners: 55-90- 28 GB
Twins: 53-90 29 GB

Next: At last, Game 5 of the NLCS.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 5 of the National League Championship Series from Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The date is Sunday, October 11:

Dodgers 1st: Davey Lopes led off the game with a single to center. He was bunted over to second by Bill Russell, and Dusty Baker's hard single up the middle brought him home to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. Steve Garvey walked to put two men on, and Jim Kaat began to warm up in the Cardinal bullpen. But starter Silvio Martinez retired Ron Cey on a popup to third and struck out Rick Monday swinging to end the inning with only one run allowed. After a half, it's Dodgers 1, Cardinals coming to bat.

Cardinals 2nd: Dane Iorg smacked Dodger starter Fernando Valenzuela's first pitch down the right field line for a double. Kenny Oberkfell's base hit to left center put Redbirds on the corners with nobody out. Fernando cleaned up the mess by getting Darrell Porter to ground into a 3-6-3 double play, which scored Iorg to tie the game at one. Tito Landrum's fly to center ended the inning. At the end of two, the Western champs and the Eastern champs are deadlocked at one.

Cardinals 6th: Garry Templeton worked a two-out walk, then stole second. Keith Hernandez was next, and here's how Jack Buck called it for CBS Radio:

"Runner at second, nobody out, bottom of the sixth in a tie game at one. One strike the count to Hernandez. Sign from Scioscia, and Fernando's one-strike pitch........fly ball, shallow right. Monday comes in, Garvey comes out, who'll call for it........NOBODY! It drops between them for a hit, and Templeton scores with ease to put the Cardinals in front, 2-1! Who should have had it, Jerry?"

Jerry Coleman: "This looked like Monday's ball all the way, Jack. I don't exactly know what Garvey was thinking, but it seemed as though Monday didn't want to crash into him, so he stopped short, and that's when the ball dropped in."

George Hendrick forced Hernandez at second to end the inning, but a miscommunication by the Dodgers has led to a Cardinal run here in the sixth. We head to the seventh with the Cards in front 2-1.

Cardinals 7th: After two out, Porter walked. Landrum's base hit to right center put runners at the corners, and Sixto Lezcano came up to bat for Kaat. His single to left scored Porter and gave the Redbirds a 3-1 lead, with Landrum moving to third. Tommy Herr's grounder to second ended the inning, but the Redbirds have added another run to lead by two after seven.

Dodgers 8th: New Cardinal pitcher Mark Littell got the first two outs with ease, but then he had to face Monday. Here's Jack again:

"Monday one for three today: struck out in the first, grounded out in the third, and blooped a single to left leading off the sixth. Trying to start something for the Dodgers here, as they trail by two with four outs left and Sutter looming in the ninth. And this one's driven deep to right center, back to the wall is Landrum, looks up.....home run! Monday homers with two out here in the eighth, and this is a one-run game now, as the Dodgers are back to within 3-2 with Guerrero next up."

Coleman: "Littell got that one up just a bit, and Monday went and got it. Very well hit, and Landrum just watched it leave. Nothing he could do."

Guerrero grounded to second to end the inning, but we're looking at a one-run lead for the Cardinals after seven and a half.

Dodgers 9th: Cardinal closer Bruce Sutter was greeted by a base hit to center from Scioscia. The pitcher's spot was next, and Kenny Landreaux batted for reliever Bobby Castillo. His double to right put the tying run at third and the go-ahead run at second with nobody out. Sutter came back to strike Lopes out swinging and retire Russell on a fly to left center, but he walked Dusty Baker after a ten-pitch at-bat to load the bases for Garvey. He got two quick strikes, and Busch Stadium rocked in anticipation of another Cardinal pennant. Then:

Dick Enberg: "Cardinals a strike away. Two strikes to Garvey, runners taking their leads. A base hit ties the game at least, a strike sends the Cardinals to the World Series. Here's the sign. the two-strike pitch.......ground ball, BASE HIT TO LEFT! Scioscia's home to tie the game! They're sending Landreaux! Iorg's throw is......cut off! No play at the plate, and the Dodgers take the lead 4-3!"

Tom Seaver: "The throw would have been way up the line at third, Dick. Garvey just sneaks this one through, and one of the best seasons by a reliever in history just got spoiled unless the Cardinals can come back in the bottom of the ninth."

Cey followed with a base hit to right that scored Baker to put the Dodgers up 5-3. Monday's base hit to right loaded the bases, and Cardinal manager Whitey Herzog called for Game 4 starter Bob Forsch to replace Sutter, who left to a chorus of boos. Forsch threw one pitch to Guerrero, who grounded it to third. Oberkfell stepped on the bag to force the incoming Cey, and the Cardinals were finally out of the inning. But the Dodgers have touched up baseball's best closer for three runs on five hits plus a walk, and now they're the ones who are three outs from the National League pennant. After eight and a half, it's Los Angeles 5, St. Louis 3.

Cardinals 9th: Dodger closer Steve Howe got the first two outs with ease, but Porter walked to keep the inning alive. Landrum was next, and he banged Howe's first pitch off the center field wall. Cardinal third base coach Hal Lanier had no choice but to send Porter home, but Darrell put on a burst of speed and scored easily to cut the Dodger lead to one while Landrum was safe at third with a triple. Having already used Lezcano and Gene Tenace earlier in the game, Herzog decided on rookie Willie McGee to bat for Forsch. Here's Dick again:

"The rookie McGee in the biggest spot of his life. Herzog still has Mike Ramsey on his bench, but McGee has gotten some key hits down the stretch, and he'll need one here to keep the Cardinals' season alive. Howe now ready, first pitch..........down to short, Russell makes the play, AND THE DODGERS WIN THE PENNANT!......Steve Garvey the hero of the moment, as it was his base hit that scored the winning runs in the ninth off of Bruce Sutter. The Cardinals leave the tying run at third in the bottom of the ninth, and they come up short after being literally one strike away. Oh, the fortunes of baseball."

Garvey was named both Player of the Game for Game 5 and NLCS MVP for his heroics.

Final totals: Dodgers 5-13-0, Cardinals 4-7-1.

W- Castillo (1-1)
S- Howe (2)
L- Sutter (0-1)

HR- LA: Monday (1)

Next: Back to the American League for July 18.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Saturday, July 18:

Boston 8, Toronto 6
W: Mike Torrez (16-5)
S: Bill Campbell (9)
L: Joey McLaughlin (2-7)
HR- BOS: Rich Gedman (8), Dave Stapleton (12)

The Red Sox got a big win in the AL East race thanks to a seven-run ninth inning and eight strong innings from Torrez.

Detroit 7, California 3 (NBC: Merle Harmon, Ron Luciano)
W: Jack Morris (18-10)
L: Dave Frost (1-9)
HR- DET: Lance Parrish (14)

Jack Morris threw a hundred and thirty-seven pitches over eight and two-thirds innings. The Tigers scored three in the fourth, two in the fifth, and single runs in the seventh and eighth. Lance Parrish homered in the eighth and scores three runs.

Kansas City 5, White Sox 4 (14 innings)
W: Dennis Leonard (19-14)
L: Dennis Lamp (10-12)
HR- KC: George Brett (28), Amos Otis (11)
CWS: Chet Lemon (12)

A crazy game at Comiskey, as Kansas City committed three errors (including two in the thirteenth), but still won due to Frank White's game-winning single in the fourteenth.

Cleveland 8, Minnesota 3
W: Bert Blyleven (16-8)
L: Fernando Arroyo (8-16)
HR- MIN: Roy Smalley (10)

Bert Blyleven threw a complete game, and his cause was helped by Toby Harrah's three RBIs.

Milwaukee 6, Oakland 2
W: Randy Lerch (11-7)
L: Matt Keough (11-10)

The Brewers got two runs in the first and three in the fifth. Paul Molitor, Ben Oglivie, and Cecil Cooper all had two hits apiece for the Brewers. The A's scored both of their runs in the seventh, but left men at first and third and never threatened again.

Yankees 10, Seattle 2
W: Rick Reuschel (5-4)
L: Ken Clay (4-12)
HR- NYY: Oscar Gamble 2 (21)
SEA: Richie Zisk (17)

Oscar Gamble led the Yankees offense in this big win, as he hit homers in the first and fifth. Jerry Mumphrey collected five hits. The Yanks scored three times in the first and four in the seventh. Mariners pitchers allowed seven walks.

Texas 5, Baltimore 4
W: Steve Comer (12-2)
L: Sammy Stewart (5-10)
HR- TEX: Buddy Bell (16)
BAL: Eddie Murray (25)

The Rangers got a big win at Arlington Stadium, as close to fifty thousand fans saw the big win and stayed for a Barbara Mandrell concert afterward. Buddy Bell's game-winning homer came two pitches into the bottom of the ninth, after the Orioles had tied the game in the top of the eighth. This loss and the earlier Brewers' win means that the Os have fallen into fourth place in the East, while the Rangers now lead the A's by two games in the West.

After the game, Earl Weaver blasted his team again, this time in public, threatening to call up the entire AAA roster at Rochester if they don't "get their asses in gear quick".

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 85-60
Red Sox: 80-64- 4.5 GB
Brewers: 79-66- 6 GB
Orioles: 78-66- 6.5 GB
Tigers: 78-67- 7 GB
Indians: 68-76- 16.5 GB
Blue Jays: 50-94- 34.5 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 83-61
Athletics: 82-64- 2 GB
Angels: 76-70- 8 GB
White Sox: 74-69- 8.5 GB
Royals: 72-71- 10.5 GB
Mariners: 55-91- 29 GB
Twins: 53-91- 30 GB

Special thanks to Joe Ray for today's report.

Next: We look at July 19.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Sunday, July 19:

Toronto 9, Boston 2
W: Jackson Todd (3-8)
S: Roy Lee Jackson (8)
L: Tom Burgmeier (4-7)
HR- TOR: John Mayberry 2 (21)
BOS: Rich Gedman (9)

A huge loss for the Red Sox. John Mayberry clouted two home runs, one in the fourth and another in the sixth, and drove in three runs. The Blue Jays clinched the game with a six-run eighth, which included six hits capped off by a George Bell two-run double. Bosox manager Ralph Houk blamed it on the relief pitching, which he compared to a pound of salt poured into an already open wound.

Detroit 5, California 0
W: Milt Wilcox (17-9)
L: Geoff Zahn (11-13)
HR- DET: Tom Brookens (9)

Milt Wilcox pitched a complete game five-hit shutout. Rick Peters scores the Tigers' run in the second, and former Michigan QB Rick Leach worked two walks. Tom Brookens' three-run homer in the fifth extended the Detroit lead. and they added another run in the eighth.

Kansas City 9, White Sox 8 (Game 1)
W: Jim Wright (4-3)
S: Dan Quisenberry (24)
L: Steve Trout (8-10)
HR: KC: Clint Hurdle (8), George Brett (29)
CWS: Ron LeFlore (2), Chet Lemon (13)

A great offensive show for the Royals in the opener of a twinbill at Comiskey, as they took the lead for good with a four-run sixth, then held off a ninth inning rally against Dan Quisenberry. The Sox left the tying run at first. Willie Wilson led the KC offense with three hits.

White Sox 6, Kansas City 4 (Game 2)
W: Britt Burns (15-11)
S: LaMarr Hoyt (11)
L: Renie Martin (4-9)

Wayne Nordhagen cleared the bases with a seventh-inning triple to give the Pale Hose the lead, and Britt Burns threw eight strong innings. As a result of the Angels' loss in Detroit, the Chisox and Halos are now tied for third place in the West.

Minnesota 8, Cleveland 7
W: Roger Erickson (4-10)
S: Doug Corbett (18)
L: John Denny (10-10)
HR: MIN: Ron Jackson (5)
CLE: Bo Diaz (9)

The Twins led 8-0 after seven and a half, then survived a three-run eighth and a four-run ninth before Doug Corbett struck out Bo Diaz on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. Ron Jackson's seventh-inning homer ended up being the margin of victory for the Twinkies.

Milwaukee 3, Oakland 1
W: Randy Lerch (12-7)
S: Rollie Fingers (34)
L: Jeff Jones (4-4)

The Brewers won again, as Randy Lerch pitched six tough innings and Cecil Cooper singled in the go-ahead run in the seventh. The A's had the tying run at second in the ninth, but Wayne Gross struck out to end the game.

Yankees 7, Seattle 5
W: Ron Davis (9-9)
S: Goose Gossage (23)
L: Shane Rawley (7-8)
HR: NYY: Oscar Gamble (22)

The Yankees won their fourth in a row, as Jerry Mumphrey drove in three runs and a ninth-inning rally by the M's fell short. After eleven days of holding a four and a half game lead, the Yanks have finally gained a game on the Red Sox.

Texas 3, Baltimore 1
W: Charlie Hough (7-2)
S: Steve Comer (8)
L: Steve Stone (4-9)
HR- TEX: Leon Roberts (8), Mario Mendoza (1)

Another huge win for the Rangers, as they scored all of their runs on home runs. Mario Mendoza hit a solo shot in the third, while Leon Roberts provided a two-run blast in the fourth. Texas starter John Butcher is pulled out of the game after tendinitis in his arm, and Charlie Hough replaces him and earns the win. Baltimore has now lost three of five, and this loss combined with the Tigers' win puts them in fifth place in the East. Meanwhile, the Rangers now lead the slumping A's by three games in the West.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 86-60
Red Sox: 80-65- 5.5 GB
Brewers: 80-66- 6 GB
Tigers: 79-67- 7 GB
Orioles: 78-67- 7.5 GB
Indians: 68-77- 17.5 GB
Blue Jays: 51-94- 34.5 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 84-61
Athletics: 82-65- 3 GB
(tie) Angels: 76-71- 9 GB
(tie) White Sox: 75-70- 9 GB

Royals: 73-72- 11 GB
Mariners: 55-91- 29.5 GB
Twins: 54-91- 30 GB

Special thanks to Joe Ray for today's report. Desmond will return tomorrow.

Next: We look at July 20.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

This is the first of a doubleheader today, since I'll be away from the computer most of the day tomorrow.

Here's the American League Report for Monday, July 20:

Boston 12, Toronto 5
WP - Mike Torrez (17-5)
LP - Jim Clancy (9-19)
HR - BOS: Dwight Evans (35), Rick Miller (8)
TOR: George Bell (16)

Summary: The Sox had a hit in every inning except the fourth and eighth, eighteen in all. Torrez left the game in the seventh inning when Lloyd Moseby hit a ball off of his leg. He will miss at least one start.

Kansas City 6, Chicago 5 (15 innings)
WP - Jeff Schattinger (1-0)
LP - Juan Agosto (0-1)
HR - KC: George Brett (30)
CWS: Ron LeFlore (3), Greg Luzinski (24)

Summary: Both teams went very deep into their bullpens in the longest game so far in this project.. Brett singled in Willie Wilson with the winning run in the top of the fifteenth. The loss drops the White Sox back into sole possession of fourth place in the West.

Minnesota 5, Cleveland 1
WP - Al Williams (11-15)
LP - Len Barker (10-14)
HR - MIN: John Castino (12)

Summary: Castino's third-inning homer led the Twins to victory. They're finally out of the Western basement, a half-game ahead of the idle Mariners.

Baltimore 7, Texas 1 (ABC: Al Michaels, Bob Uecker)
WP - Scott McGregor (19-10)
LP - Danny Darwin (15-12)
HR - BAL: Eddie Murray 2 (27)

Summary: Murray hit a big pair of dingers for the O's, who are now tied for fourth place in the East with the idle Tigers.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 86-60
Red Sox: 81-65- 5 GB
Brewers: 80-66- 6 GB
(tie) Tigers: 79-67- 7 GB
(tie) Orioles: 79-67- 7 GB

Indians: 68-78- 18 GB
Blue Jays: 51-95- 35 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 84-62
Athletics: 82-65- 2.5 GB
Angels: 76-71- 8.5 GB
White Sox: 75-71- 9 GB
Royals: 74-72- 10 GB
Twins: 55-91- 29 GB
Mariners: 55-92- 29.5 GB

Next: We look at July 21.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Tuesday, July 21:

Oakland 11, Detroit 3
WP - Mike Norris (18-11)
LP - Dan Schatzeder (9-11)
HR - OAK: Dwayne Murphy (29)

Summary: The A's scored seven in the fourth inning as they kept pace with the Rangers in the West.

Milwaukee 10, Seattle 1
WP - Moose Haas (14-11)
LP - Floyd Bannister (10-16)
HR - MIL: Robin Yount (18), Gorman Thomas (37), Ben Ogilvie (24), Cecil Cooper (16)

Summary: All four home runs were back-to-back: Yount and Ogilvie in the fourth inning, Thomas and Cooper in the sixth.

California 4, NY Yankees 1
WP - Don Aase (9-6)
LP - Goose Gossage (4-3)
HR - CAL: Brian Downing (24)

Summary: In one of the most shocking moments of the season, Goose could not hold on to the lead in the top of the ninth, allowing four runs and five hits before the first batter was retired.

Baltimore 5, Toronto 4
WP - Tippy Martinez (5-5)
SV- Tim Stoddard (8)
LP - Mike Willis (3-7)
HR - BAL: Rick Dempsey (13)
TOR: Lloyd Moseby (17)

Summary: Stoddard struck out George Bell with two runners on to end the game.

Cleveland 6, Chicago 2
WP - Rick Waits (12-16)
LP - LaMarr Hoyt (11-5)
HR - CLE: Andre Thornton (20), Rick Manning (12)

Summary: Thornton's grand slam in the top of the eighth broke a 2-2 tie.

Kansas City 12, Texas 4
WP - Dennis Leonard (20-14)
LP - Doc Medich (10-10)
HR - KC: George Brett (31), Frank White (17), John Wathan (5), Amos Otis (12), Hal McRae (10), Willie Aikens (23)

Summary: Five Royals had at least two hits, with Brett picking up three; the team had a total of eighteen on the night. Meanwhile, the Rangers' lead over the A's in the West is down to a game and a half, while the Royals are tied with the White Sox for fourth.

Boston 3, Minnesota 1
WP - Frank Tanana (9-15)
LP - Fernando Arroyo (8-17)

Summary: Three Red Sox pitchers (Tanana, Bob Ojeda, and Bob Stanley) combined to give up just four hits to the Twins.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 86-61
Red Sox: 82-65- 4 GB
Brewers: 81-66- 5 GB
Orioles: 80-67- 6 GB
Tigers: 79-68- 7 GB
Indians: 69-78- 17 GB
Blue Jays: 51-96- 35 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 84-63
Athletics: 83-65- 1.5 GB
Angels: 77-71- 7.5 GB
(tie) White Sox: 75-72- 9 GB
(tie) Royals: 75-72- 9 GB

Twins: 55-92- 29 GB
Mariners: 55-93- 29.5 GB

Next: We look at July 22.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Wednesday, July 22:

Detroit 7, Oakland 3
W: Kevin Saucier (5-3)
S: Aurelio Lopez (7)
L: Steve McCatty (20-12)
HR- OAK: Rob Piccolo (13)
DET: Lance Parrish (15)

Lance Parrish homered and drove in three runs to pace the Tiger attack. The Tigers scored three times in the eighth to put the game away.

Milwaukee 5, Seattle 4
W: Reggie Cleveland (6-5)
L: Shane Rawley (7-9)
HR- MIL: Robin Yount (19)

Yount's homer was a walk-off shot against Shane Rawley in the bottom of the ninth. Julio Cruz stole three bases for Seattle.

Yankees 3, California 0
W: Ron Guidry (19-7)
S: Goose Gossage (24)
L: Ken Forsch (14-10)

The Yankees scored twice in the first and once in the fifth, and Ron Guidry and Goose Gossage combined to blank the Halos.

Toronto 8, Baltimore 0
W: Jackson Todd (4-8)
S: Joey McLaughlin (12)
L: Mike Flanagan (14-8)

Damaso Garcia drove in three runs for the Jays, and the Baltimore bullpen melted down again, giving up five runs in the eighth to break the game wide open. The loss plunges the Os back into a fourth-place tie with the Tigers in the East.

Cleveland 1, White Sox 0
W: Bert Blyleven (17-8)
L: Dennis Lamp (10-13)
HR- CLE: Alan Bannister (2)

A very well-pitched game by both sides. Chicago only allowed six hits, but Bert Blyleven pitched a complete game three-hit shutout. Bannister's homer in the seventh provides the margin of victory.

Texas 10, Kansas City 9
W: Steve Comer (13-2)
L: Larry Gura (15-9)
HR: TEX: Pat Putnam (14)
KC: Amos Otis (13), Frank White (18)

Texas scored five runs in the third inning to take a 7-0 lead, but Kansas City answered back with six in the bottom of the third, and the inning lasts almost an hour. The Royals took a 9-7 lead in the fifth, but the Rangers came back with an Al Oliver RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, and Pat Putnam smacked a two-run shot in the ninth to put the Rangers ahead. The Royals left the winning run at first in the ninth when Amos Otis flew out.

Boston 7, Minnesota 3
W: Mark Clear (9-4)
L: Pete Redfern (14-11)
HR- BOS: Dwight Evans (36), Dave Stapleton (13)

Dwight Evans drove in three runs, and Dave Stapleton's two-run dinger in the eighth gave Boston the cushion they needed. Bob Stanley allowed just one hit in the ninth to close things out.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 87-61
Red Sox: 83-65- 4 GB
Brewers: 82-66- 5 GB
(tie) Orioles: 80-68- 7 GB
(tie) Tigers: 80-68- 7 GB

Indians: 70-78- 17 GB
Blue Jays: 52-96- 35 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 85-63
Athletics: 83-66- 2.5 GB
Angels: 77-72- 8.5 GB
(tie) White Sox: 75-73- 10 GB
(tie) Royals: 75-73- 10 GB

Twins: 55-93- 30 GB
Mariners: 55-94- 30.5 GB

Special thanks to Joe Ray for today's report.

Next: We look at July 23.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Thursday, July 23. I'll start with a game that was postponed in the original project and never made up:

Brewers 5, Mariners 0

Three home runs, two by Ted Simmons and one by Gorman Thomas, accounted for bulk of the Milwaukee offense, and Mike Caldwell pitched a three-hit shutout on a rainy night at County Stadium.

W- Caldwell (14-10)
L- Abbott (6-12)

HR- MIL: Thomas (38), Simmons 2 (17)

Yankees 11, California 1 (USA: Monte Moore, Wes Parker)
W: Tommy John (12-11)
L: Steve Renko (9-8)
HR: NYY: Jerry Mumphrey (8), Bobby Murcer (10), Reggie Jackson (23), Barry Foote (7), Graig Nettles (19)

The Yankees hit five home runs as they blew out the Angels in front of a national audience. Their magic number to clinch the East is now ten.

Toronto 6, Baltimore 5
W: Roy Lee Jackson (3-2)
L: Tim Stoddard (6-4)
HR: BAL: Lenn Sakata (8), Rick Dempsey (14)
TOR: Lloyd Moseby (18)

The Jays took two out of three from the Orioles, as Lloyd Moseby's three-run homer highlighted a four-run fifth that turned the tide. Earl Weaver threw his fourth tantrum in the past two weeks after the game, this one directed at reliever Tim Stoddard, who had enough at one point and shoved the Earl of Baltimore on his can. No word yet on any fines or suspensions.

Cleveland 8, White Sox 4
W: Dan Spillner (7-5)
L: La Marr Hoyt (11-6)
HR: CWS: Tony Bernazard (7)
CLE: Bo Diaz (10)

Bo Diaz led the Indians' charge, hitting a three-run homer in the ninth to seal the game for Cleveland. Dan Spillner pitched two and a third innings in relief to get the win.

Boston 4, Minnesota 2
W: Tom Burgmeier (5-7)
S: Bob Stanley (1)
L: Al Williams (11-16)

Jerry Remy drove in the game-winner as part of a four-run eighth for the Bosox. Tom Burgmeier pitched two innings to get the win, and Bob Stanley two more to record his first save of the season. The win keeps the Sox within four games of the Yanks in the East with an elimination number of ten.

Detroit 3, Oakland 1
W: Jack Morris (19-10)
L: Matt Keough (11-11)
HR: OAK: Dave McKay (5)
DET: John Wockenfuss (13)

Both pitchers threw complete games, but Jack Morris's was the better one, as he scattered seven hits and threw only a hundred and three pitches. Keough only allowed five hits, but the Tigers scored in the second, fourth, and sixth, and took the lead for good on Wockenfuss's homer in the fourth. Will Billy Martin's penchant for demanding complete games from his starting pitchers cost the A's if they should make it to the postseason? Meanwhile, the Tigers move into fourth place in the East by themselves.

Texas 9, Kansas City 4
W: Jon Matlack (5-9)
L: Paul Splittorff (9-10)

A five-run sixth was the difference in this one, as the Rangers batted around and knocked Royals starter Paul Splittorff from the game. Leon Roberts drove in three runs for Texas, whose lead over the A's in the West is now three and a half games and whose magic number to clinch the division is ten.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 88-61 (Magic Number: 10)
Red Sox: 84-65- 4 GB
Brewers: 83-66- 5 GB
Tigers: 81-68- 7 GB
Orioles: 80-69- 8 GB
Indians: 71-78- 17 GB
Blue Jays: 53-96- 35 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 86-63 (Magic Number: 10)
Athletics: 83-67- 3.5 GB
Angels: 77-73- 9.5 GB
(tie) White Sox: 75-74- 11 GB
(tie) Royals: 75-74- 11 GB

(tie) Twins: 55-94- 31 GB
(tie) Mariners: 55-94- 31 GB

NOTE: I corrected the Mariners' record; they had one loss too many.

Special thanks to Joe Ray for today's report. Desmond will be back tomorrow.

Next: We look at July 24.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the American League Report for Friday, July 24:

Kansas City 11, Boston 6
WP - Dennis Leonard (21-14)
LP - Frank Tanana (8-16)
HR - KC: George Brett 2 (33), Willie Aikens (24), Frank White (19)
BOS: Dwight Evans (37)

Summary: Brett's second home run left Fenway Park completely and cleared the 37-foot high Green Monster. The Bosox' elimination number is now at nine.

Cleveland 4, Toronto 2
WP - Len Barker (11-14)
LP - Mike Willis (3-8)
HR - CLE: Andre Thornton (21)

Summary: The Jays kept on the path toward a hundred-loss season with this defeat. Right now, they're just three losses away.

California 2, Detroit 1
WP - Mike Witt (16-10)
LP - Dan Petry (15-14)

Summary: Witt allowed just six hits in a complete game win as Tiger Stadium saw a rare low-scoring game.

Milwaukee 9, Oakland 7
WP - Jamie Easterly (7-3)
SV- Rollie Fingers (35)
LP - Bob Owchinko (5-5)
HR - OAK: Dwayne Murphy (30)
MIL: Ben Ogilvie (25), Gorman Thomas (39)

Summary: Thomas broke a 7-7 tie with a home run in the bottom of the eighth. The eventual Hall of Famer (Fingers) did the rest. The Brewers are now tied for second place in the East with the Red Sox; both teams are five games behind the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Athletics' elimination number in the West shrinks to nine.

NY Yankees 8, Seattle 3
WP - Ron Guidry (20-7)
LP - Floyd Bannister (10-17)
HR - NYY: Reggie Jackson (24), Bobby Murcer (11), Dave Winfield (26)
SEA: Tom Paciorek (23)

Summary: The Yanks scored six in the bottom of the first and that was that. The Yanks' magic number now stands at eight.

Chicago 4, Texas 1
WP - LaMarr Hoyt (12-6)
LP - Doc Medich (10-11)

Summary: Hoyt won his first major league start. The Rangers' magic number to clinch the West stays at nine, and they're still three and a half games ahead of the second-place A's.

Baltimore 7, Minnesota 1
WP - Scott McGregor (20-10)
LP - Al Williams (11-17)
HR - BAL: Eddie Murray (28)

Summary: Murray drove in six of the seven Baltimore runs with a homer, a single, and a double. The Os are now tied with the Tigers for fourth place in the East.

The standings in the East to the moment:

Yankees: 89-61 (Magic Number: 8)
(tie) Red Sox: 84-66- 5 GB
(tie) Brewers: 84-66- 5 GB

(tie) Tigers: 81-69- 8 GB
(tie) Orioles: 81-69- 8 GB

Indians: 72-78- 17 GB
Blue Jays: 53-97- 36 GB

In the West:

Rangers: 86-64 (Magic Number: 9)
Athletics: 83-68- 3.5 GB
Angels: 78-73- 8.5 GB
(tie) White Sox: 76-74- 10 GB
(tie) Royals: 76-74- 10 GB

(tie) Twins: 55-95- 31 GB
(tie) Mariners: 55-95- 31 GB

Next: We look at July 25.

Thoughts?