Baseball in the Pythagorean Universe: 1981

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 3 of the ALDS West from Arlington Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The date is October 9, 1981.

Lineup Changes:

A's- Mike Heath gets the start behind the plate and will bat seventh. Dave McKay moves down to the eight hole, and Fred Stanley is back at short and will bat ninth.

Weather: 57 degrees, cloudy skies, southeast wind at 8 MPH.

A's 2nd: Tony Armas drew a leadoff walk, which sent Game 2's hero, Mickey Klutts, to the plate against Rangers starter Danny Darwin. Here's the call from Keith Jackson:

"If you remember from Wednesday night, this young man had some game, not only hitting a homer but also driving in the game-winning run in the eleventh, as the A's won it 6-5. Here he takes his first pitch from Danny Darwin and lefts it deep to right center field. Mickey Rivers over, now goes back, all the way to the track, AND THIS ONE'S GONE!...…..Mickey Klutts took hold of a Darwin curveball and put it in the second row, and the Athletics lead 2-0."

Jim Palmer: "This one got away from Darwin a bit, and Klutts gets right on top of it. Rivers sprints over like he'll have a play, but Mickey just hit it a little too hard and a little too far."

Jackson: "I've heard that around the Bay Area, they're already calling him Mickey Clutch."

Darwin got the next three outs in order, as Kelvin Moore's hot smash was gloved by Bump Wills at second, Heath flew to left, and McKay flew to center. But Klutts' second home run of the series has given the A's a 2-0 lead through an inning and a half.

A's 4th: Cliff Johnson led off with a base hit to right, then scored when Tony Armas belted a ball off the top of the right field wall. Thanks to Tony's hustle, he ended up with a triple and it was 3-0 Oakland. Klutts' ground single to left center plated Armas and gave the A's a 4-0 lead, and Moore's single to left kept the inning going. Jon Matlack began to throw with purpose in the Texas bullpen, but Darwin finally got an out after giving up four consecutive hits by striking out Heath swinging. McKay forced Moore for the second out, and Stanley's fly to Rivers in left center ended the inning. The visitors have added two runs on four hits and left runners at first and third, and after three and a half it's A's 4, Rangers 0.

Rangers 6th: With one out, Mark Wagner lined a single to left. Wills grounded a base hit to right center, and Wagner barely beat Klutts' tag at third. After a thankfully brief argument from A's skipper Billy Martin, Rivers grounded to Stanley at short, who threw to second for the force on Wills as Wagner scored the first Texas run. Al Oliver's base hit to right put runners back at the corners, and Bob Owchinko began to throw in the Oakland bullpen. Buddy Bell was next, and he rapped a single to left that scored Rivers and cut the Oakland lead to 4-2. Then it was Pat Putnam's turn, and here's Keith:

"Langford on the ropes here, as he faces Putnam with Oliver at second and Bell at first. The count on Pat is one ball and one strike. Now we're ready, as Heath gives the sign. Langford checks the runners, then goes to the plate...…...and that's a line shot to right center field. Murphy has to hurry, but he won't get there! It's to the wall! Oliver has already scored, now Bell comes in to score, and we have a 4-4 ballgame here in the sixth!"

Palmer: "An expertly stung line drive by Pat Putnam here, as Murphy has no chance to catch it or do anything except chase it all the way to the wall. Bohave scored twice th runners score with ease, this game is tied, and Billy Martin's out to get Rick Langford."

Owchinko got the visitors out of the inning on one pitch, as Tom Poquette's comebacker retired the side with ease. But the Rangers have toed things up with four runs on five hits, and as we go to the seventh we have a brand new ballgame: Oakland 4, Texas 4.

Rangers 7th: Jim Sundberg drew a leadoff walk against Owchinko. Leon Roberts lined a base hit to left center to put runners at the corners, and Rangers skipper Don Zimmer tabbed Johnny Grubb to bat for Wagner. He grounded Owchinko's first offering into left center for a base hit that scored Sundberg, and the Rangers led 5-4. Wills popped out to Klutts at third for the first out of the inning and the runners held. Rivers' fly to right was thought to be a home run off of his bat, but Armas made a leaping catch at the wall for the second out as Roberts went to third. Oliver was next, and he grounded the first pitch he saw down to McKay at second, but the ball rolled under his glove for an error as Roberts came home to give the Lawmen a 6-4 advantage. Bell's fly to Henderson in left center ended the inning, but the Rangers have scored twice to take the lead. We've played seven in Game 3, and the Rangers lead the A's 6-4.

A's 9th: Henderson and Murphy drew one-out back-to-back walks against Rangers closer Jim Kern. Johnson wen down swinging for out number two, and Armas was Oakland's last hope. He smoked a line drive base hit to left center that brought Henderson home and cut the Rangers' lead to 6-5. That brought up Klutts. Here's Harry Caray on CBS Radio:

"This kid Klutts has had quite a last two games, and he can tie the game for Oakland with a single, maybe give them the lead with a double. Kern just one strike away, the count one ball and two strikes. Sundberg now gives the sign, and a strikeout here would would bring the house down. Kern from the stretch, the 1-2 pitch...….little fly ball toward left field, Bell going out, AND IT'S OVER HIS HEAD! Murphy will score to tie this game up at six, and Mickey Klutts is the hero again! Holy cow!"

Denny Matthews: "Mickey Klutts has certainly made a name for himself over these last two games with his bat, but this hit doesn't go more than seventy feet, as it's just enough to get over the head of Buddy Bell and score a hustling Dwayne Murphy to tie this game at six."

Jim Spencer batted for Moore and grounded to Wills at second to end the inning. The A's have scored twice in the top of the ninth to tie this game up at six, as an unlikely hero has come through yet again.

A's 15th: Rob Picciolo, who's taken over at short for Stanley, and Henderson drew back-to-back one-out walks against Texas reliever Dave Schmidt. Murphy went down swinging for the second out, and that brought up Johnson. Here's the call from guest play-by-play man Verne Lundquist, who stepped in for Keith in the eleventh:

"Still tied at six here in the fifteenth, and Billy Martin is out of bats and almost out of arms; the only one left for him is last night's starter Steve McCatty. Tomorrow night's starter Mike Norris took our friend Keith Jackson's lead and went home early to get some sleep for a big day tomorrow. There are your runners, and here's the first pitch to Johnson...….ground ball, Schmidt dives, but it's past him and into center field! Piccolo being waved around by Clete Boyer, and he'll score to give the A's a 7-6 lead."

Palmer: "This isn't the flashiest hit in the world, but the A's will take it. Just out of Schmidt's reach, and that's enough to bring home Picciolo, who was off on contact. And there's McCatty; he'll pitch the fifteenth because Billy Martin's out of pitchers."

McCatty got the Rangers out on seven pitches in the bottom of the fifteenth, and the A's had wrapped up a 7-6 win in fifteen innings and a 2-1 series lead.

Klutts was named MVP by ABC for the second game in a row; he was four for six tonight with a home run and four RBIs, which makes him five for eleven with two homers and six RBIs over the past two games. Armas was also considered; he went three for seven with two runs scored and two RBIs.

The A's will attempt to punch their ticket to the ALCS with a victory in Game 4 tomorrow night. First pitch is scheduled for just after 8PM Eastern on ABC, with Mike Norris starting for the A's and John Butcher taking the hill for the Rangers.

Final totals: A's 7-13-2, Rangers 6-13-0.

W- Kingman (1-0)
S- McCatty (1)
L- Schmidt (0-1)

HR- OAK: Klutts (2)

Before we go, here are our Defensive Plays of the Night. First, Putnam is batting with one out and no one on in the bottom of the second. Here's Denny:

"Fly ball to right center field, not deep. Henderson's gonna have to hurry over, he got a late jump. Dives and MAKES THE CATCH!...…..That's what comes of being one of the fastest outfielders in baseball."

Now to the top of the ninth. The A's have just scored two runs to tie, and Jim Spencer is batting for Moore in an effort to push across the go-ahead run. Here's Keith:

"A hit could give the A's the lead, as Kern's ready for his one-one pitch to Spencer. Here it comes.....to deep second, long throw for Wills, can it get there?.....YEP, JUST BARELY! The inning's over, as Wills and his arm get the Rangers out of trouble with just a tie game. We go to bottom of the ninth all even at six in Game 3."

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 4 of the ALDS West from Arlington Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The date is October 10, 1981.

Lineup Changes:

A's- Keith Drumriight will function as the designated hitter and bat third. Wayne Gross will get the start at third base and bat fifth in place of Mickey Klutts, and Jim Spencer will take Kelvin Moore's place at first base and bat sixth.

Rangers- Tom Poquette moves to center to take the place of a banged-up Mickey Rivers, and he'll bat second. Johnny Grubb will get the start in left and bat seventh, which means that Jim Sundberg moves up to sixth.

Since this series didn't have a Game 4 in real life, let's run down the umpiring crew:

Home Plate- Don Denkinger
First Base: Jim Evans
Second Base: Jim McKean
Third Base: George Maloney
Left Field: Joe Brinkman
Right Field: Steve Palermo

Weather: 65 degrees, cloudy skies, calm winds.

A's 3rd: After two out, Fred Stanley drew a walk. Rickey Henderson was next, and he dropped a fly ball in front of Grubb for a double, which brought Stanley home and gave the Athletics a 1-0 lead. Dwayne Murphy's line drive base hit to left plated Henderson, and it was 2-0 Oakland. Drumright's seeing-eye base hit to right put runners on the corners and got Jon Matlack throwing in the Texas bullpen, but Rangers starter John Butcher recovered to strike out Tony Armas, ending the inning. The A's have broken on top with two runs on three hits, and left runners at first and third. After two and a half, it's Oakland 2, Texas 0.

A's 7th: Spencer led off with a base hit to right. After Mike Heath's popup was caught by Pat Putnam at first, Dave McKay walked. Butcher then hit Stanley in the leg to load the bases, and that brought up Henderson. Here's Keith Jackson:

"It's looking a bit rocky for John Butcher, as he's loaded the bases with a hit, a walk, and a hit batsman. Now you'd think he'll have to get Henderson to stay in the ballgame. Two balls and no strikes to the speedy Oakland left fielder, and Sundberg wants the hard stuff. The pitch is grounded past Bell and into left field! Spencer comes home, McKay will also score, and the A's lead 4-0."

Jim Palmer: "That's it for Butcher, Keith. Don Zimmer's calling for Jim Kern from the pen. There you see the hit by Henderson, and it's a shame for Butcher; he held the A's to just four hits and had just that one hiccup in the third, but (A's starter) Mike Norris has completely shut down the Rangers' bats tonight, so they're just about out of this one."

Kern's first pitch to Murphy was lined right at Wills for the second out, as Stanley held at third and Murphy at first. Henderson ran the Athletics out of the inning by getting caught stealing second by Sundberg, but the A's have added a pair in the seventh, and as we stretch at the Big A, they now lead the home squad 4-0.

That was all the scoring. Here's Keith's call of the final out, as Rivers is batting for Wagner:

"Norris has now thrown 127 pitches, and with two on you'd figure Billy Martin would go to his relief ace Jeff Jones if Rivers can get on. Grubb at second, Sundberg at first, and the count one ball and one strike on Mickey Rivers. This will be pitch number one hundred and twenty-eight...…...high fly ball deep to left, Henderson at the track, at the wall, ball hangs up, and HENDERSON MAKES THE CATCH! The Oakland Athletics are your 1981 American League West champions, as they win this best-of-five series three games to one. Mike Norris survives a scare in the ninth to pitch a complete game six-hit shutout, and the A's will play for the American League pennant for the first time since 1975."

Our final score in Game 4: A's 4, Rangers 0.

Norris was named MVP by ABC. As Keith noted, he tossed a six-hit shutout at the Rangers, walking two and striking out six in 128 pitches.

Final totals: A's 4-7-1, Rangers 0-6-0.

W- Norris (1-1)
L- Butcher (0-1)

Next: We shift to the ALDS East, as the first-place New York Yankees take on the second-place Boston Red Sox.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 1 of the ALDS East from Fenway Park in Boston. The date is October 7, 1981.

Weather: 60 degrees, cloudy skies, west wind at 9 MPH.

Yankees 1st: Second baseman Willie Randolph led off the game with a base hit to right center. Pitcher Mike Torrez got the next two outs, but right fielder Reggie Jackson walked. Next up was third baseman Graig Nettles, who smacked the first pitch he saw into left to bring home Randolph and give the Yanks a 1-0 lead. Designated hitter Oscar Gamble singled to left to load the bases, but first baseman Bob Watson forced him and second to end the inning. The Yankees break on top with a run, but leave the bases loaded. After a half, it's Yanks 1, Bosox ready for action.

Red Sox 2nd: Yankees starter Ron Guidry began the inning by striking out third baseman Carney Lansford. This brought up shortstop Dave Stapleton. Here's the call from Keith Jackson:

"One out here in the bottom of the second, and here's Dave Stapleton, the Boston shortstop."

Don Drysdale: "(Red Sox starter) Mike Torrez is hoping for a long inning after the Yankees have really made him work in the first two innings he pitched, but (Yankees starter) Ron Guidry mowed down Lansford on three straight fastballs."

Jackson: "Goes fastball again, and it's driven deep to right. Reggie going back, back at the wall, IT'S GONE!...…..Guidry went to the smoke once too often, and Stapleton drilled it over the right field wall to tie the game at one."

Howard Cosell: "They call Ron Guidry 'Louisiana Lightning' because of that blazing fastball, but as Keith said, he employed it one too many times, and there you see the result. Stapleton with surprising power, as he hit ten home runs on the shortened season."

Guidry struck out designated hitter Tony Perez swinging and retired catcher Rich Gedman on a fly to Jerry Mumphrey in right center, but the Sox have tied the game at one after one on Stapleton's home run.

Red Sox 3rd: Second baseman Jerry Remy drew a one-out walk. Right fielder Dwight Evans singled to left to put runners at the corners, which brought up left fielder Jim Rice. Nettles fielded Rice's grounder to third, but overthrew Randolph at second trying to double up Evans. Remy scored to give the Sox a 2-1 lead, and Rice ended up at second. Guidry recovered to strike out first baseman Carl Yastrzemski, but Lansford's bloop over Watson's head and into shallow right scored both Evans and Rice and gave the Sox a 4-1 lead. After Lansford stole second, Stapleton's ground ball skittered into left center to bring him home with the Bosox' fifth run.

George Frazier began to throw in the Yankee bullpen, but that didn't help Guidry, as Perez smoked a single to left and Gedman stroked a single to right on consecutive pitches, which brought Stapleton home and extended the Boston lead to 6-1. Miller was next, and he grounded to Nettles at third. Graig was playing so deep that Miller was able to beat his throw to first while running at normal speed, and the bases were loaded again. Remy, the one who started all this, flew to Reggie in right field to end the inning, but the Sox have exploded for five runs on six hits and a walk, and left the bases loaded besides. After three, it's Red Sox 6, Yankees 1.

Yankees 4th: Watson led off against Torrez. Here's the call from Curt Gowdy of CBS Radio:

"The Yankees need to get back to work here in the top o the fourth after that disastrous bottom of the third, and Watson's one of those who can get them back into the game in a hurry. Torrez ahead of him one strike, here's the next one...…..and that's high and deep to right, Evans going back, looking up, AND IT'S GONE!......Bob Watson got hold of that Torrez curveball and hit it over the right field wall to make it a 6-3 game."

Ernie Harwell: "Watson blessed with a good deal of power, and when a pitcher makes a mistake like Torrez just did, that mistake is liable to end up in the seats. The Yankees need a few more of those to really get back in this game, though."

After shortstop Larry Milbourne grounded out to Yastrzemski at first, Stapleton fumbled catcher Rick Cerone's grounder to short, allowing him to reach. But Gedman threw his counterpart easily trying to steal second, and there were two out. Randolph blooped a single to right center, then stole second successfully, but Mumphrey struck out swinging to end the inning. The Pinstripes have to settle for one on Watson's homer, and after three and a half they trail 6-2.

Red Sox 4th: After two out, Yaz singled to right center against Frazier. That brought up Lansford, and here's Keith:

"Red Sox up 6-2 here in the bottom of the fourth and looking for more from Lansford, who singled home two runs his last time up with a hit that was just over the head of Bob Watson. Frazier now ready as Carney steps back in. The sign from Cerone, and the pitch......HIGH AND DEEP TO CENTER! MUMPHREY JUST WATCHES IT GO! WHAT A BLAST BY CARNEY LANSFORD! 8-2 BOSTON!"

Cosell: "A tape-measure shot. It had to be at least 450 feet!"

Drysdale: "This is hit a ton, and I'm sure this was a mistake by Frazier, because this is right out over the heart of the plate where Lansford can tee off on it. An incredible display of power."

Frazier wasn't out of trouble yet, as Stapleton singled to right center. That brought up Perez:

Jackson: "Doug Bird warming up in the Yankee bullpen, so Frazier has to get Perez to stay in, you would think. Two balls, no strikes."

Drysdale: "He has to throw a strike, but not too good of a strike, if you know what I mean."

Cosell: "In other words, one that can't be hit like Lansford hit it. OH BOY, THERE IT GOES!"

Jackson: "Same swing, same spot, same result. At least Mumphrey took a step back this time, but the Red Sox now lead 10-2."

Drysdale: "This is what I mean by too good a strike. This is almost a batting practice pitch, and Perez, being the veteran hitter e is, does what you'd expect with it."

Jackson: "Lansford's home run was estimated at 448 feet. This one went 442 feet."

New Yankee pitcher Doug Bird walked Gedman, but Miller grounded to second, ending the inning. The total: four runs, four hits, two long home runs, and a man left at first. After four in Game 1, it's Boston 10, New York 2.

Red Sox 5th: Remy drew a leadoff walk, which brought up Evans. Here's Don Drysdale:

"More trouble for the Yankees here in the bottom of the fifth, as Remy drew the leadoff walk, and now Byrd has to deal with Dwight Evans. One for two plus a walk. Red Sox with an eight-run lead here in the bottom of the fifth, and the first pitch is DRIVEN DEEP TO CENTER! ALMOST THE SAME SPOT AS THE OTHER TWO, AND MUMPHREY WATCHES THIS ONE GO OUT!...……….Three home runs in the last two innings to deep center field; it's uncanny, and not one of them was cheap."

Jackson: "This is one of the great things about baseball: you never know what you'll see, and that makes watching a treat. This home run looks to be longer than the other two."

Cosell: "What a power display by the Boston Red Sox against the Yankee pitching staff. And we're only in the fifth inning!"

Byrd struck Rice out looking, but Yaz reignited things with a base hit to right. Lansford's fly to left chased Dave Winfield to the warning track for the second out, but Stapleton singled to left center to put runners on the corners. Perez then grounded one deep in the hole at short. By the time Milbourne found the handle and threw to first, Perez barely beat it out, and Yaz crossed the plate with lucky run number thirteen. Gedman was next, and he grounded one to third. Nettles stepped on the bag to force an incoming Yaz, and the inning was over. The Scarlet Hose have added three more runs on four hits and a walk, and after five at Fenway they're in command of a 13-2 laugher.

Yankees 7th: With one out, Mumphrey singled past a diving Torres and into center. Winfield lofted a double over Rice's head in left to bring Jerry home with the third Yankee run, and Reggie followed that up by walking on five pitches. Nettles' fly to right center was run down in the gap by Miller, but Rick's throw to third was too late to nab Winfield. Bobby Murcer then batted for Gamble and singled to right, bringing home Winfield with the fourth Yankee run. That was it for Torrez, as Red Sox manager Ralph Houk replaced him with Chuck Rainey. One Watson popup to Remy later, the inning was over. The Yankees have scored twice, but as we stretch at Fenway, they still trail 13-4.

Yankees 8th: Milbourne and Cerone led off with back-to-back singles to right. Randolph forced Cerone at second, with Milbourne moving to third. Mumphrey's grounder to Lansford at third brought Milbourne home and cut the Boston lead to 13-5, but Winfield was caught looking to end the inning. The Yankees have pushed across yet another run, but as we go to the last of the eighth, it's still Red Sox 13, Yankees 5.

Red Sox 8th: Perez led off against new Yankee pitcher Ron Davis. Here's Ernie:

"Welcome to the Night Owl Club, as all of this offense has pushed this game past midnight Eastern. We'll be back on the air with Game 2 in a little less than fifteen hours, as first pitch is scheduled for a little after 3PM Eastern time Thursday afternoon. Perez stands in against Ron Davis, and here's the first pitch...…..HAMMERED DEEP TO RIGHT CENTER, OVER GOES MUMPHREY, AT THE WALL.....SHE'S GONE!......Home run number two tonight for Tony Perez, and home run number five for the Red Sox, who now lead 14-5."

Gowdy: "Some thought Tony Perez was washed up when he came to Boston, but he has just as much power as he did during his glory days with the Reds, and he just showed a little of it to Ron Davis. Quite an offensive display for the Red Sox tonight, to say the least."

After one out, Miller was hit on the elbow by a pitch, and after two out Evans singled to left. Rice's ground single to left center scored Miller to make it 15-5 and moved Evans to third, but Yaz grounded to Randolph at second to end the inning. The Red Sox have added a run here in the bottom of the eighth to lead by ten, 15-5.

Yankees 9th: With one out, Nettles singled to right. Murcer's fly to center was caught at the wall by Miller for out number two, but Watson kept the game alive with a base hit to left. Yankees manager Bob Lemon went to his bench, sending up Lou Piniella to bat for Milbourne. The move paid off, as Sweet Lou banged a double off the right field wall to score Nettles and Watson and make it a 15-7 game. Cerone's ringing double to center scored Piniella to make it 15-8, but Randolph grounded to third to end the game. The Yanks scored three times here in the ninth on four hits, but they still fell far short. Our final score: Red Sox 15, Yankees 8.

Perez was named MVP by ABC. He was four for five with two runs scored, two home runs and four RBIs. Stapleton also had four hits and scored three times, while Lansford homered and drove in four.

Incidentally, the game took four hours and eighteen minutes to play, which was a record at the time for a nine-inning game in the postseason.

Final totals: Red Sox 15-18-2, Yankees 8-18-2.

W- Torrez (1-0)
L- Guidry (0-1)

HR- NYY: Watson (1)
BOS: Perez 2 (2), Evans (1), Lansford (1), Stapleton (1)

Game 2 will be tomorrow afternoon- or, should we say, later this afternoon- here at Fenway Park, with first pitch scheduled for a little after 3PM Eastern. Dave Righetti will start for the Yanks, while Bruce Hurst gets the ball for the Red Sox.

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Day. It's the bottom of the sixth with the Red Sox leading 13-2, and Rice is at the plate with one on and two out. Here's Don:

"One-one pitch to Rice.....goes down to short, Milbourne has to grab hold of it, now shovels to second in time for the force! The ball handcuffed Larry at first, but he got a hold of it and fed Randolph to get an incoming Evans. We head to the seventh with the Red Sox up 13-2, and we'll be back with more baseball after these messages and a word from your local stations."

Next: We look at Game 2.

Thoughts?

 

[DTF955Baseballfan]

Beforetheyinstalled the newpress box, etc., Fenway was*really* a hitters' park. I recall one box score where the Tigers scored 8 in the top of the 1st, if I recall, and the Sox got 5 back int he bottom of the inning.

Yankees will likely win, but if they don't... oh boy!

And imagine if this would be the year that Boston finally wins. All because of a strike. Fans in New England would be so conflicted about the players' strike afterward...

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Beating the Yankees is just the first step, remember. If they do that, they then would have to beat the A's with all of that starting pitching, then get past the Dodgers.

If the Red Sox win, the butterflies would be flying thick and fast. It was bad enough that the Yanks lost to the Dodgers in both real life and Pythagorean Prime, but could you imagine the uproar if they lose to a team that only made the playoffs because of a strike, especially their sworn enemies? One change I can think of off the top of my head would be getting rid of Winfield, whom George never liked anyway, and making doubly sure that they resign Reggie Jackson instead of letting him go off to Anaheim.

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 2 of the ALDS East from Fenway Park in Boston. The date is October 8, 1981.

Lineup Changes:

Red Sox- Gary Allenson replaces Rich Gedman behind the plate and will bat eighth. Also, Bruce Hurst woke up with the flu this morning and won't go to the mound. John Tudor will start in his place.

Yankees- Lou Piniella will be today's designated hitter and will bat fifth. Graig Nettles will move down to sixth.

Weather: 53 degrees , mostly cloudy skies, northwest wind at 15 MPH.

Yankees 1st: On the game's first pitch, Willie Randolph dropped a fly ball in front of Rick Miller in center for a double. That brought up Jerry Mumphrey. Here's Keith Jackson:

"One pitch, and already a runner at second for the Yankees, as these teams look like they'll pick up right where they left off about fifteen hours ago. Here's Mumphrey stepping in, and Allenson's already talking to Tudor, trying to calm him down a bit. Now back behind the plate, and Mumphrey steps in...….Checking Randolph at second, not going, pitch is DRIVEN DEEP TO LEFT CENTER! OVER GOES MILLER, BUT HE'LL HAVE NO PLAY,! IT'S GONE!.....Two pitches, two hits, 2-0 Yankees, and Steve Crawford's already getting loose for the home team."

Don Drysdale: "Tudor looks more than a bit wobbly, and why wouldn't he be with the way they're teeing off on him. Mumphrey gets every bit of a badly hanging curveball, and before most of the fans find their seats the Red Sox are down 2-0."

Howard Cosell: "Tudor probably wasn't the best choice for The Major, Ralph Houk, the manager of the Red Sox, to make to start this game once Bruce Hurst went down, but he only had an hour or two to make the choice. Tudor has to pull himself together regardless, because the Yankee lineup certainly isn't getting any easier."

Howard was never more right, because next came Dave Winfield:

"Winfield trying as hard as he can to shake off the derogatory nickname 'Mr. May' given to him by Yankee owner George Steinbrenner."

Drysdale: "The only way he'll do that is to produce the best he can and prove George wrong."

Jackson: "Here's his first chance today, as Tudor takes a deep breath and looks in for the sign. Pitch...….DRIVEN DEEP TO LEFT CENTER! MILLER BACK AT THE WALL AGAIN, BUT THIS ONE'S GONE TOO!.....Tudor can't believe his bad luck, as he's given up three runs on three pitches. It's 3-0 New York, and Houk may just have to get him outta there as soon as possible."

Drysdale: "This one's a good pitch, but Winfield's swing is just better, and with the wind blowing out toward left and giving the ball help, we may have another longball fest like the one we had last night."

Cosell: "Crawford's just about ready, gentlemen. Any more baserunners and Tudor's day is almost certainly over."

Tudor went on to walk Reggie on four pitches, and Piniella singled to left center, which put pinstripes on the corners. After just a dozen pitches, Tudor's day was indeed over. Crawford needed just one pitch to induce a 6-4-3 double play from Nettles, with Reggie coming home to give the Yanks a 4-0 lead. Bob Watson's grounder to short ended the inning, but the Yankees have put up a four-spot here in the top of the first. How will the Red Sox answer?

Yankees 2nd: Larry Milbourne led off with a double into the right center gap, He moved to third on Rick Cerone's fly to left center, stayed there on Randolph's tap to Yaz at first, and scored when Mumphrey legged out a grounder to short for an infield single. Jerry swiped second with ease, and Winfield's sharp single to left center brought him home with Yankee run number six. Reggie prolonged the inning by walking on five pitches, but Piniella's wicked liner was gloved by Jerry Remy at second to retire the side. The Yanks have added two runs on three hits and a walk, leaving runners at first and second. We've played an inning and a half, and it's the Yankees' turn to chuckle with a 6-0 lead.

I just lost about fifteen minutes of typing, so let me summarize by saying that Mumphrey hit his second home run of the game off of Crawford in the top of the sixth to extend the Yankee lead to 7-0. We pick up our summary in the top of the seventh. Piniella is leading off against new Boston pitcher Bill Campbell, and here's Curt Gowdy:

"Piniella one for three today, and Campbell is ahead of him one strike. He doubled in two last night as a pinch hitter in the ninth. Yankees up 7-0, but there's no guarantee that that's enough, not in these two games. 0-1 pitch is spanked down the left field line, still carrying, Rice comes over...….HE RUNS OUT OF ROOM! That wasn't exactly a moon shot like some we've seen, but it's still a home run, and the Yankees lead 8-0/'

Ernie Harwell: "That's the first homer we've seen to straightaway left in this series; maybe the wind's shifting, and now we'll see the Green Monster get peppered a bit. These are the teams that can do it, for sure."

After Nettles flew to Evans in right for the first out, up stepped Watson:

Gowdy: "Watson down a ball and two strikes, and he's already homered once in this series. We'll have to see if the power carries over to New York starting tomorrow night. Campbell comes inside, and Watson lofts one to left. It's carrying, carrying, AND IT'S OFF THE PESKY POLE! A home run for Watson, the second of the inning for the Yankees, and they now lead 9-0."

Harwell: "That didn't look like a homer off the bat; the wind had a factor in it, surely. But someone as powerful as Watson is doesn't really need all that much help either. If you like hitting, this is definitely the series for you."

Campbell struck out Milbourne swinging, but Cerone kept the inning going with a base hit to left. Mark Clear came out of the pen to retire Randolph on a grounder to short and end the inning, but the Yankees have added a pair thanks to Big Bob and Sweet Lou, and as we stretch at Fenway they're tattooing the Red Sox 9-0.

Red Sox 7th; With two out, Evans got the Sox on the board with a homer of his own. Here's the call from Keith:

"Evans o for 1 and has walked twice, as Righetti has shut out the Red Sox for six and two-thirds innings, allowing just two hits. He walked the bases loaded in the second, but got himself out of it. What a performance by the rookie. Evans lifts a fly ball down the left field line. Is there a play for Winfield?...….He's looking, looking, NOPE! A home run for Dwight Evans, and there goes the shutout for Righetti."

Drysdale: "Last night all the homers went to dead center. They started out today going to left and right center, but now they're going straight out to left. Well hit by Evans regardless."

Cosell: "The crazy winds of New England in October, Twin D. The question is, will they follow us to The Bronx tomorrow night?"

The inning ended when Rice grounded to Milbourne at short. Dewey has put the Bosox on the board, but they still trail 9-1 after seven.

That was all the scoring. Ron Davis pitched two perfect innings to wrap things up, and the Yanks had a 9-1 win and a tie in the series at a game apiece.

Mumphrey was named MVP by ABC. He went three for five on the day with three runs scored, two home runs, and four RBIs. Righetti got some consideration as well, as he gave up just one run n three hits and struck out nine in seven innings. His one flaw was that he walked eight,

The series will continue tomorrow afternoon at Yankee Stadium in New York, with first pitch scheduled for a little after 4PM Eastern. Tommy John will start for the Yankees; he'll be opposed by the Red Sox' Dennis Eckersley. On a broadcasting note, Al Michaels will join Don and Howard for the weekend.

Final totals: Yankees 9-12-1, Red Sox 1-3-0.

W- Righetti (1-0)
L- Tudor (0-1)

HR- NYY: Mumphrey 2 (2), Watson (2), Winfield (1), Piniella (1)
BOS: Evans (2)

Next: The scene shifts to The House That Ruth Built for Game 3.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 3 of the ALDS East from Yankee Stadium in New York. The date is October 9, 1981:

Weather: 54 degrees, cloudy skies, north wind at 16 MPH.

Lineup Changes:

Red Sox- Carney Lansford will be the designated hitter today, replacing Tony Perez. He'll bat fifth, and Dave Stapleton will take his place at third base and bat sixth. Glenn Hoffman replaces Stapleton at short and will bat ninth, which means that Rick Miller moves up to eighth. Also, Rich Gedman is back behind the plate after taking yesterday off, and he'll bat seventh.

Yankees 4th: With one out, Reggie stepped to the plate against Red Sox starter Dennis Eckersley. Here's Al Michaels:

"This has been the most quiet game of the three so far, with each pitcher getting the job done so far. Yankees with three hits, Red Sox with one. Reggie struck out swinging against Eckersley in the first; let's see how he does this time. First pitch is swung on and DRIVEN DEEP TO CENTER! SO MUCH FOR QUIET, AS REGGIE HAS JUST BELTED ONE WAY OUTTA HERE!.....That's a hint to George: 'You better sign me!'

Don Drysdale: "He's been called 'the straw that stirs the drink'. You may or may not agree with that, but he's definitely one of the Yankees' most important parts, primarily because of swings like that. He can turn a game around in a hurry."

Howard Cosell: "That homer reminded me of those incredible homers he had four years ago in Game 6 of the 1977 Series against your Dodgers, Don. He really put a charge into that one. It went 450 feet easily."

The actual distance was 452 feet. Piniella grounded to Stapleton at third, and Graig Nettles popped to short to end the inning. We're through four in Game 3, and Mr. October's homer has given the Yankees a 1-0 lead.

Red Sox 5th: Stapleton drew a leadoff walk. Gedman's single to right put two men on, and after Miller forced Gedman at second for out number one, Hoffman lined a base hit to left to bring Stapleton home and tie the game at one. Jerry Remy's pop to Bob Watson at first was the second out, with Miller staying at third and Hoffman at first. Dwight Evans was next, and he grounded one deep to Larry Milbourne at short. By the time Larry got to the ball, he had no real shot at Evans at first, and he should have thrown home to get Miller. But he never thought of it, and the end result was that Evans was safe, Miller scored with ease, and the Red Sox led 2-1. Jim Rice's single to left center scored Hoffman with the third Boston run, and Yaz's single to right scored Evans to make it 4-1. Lansford walked on a 3-2 pitch, and Yankees starter Tommy John departed in favor of Doug Bird. Doug's first task was Stapleton, the tenth man to bat in the inning. Here's Twin D:

"Bases loaded now, and a hit from Stapleton, who started this inning with a walk, could really bust things open and put the Yankees on the ropes. Bird has to work carefully, because he can't walk Stapleton again; there's nowhere to put him. Has to work from the stretch with the bases loaded, and first pitch is a dying pop into short right. In comes Reggie, but it's gonna fall in and get past him! Rice will score, here comes Yastrzemski, the throw goes to second to keep Stapleton at first, and the Red Sox lead 6-1!...…...Reggie saved another run by getting to that ball quickly, Howard."

Cosell: "Yes he did, but the bigger story is the Boston offense, who in Game 1 and today have done almost whatever they wanted against the Yankee pitching staff. Even the youngster Dave Righetti walked eight yesterday, and the Yankees have no way of keeping the Red Sox off the bases."

Michaels: "Or in the ballpark; they've hit six home runs so far in the series."

Next was Gedman, and he served a double into left, scoring Lansford and Stapleton and extending the Boston lead to 8-1. That was it for Bird; next into the fire was Rudy May, whom Miller greeted with a base hit to left that put runners back at the corners. Hoffman, Boston batter number thirteen, took a called third strike to end the inning, but the Bosox have scored eight runs on eight hits and a pair of walks, and they've also left runners at first and third. We're halfway through Game 3, and it's Red Sox 8, Yankees 1.

Red Sox 9th: Yaz led off with a base hit to right against Yankee reliever George Frazier, but was forced by Lansford. Stapleton's base hit to left center sent Carney to third, and Gedman's bloop single to right brought him home with the ninth Boston run. Miller's deep fly ball to left was caught by Winfield, but Stapleton still trotted home to make it a 10-1 game. Hoffman's grounder to Nettles at third ended the inning, but the Sox have tacked on two more in the top of the ninth, and the Yanks have only three outs to make up a nine-run deficit.

That closed out the scoring. The Red Sox romped 10-1, and they have a two games to one lead in the best-of-five series and a chance to wrap up their first-ever American League East division title tomorrow afternoon.

Eckersley was named Player of the Game by ABC for a masterful pitching performance. He pitched a complete game, giving up a run on eight hits and striking out eight without a walk in just a hundred and twelve pitches. His battery mate Gedman led the way offensively, going three for four with three RBIs.

Game 4 will be tomorrow afternoon here at Yankee Stadium, with first pitch just after 4PM Eastern. Rick Reuschel will take the mound in an attempt to save the Yankees' season, while Frank Tanana will try to pitch the Red Sox into the ALCS.

Final totals: Red Sox 10-12-0, Yankees 1-8-0.

W- Eckersley (1-0)
L- John (0-1)

HR- NYY: Jackson (1)

Next: We look at Game 4.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 4 of the ALDS East from Yankee Stadium in New York. The date is Saturday, October 10:

Lineup Changes:

Yankees- Oscar Gamble replaces Lou Piniella as the designated hitter and will bat fifth.

Red Sox- The major change is the shift of Carl Yastrzemski from first base to the designated hitter position. He'll continue in the cleanup spot. After a day off yesterday, Tony Perez is back in the lineup and hitting seventh, but he'll be playing first base. Dave Stapleton (fifth) and Rich Gedman (sixth) each move up a spot in the order.

Yankees 1st: Willie Randolph led off by beating out a grounder to short for an infield single. Jerry Mumphrey also grounded to short, but he was out easily with Randolph moving to second. Next up was Dave Winfield, who lined Frank Tanana's first pitch into the left center gap for a double that brought home Randolph and gave the Yanks a 1-0 lead. Winfield then stole third, but was stranded there when Reggie Jackson grounded to Perez at first and Gamble popped out to Tony. The Yanks have broken on top with a run in the bottom of the first and lead 1-0 after one.

Yankees 2nd: With one out, Bob Watson singled to left. The Red Sox unaccountably saw Big Bob, who hadn't stolen a base all year, as a stolen base threat, and paid for their stupidity when Gedman's third consecutive pickoff attempt ended up in short center field. Watson stopped at second, moved to third on Larry Milbourne's grounder to Jerry Remy at second, and scored on Rick Cerone's sharp single to left center. Randolph's single up the middle put pinstripes on the corners, but Mumphrey grounded to second, ending the inning. The Yanks have added a run in the second, but have also left runners at irst and third. After two in Game 4, it's Bombers 2, Bosox 0.

That was all the scoring; the rest of the game belonged to the pitchers. Yankees starter Rick "Big Daddy" Reuschel went all the way in victory, ending up with a five-hit shutout on a hundred and nine pitches. He walked only one man and struck out four. For that, he was rewarded with Player of the Game Honors from ABC. Randolph sparked the offense by going three for four and scoring a run, while Cerone was two for four with an RBI.

Losing pitcher Tanana also went all the way, giving up two runs on nine hits while walking three, striking out three, and throwing a hundred and twenty-two pitches in eight innings. No Boston player got more than one hit, and the only one to reach third base was Jerry Remy, who led off the game with a base hit to center and moved to third on a base hit to right center by Dwight Evans.

The series is now even at two games apiece. Tomorrow night, it'll be Game 5 for all the marbles from right here at Yankee Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for a little after 7PM Eastern, and the starting pitchers will be the same as in Game 1: Mike Torrez for the Red Sox and Ron Guidry for the Yankees.

Before we go, here's our Defensive Play of the Night. It's the top of the fifth, the Yankees are leading 2-0, and Remy is at the plate with Perez at second. Here's Don Drysdale:

'"Fly ball to center field, Mumphrey hurrying in, ball's dropping, dives AND MAKES THE CATCH!...….He knocked the wind out of himself a bit, but he'll get up with a little help from Reggie, and he'll get a nice ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd, as he just saved a run, with the tying run almost certainly in scoring position. We go to the bottom of the fifth in Game 4, and it's the Yankees 2, the Red Sox nothing."

Final totals: Yankees 2-9-1, Red Sox 0-5-1.

W- Reuschel (1-0)
L- Tanana (0-1)

Next: The AL East is on the line in Game 5.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now it's time for Game 5 of the 1981 ALDS East from Yankee Stadium in New York. The date is Sunday, October 11:

Lineup Changes:

Red Sox- Rick Miller and Jerry Remy switch places in the batting order; Miller will lead off, while Remy will bat eighth.

Yankees- Jerry Mumphrey moves up to the leadoff spot, with Willie Randolph moving down to ninth. Also, Larry Milbourne moves up to the two hole, with Rick Cerone moving up to eighth.

Red Sox 2nd: Dave Stapleton led off with a line drive single to left. After Rich Gedman struck out swinging, Tony Perez slapped a ground ball past Graig Nettles at third and down the left field line. Stapleton scored, and the Red Sox had a 1-0 lead. Perez ended up stranded, as Remy went down swinging and Glenn Hoffman grounded to Milbourne at short to end the inning. The Sox have scored a run here in the second, and they lead 1-0 after an inning and a half.

Red Sox 5th: With one out, Hoffman singled to left center. He was forced by Miller for the second out, but Dwight Evans lined a double off the wall in left to bring Glenn home and make it 2-0 Boston. Yankees starter Ron Guidry walked Jim Rice on five pitches, and Carl Yastrzemski stroked a base hit to right, which scored Dewey and gave the Bosox a 3-0 advantage while moving Rice to third. Stapleton's grounder to third ended the inning, but the Sox have added two runs on three hits and left runners at the corners. We're halfway through Game 5, and it's Red Sox 3, Yankees zip.

Yankees 6th: With one out, Milbourne singled to left. Next was Dave Winfield. Here's Don Drysdale with the count two balls and one strike:

"Millbourne doesn't figure to be going here, because if you walk Winfield you still have to deal with Reggie on deck and (Oscar) Gamble in the hole. If Milbourne steals second, the Red Sox walk Winfield, and possibly Reggie to load the bases and set up the double play."

Al Michaels: "Gedman's putting down two fingers. Curveball."

Drysdale: "Curveball it is, and it's whacked deep to left! Back is Rice, to the wall, IT'S GONE!...….Winfield looked to be sitting curveball, and he certainly got it. It's now 3-2 Boston."

Howard Cosell: "That curve didn't break at all, Don. It was a batting practice pitch for a hitter like Winfield. Surely Torrez had a better pitch in him than that."

Michaels: "You may have a better pitch in you, Howard, but sometimes it just doesn't come out of the arm. Kind of like some of your jokes."

While Howard stewed silently, Yankee Stadium erupted for Winfield, who tipped his helmet briefly before going into the Yankee dugout. Unfortunately, the momentum didn't continue for the Pinstripes, as Reggie grounded to third and Gamble struck out swinging to end the inning. The Yankees have gotten on the board thanks to Winfield's blast, and after six we have a one-run game: Red Sox 3, Yankees 2.

Yankees 9th: Winfield drew a leadoff walk. Up stepped Reggie for what was perhaps his final at-bat as a Yankee. Here's Al with Reggie down two strikes:

"You know what everyone in this ballpark is looking for: a game-winning home run. But a hit of any kind keeps the inning going, and an extra-base hit ties it."

Cosell: "What a final act for Reggie in New York. Of course, if the Yanks win the game, he'll be back in the American League Championship Series."

Drysdale: "Tom Burgmeier warming up in the Red Sox bullpen. We'll see him if Reggie gets on, I would think."

Michaels: "Winfield not going. 0-2 pitch is lined to right. Evans coming on the run, but it'll drop in front of him! Winfleld being waved around third, the throw home won't be in time! We're tied at three, and Reggie's at second with a double!"

Drysdale: "Here comes Ralph Houk out to get Torrez, so we'll see Tom Burgmeier. This pitch is spanked right on the button, and Dwight Evans has no real chance to make the catch. Winfield's on his horse right away, so he'll score with ease regardless, and Reggie pulls up at second. "

Michaels: "Bobby Brown out to run for Reggie, and Lou Piniella is coming out to hit for Gamble."

Burgmeier got Sweet Lou to tap to Perez on the first pitch, with Brown moving to third. Nettles walked on a 3-2 pitch, and then it was Bob Watson's turn. Here's Al with the count one ball and one strike:

"If Watson walks, we'll see Bob Stanley, who's throwing now in the Boston bullpen. A fly ball of any kind will put Brown in motion, and a base hit wins it all for the Yankees."

Drysdale: "Don't forget a wild pitch or passed ball. Brown's already halfway down the line at third, so he'll be off like a shot."

Cosell: "Watson, of course, can end all of this with one big swing."

Michaels: "And he'll be looking to do just that. Finally ready, and here's the 1-1 pitch.....to short, Brown will hold at third, on to Yaz…...IT GETS AWAY! HERE COMES BROWN, AND THE YANKEES HAVE WON THE AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST!"

Drysdale: "It looked like Hoffman put too much on the throw, and it just sailed right past Yastrzemski. Look at him sitting down at shortstop. He knows that he just cost his team the division title, and that's a shame."

Cosell: "Yaz the first one over to console him, and he'll be back. He's done so well in this series, particularly on defense. As for the Yankees, they got their biggest win yesterday, with Rick Reuschel doing what he came here to do: save the season for the Yankees in a playoff situation. As for this game, call it the fortunes if baseball if you will. Bob Watson the hero, Glenn Hoffman something less, particularly in the New England states, where the Red Sox are practically a religion. One only hopes that the Red Sox' fans don't judge the youngster too harshly. What happened to him could happen to any ballplayer."

Our final score: Yankees 4, Red Sox 3.

Watson was named MVP by ABC, but Winfield was also considered, since it was his homer that got the Yanks back into the game. He also scored a pair of runs. A special tip of the cap to winning pitcher Ron Davis, who struck out four over the final two innings.

The Yankees moved on to the ALCS, where they swept the A's in three games. They then lost the World Series to the Dodgers in six games.

Final totals: Yankees 4-6-1, Red Sox 3-10-1.

W- Davis (1-0)
L- Torrez (1-1)

HR- NYY: Winfield (2)

That's all for this thread, folks. Thanks for reading!

 

[Garrett Garlits]

I've decided to play the games I cancelled earlier in order to make the timeline more realistic. We'll restart things with July 27 in the National League, which only featured one game: the Expos taking on the Giants at Candlestick Park.

Giants 4, Expos 3 (11 innings; ABC: Keith Jackson, Don Drysdale, Howard Cosell)

In another classic, the Giants continued the Expos' downhill slide. It was a back and forth game throughout, with the Giants taking a 3-2 lead into the top of the ninth. But the normally reliable Greg Minton gave up base hits to Andre Dawson and Gary Carter, and yesterday's hero, Warren Cromartie, tied the game with a sacrifice fly. Giants manager Frank Robinson gave Minton the hook, and Gary Lavelle came on to pitch the final two and two-thirds innings, allowing only one hit.

In the bottom of the eleventh, Robinson sent Billy Smith up to bat for Lavelle, and he drew a walk off of Stan Bahnsen. Deciding to empty his bench in order to get the win now, Robinson then used Rennie Stennett to run for Smith. Billy North his into a fielder's choice, and almost immediately took off running. Carter anticipated this, but his throw to second was still a shade late. Spos manager Jim Fanning called on Bill Lee, and the Spaceman got Enos Cabell to ground out. But Joe Morgan sent Giants fans home happy with a lazy pop fly that dropped in front of Cromartie in right center field. Warren's throw to the plate went up the third base line, which allowed North to score the winning run.

"It's disheartening to lose out three years running," Fanning said in an interview with Howard before the game. "We busted our asses every night, just like we have for the last three years, and still we have nothing to show for it. It's tough, but what can we do? St. Louis is a dynasty waiting to happen. They can beat absolutely anybody right now; they're that good. It's just our bad luck to be in the same division with them. We'll just finish this year the best we can, then get back at it next spring. Our luck's gotta change sometime."

W- Lavelle (5-7)
L- Bahnsen (3-2)

HR- SF: Morgan (13)

Here are your National League East standings to the moment:

Cardinals: 95-61 (clinched)
Expos: 84-69- 9.5 GB
Phillies: 81-74- 13.5 GB
Pirates: 70-80- 22 GB
Mets: 55-94- 36.5 GB
Cubs: 54-98- 39 GB

In the West:

Dodgers: 95-66 (clinched)
Astros: 93-68- 2 GB
Reds: 86-74- 8.5 GB
Giants: 80-77- 13 GB
Padres: 72-86- 21.5 GB
Braves: 70-86- 22.5 GB

Next: We move on to July 28.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the rest of the National League action for Tuesday, July 28:

Giants 8, Mets 3

Dave Bergman's three-run pinch-hit homer in the eighth broke open a close one. The Giants took the lead for good in the sixth on a two-run double by Billy North, just back from a broken collarbone. Lee Mazzilli homered for the Mets, while both Mookie Wilson and stud prospect Darryl Strawberry went two for four. Wilson knocked in the other two New York runs.

W- Alexander (16-8)
L- Falcone (6-8)

HR- SF: Bergman (4)
NYM: Mazzilli (9)

Braves 3, Pirates 1

The Braves scored two in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie. Third baseman Jerry Royster, starting because of Bob Horner's pulled hamstring, drove in the game winner. The big news is that Bobby Cox will not be retained as manager of the Braves in 1982; he's agreed to finish the rest of the season. (By the time he retired, he owned a piece of the franchise and was on its board of directors. Baseball really is a funny game.)

As for the Pirates, Willie Stargell had his most productive day since returning to a part-time starter's role, going three for four with the Bucs' only RBI. "It's like he never left," gushed manager Chuck Tanner after the game. "If he stays healthy, I wouldn't be surprised if he's got another three years in him."

If the Expos can beat the Padres, the Braves will join the Friars in a virtual tie for last place in the West.

W- Mahler (14-10)
S- Camp (27)
L- Guante (3-1)

Padres 4, Expos 3

There's genuine hope for the future in San Diego these days, as the Padres continued their late-season improvement with a comeback win over the Expos. Down 3-2 after Gary Carter's home run in the eighth, the Pads took the lead back almost immediately on a two-run double by catcher Terry Kennedy. Closer Gary Lucas set the Spos down in the ninth, while Gene Richards and Joe Lefebvre drove in the other San Diego runs.

The Padres thus remain a game ahead of the Braves for fifth place in the National League West. The Padres have three games to play, while the Braves have five.

W- Lucas (15-8)
L- Fryman (8-6)

HR- MTL: Carter (19)

Here are your National League East standings to the moment:

Cardinals: 95-61 (clinched)
Expos: 84-70- 10 GB
Phillies: 81-74- 13.5 GB
Pirates: 70-81- 22.5 GB
Mets: 55-95- 37 GB
Cubs: 54-98- 39 GB

In the West:

Dodgers: 95-66 (clinched)
Astros: 93-68- 2 GB
Reds: 86-74- 8.5 GB
Giants: 81-77- 12.5 GB
Padres: 73-86- 21 GB
Braves: 70-87- 23 GB

Next: We look at the rest of the NL action for July 29.

Note: I fixed the Braves' record; I gave them a win that should have been a loss.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the rest of the National League action for Wednesday, July 29:

Padres 5, Expos 3

Charlie Lea and a host of Montreal relievers held the Padres to four hits, but one of them was a two-run single by pitcher Fred Kahaulua that gave the Pads all the runs they needed. Ozzie Smith and Broderick Perkins also drove in runs for San Diego, while Andre Dawson had two hits and an RBI for the Spos.

W- Kahaulua (2-1)
S- Urrea (5)
L- Lea (5-6)

Giants 5, Mets 0

The Giants managed only four hits for the game, but two of them were two-run homers that led them to victory. The first one was by Jack Clark in the first inning, the second by pitcher Tom Griffin in the second inning. Dave Bergman, starting in left field, had the other Giants' RBI. Griffin did a stellar job on the mound as well, pitching a complete game four-hit shutout. Two of the Mets' hits came from Mike Jorgensen, who subbed for phenom Darryl Strawberry in right field due to the youngster's stomach virus. The Mets also committed three errors; two of them came from shortstop Frank Taveras, whose reputation as a spectacular if inconsistent fielder in being called into serious question.

W- Griffin (11-10)
L- Jones (1-13)

HR- SF: Clark (26), Griffin (3)

Braves 6, Pirates 4

Glenn Hubbard was the hitting star for the Bravos, as he went four for five and drove in four runs to pace the Atlanta triumph. His two-run single in the first provided the margin of victory. and he also had run-scoring hits in the third and seventh. Shortstop Rafael Ramirez drove in the other two Atlanta runs, while Mike Easler and Steve Nicosia went deep for the home squad. This game was delayed twice by rain and ended at 12:35 AM, which gives the players exactly twelve hours before they're due back on the field for Game 1 of their doubleheader tomorrow.

W- Garber (5-7)
S- Camp (28)
L- Tekulve (6-6)

HR- PIT: Easler (12), Nicosia (3)

Here are the National League East standings to the moment:

Cardinals: 95-61 (clinched)
Expos: 84-71- 10.5 GB
Phillies: 81-74- 13.5 GB
Pirates: 70-82- 23 GB
Mets: 55-96- 37.5 GB
Cubs: 54-98- 39 GB

In the West:

Dodgers: 95-66 (clinched)
Astros: 93-68- 2 GB
Reds: 86-74- 8.5 GB
Giants: 82-77- 12 GB
Padres: 74-86- 20.5 GB
Braves: 71-87- 22.5 GB

Next: We look at July 30.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the rest of the National League action for Thursday, July 30:

Expos 6, Padres 1

The Spos scored two runs each in the first, third, and eighth. Catcher Gary Carter and shortstop Chris Speier had two RBIs apiece, while Bill Gullickson struck out eight in eight innings and recorded the win.

W- Gullickson (13-11)
L- Eichelberger (10-10)

Mets 10, Giants 4

The Mets scored two runs in each of five innings and pounded out fourteen hits as their inconsistent offense had its first good night in quite a while. Dave Kingman homered for the first time in what seems like eons, drove in three runs, and scored three more. Left fielder Lee Mazzilli also had three hits, and catcher John Stearns drove in two runs, while third baseman Mike Cubbage was a perfect three for three. Milt May and Johnnie LeMaster each managed two hits for the Giants.

W- Zachry (9-16)
L- Whitson (9-12)

HR- SF: Bergman (5)
NYM: Kingman (39)

Braves 4, Pirates 3 (Game 1)

This game had both the exact starting lineups of the one that just ended twelve hours before and the same result. Right fielder Brian Asselstine was the big bat for the Braves, going two for four and driving in three runs. Johnny Ray continued his impressive rookie campaign for the Bucs by going three for four and driving in two. The Bucs pounded the Braves' pitchers for fifteen hits, but left ten runners on base, which helped to seal their fate.

W- Perry (10-14)
S- Camp (29)
L- Tiant (3-7)

Braves 9, Pirates 6 (Game 2)

The Braves scored seven runs in the first two innings to give rookie Ken Dayley his first major league win. Chris Chambliss supplied the most offense, going three for five with four RBIs. Glenn Hubbard concluded his big series by going two for five and driving in two more. The Pirates got a 415-foot home run from Dave Parker and two RBIs from shortstop Dale Berra, but that wasn't enough to overcome the early hole that they dug for themselves.

With the sweep and the Padres' loss against the Expos, the Braves are within a half game of the Friars for fifth place in the West.

W- Dayley (1-0)
L- Lee (0-4)

HR- PIT: Parker (14)

Here are your National League East standings to the moment:

Cardinals: 95-61 (clinched)
Expos: 85-71- 10 GB
Phillies: 81-74- 13.5 GB
Pirates: 70-84- 24 GB
Mets: 56-96- 37 GB
Cubs: 54-98- 39 GB

In the West:

Dodgers: 95-66 (clinched)
Astros: 93-68- 2 GB
Reds: 86-74- 8.5 GB
Giants: 82-78- 12.5 GB
Padres: 74-87- 21 GB
Braves:73-87- 21.5 GB

Next: The Pirates host the NL East champion Cardinals on July 31.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the NL East action for Friday, July 31:

Cardinals 11, Pirates 3

The Redbirds jumped out to a 3-0 first-inning lead, watched the Bucs tie it in the sixth, then scored four in the seventh and four more in the eighth to blow them away. George Hendrick was the hitting star, going two for five including a three-run bomb in the eighth that put the finishing touches on things. Garry Templeton went four for five and scored three runs, while Dane Iorg and Keith Hernandez had three hits apiece. Jason Thompson drove in two runs for the homestanding Buccos. Also, congratulations to Cardinals rookie Willie McGee on getting his first major league hit, a ninth-inning single.

W- Littell (3-4)
L- Guante (3-2)

HR- STL: Hendrick (27)

Here are the National League East standings to the moment:

Cardinals: 96-61 (clinched)
Expos: 85-71- 10.5 GB
Phillies: 81-74- 14 GB
Pirates: 70-85- 25 GB
Mets: 56-96- 37.5 GB
Cubs: 54-98- 39.5 GB

Next: We look at the NL East action from August 1.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Here's the National League East action from Saturday, August 1:

Expos 6, Mets 2 (10 innings)

The Expos took advantage of little-used Dyar Miller, touching him up for all four of their tenth-inning runs in order to break a 2-2 tie. Larry Parrish singled in the game-winner, and Jerry Manuel's three-run blast broke things open for the Spos. Jerry White homered for Montreal as well. On a positive note for the home team, Dave Kingman slammed his fortieth home run of the year.

W- Bahnsen (4-2)
L- Miller (1-2)

HR- NYM: Kingman (40)
MTL: Manuel (8), White (5)

Cubs 11, Phillies 6

The Cubbies jumped on Larry Christenson right off the bat by scoring five in the first and were never headed. This was the coming-out party for Cubs right fielder Carlos Lezcano, as he had the game of his young career: four for five, two home runs and four RBIs. Left fielder Hector Cruz added another home run and four RBIs. The most important home runs on the day, though, belonged to the Phillies' own Mike Schmidt. He broke his outside-the-park home run drought with two dingers, each of which travel over four hundred feet. They gave him forty-nine for the year, three short of George Foster's National League record set in 1977, along with breaking his own personal team record of forty-eight set last year.

W- Kravec (8-12)
L- Christenson (5-10)

HR- CHC: Cruz (15), Lezcano 2 (2)
PHI: Schmidt 2 (49)

Cardinals 9, Pirates 7

The Bucs took a 5-0 lead after five, but their shaky bullpen couldn't hold it. The Cardinals tied the with a four-run seventh, then took the lead on Gene Tenace's leadoff homer in the eighth. Three more runs in the ninth put the game away. Tenace ended up three for four with three RBIs. Both Keith Hernandez and George Hendrick had three hits as well as driving in two runs apiece. For the Bucs, Omar Moreno, moved down to the two hole in a lineup change by skipper Chuck Tanner, responded by going two for five with three RBIs. Pinch hitter Dave Parker came within inches of tying the game in the bottom of the ninth, but Hendrick stuck his glove over the fence to rob The Cobra of a game-tying homer and send a Fireworks Night crowd of almost 50,000 home in a bad mood despite the pyrotechnics.

W- Kaat (8-9)
S- Sutter (43)
L- Cruz (1-5)

HR- STL: Hernandez (15), Tenace (7)

Here are the standings in the East to the moment:

Cardinals: 97-61 (clinched)
Expos: 86-71- 10.5 GB
Phillies: 81-75- 14.5 GB
Pirates: 70-86- 26 GB
Mets: 56-97- 38.5 GB
Cubs: 55-98- 39.5 GB

Next: We look at August 2 in the East.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the National League East action for Sunday, August 2:

Expos 7, Mets 4

The Expos clinched second place in the East by knocking off the Mets. The big offensive day for the Spos belonged to shortstop Chris Speier; he went three for five and drove in three runs. Catcher Gary Carter and first baseman Warren Cromartie each had three hits as well. The Mets' big bopper was catcher John Stearns, who went three for four and drove in two runs. Second baseman Doug Flynn had the other two RBIs for New York.

The Mets' lead over the Cubs for last place is down to half a game.

W- Sanderson (14-8)
S- Sosa (5)
L- Falcone (6-9)

Cubs 6, Phillies 2

An overflow crowd of close to 56,000 came to the Vet today to see if Mike Schmidt could hit his fiftieth home run of the year. Unfortunately, they'll have to wait until tomorrow night; the Cubs owned this one from start to finish. There were two home runs, but both were hit by the visitors, courtesy of the returning Leon Durham (adult chicken pox) and Mike Lum. Second baseman Steve Dillard went three for five. For the Phils, Larry Bowa went three for four with an RBI, and Gary Matthews was two for four with a run scored. As for Schmidt, he wore the collar, going 0 for 4.

The Cubs are now tied with the Mets for last place in the East. Each team has eight games to play.

W- Krukow (13-13)
S- Smith (6)
L- Noles (3-4)

HR- CHC: Durham (14), Lum (4)

Cardinals 11, Pirates 3

The Cardinals continued to look unstoppable, blowing the Bucs away in front of over 45,000 at Three Rivers on Prize Day. Left fielder Dane Iorg and center fielder Tito Landrum each drove in three runs, and a five-run third did the Buccos in. Shortstop Garry Templeton and first baseman Keith Hernandez each had three hits and two RBIs. For the home club, Johnny Ray continued to impress, going three for five at the plate and showing above-average range in the field. Third baseman Bill Madlock drove in two runs and got a raucous ovation from the crowd when his National League batting title became official prior to his third at-bat.

A lingering concern, however, is Donnie Robinson. Manager Chuck Tanner had hopes that a longer outing will get his arm looser, so he sent Donnie out to pitch the final three innings. Unfortunately, he gave up three runs on three hits and five walks while throwing sixty-six pitches. He'll have to improve by leaps and bounds if he wants a spot on the Pirates' staff in 1982.

W- Sorensen (11-8)
L- Solomon (12-11)

Here are the standings in the East to the moment:

Cardinals: 98-61 (clinched)
Expos: 87-71- 10.5 GB
Phillies: 81-76- 16 GB
Pirates: 70-87- 27 GB
(tie) Cubs: 56-98- 39.5 GB
(tie) Mets: 56-98- 39.5 GB

Next: We look at the action from the East for August 3.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the National League East action for Monday, August 3:

Cubs 13, Phillies 2

On a night possibly meant to be a celebration of Mike Schmidt's fiftieth home run of the season, it's the Cubs who hit four longballs and blew away the Fightins. Right fielder Leon Durham continued his comeback from the chicken pox with a vengeance, going three for four with two home runs and five RBIs. Normally light-hitting second baseman Steve Dillard was two for five with a home run and four RBIs, and third baseman Hector Cruz also went deep. The Phils, meanwhile, committed three errors and appeared to be wholly disinterested in the evening's festivities. Lonnie Smith had their only RBI on a solo home run, while Schmidt went one for three with a fifth-inning single.

W- Kravec (9-12)
L- Bystrom (4-6)

HR- PHI: L. Smith (3)
CHC: Durham 2 (16), Cruz (16). Dillard (3)

Mets 7, Expos 4

The Mets' bats woke up for half an evening, as the team scored all seven of its runs in the first four innings. Rookie right fielder Darryl Strawberry led the way, going two for four with two RBIs and a run scored. Lee Mazzilli and Hubie Brooks had two RBIs apiece as well, and John Stearns collected three hits. First baseman Warren Cromartie went three for four with two RBIs for the Spos, while Tim Raines was three for four with a pair of runs scored.

W- Hausman (3-2)
S- Allen (25)
L- Burris (11-13)

Here are the standings in the East to the moment:

Cardinals: 98-61 (clinched)
Expos: 86-71- 11 GB
Phillies: 81-77- 16.5 GB
Pirates: 70-87- 27 GB
(tie) Cubs: 57-98- 39 GB
(tie) Mets: 57-98- 39 GB

Next: We look at the Eastern Division action for August 4.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the National League East action for Tuesday, August 4:

Cardinals 14, Cubs 7

The team called the Thunderbirds by their loyal fans struck again, tattooing Cubs pitching for fourteen runs and nineteen hits in the latest renewal of this storied rivalry. Keith Hernandez was three for five with a home run while driving in three, and rookie Willie McGee continued to make the most of his call-up by going three for five with three runs batted in as well. Leadoff man Tommy Herr got things started in style, going four for six with two RBIs, and Garry Templeton collected three hits. Gene Tenace homered for the Cards, while Ivan DeJesus was a perfect three for three, including a home run, and scored four times for the Cubs.

W- Martinez (9-7)
L- Bird (5-10)

HR- CHC: DeJesus (1)
STL: Hernandez (16), Tenace (8)

Pirates 2, Mets 0

Jim Bibby, Cecilio Guante, and Kent Tekulve combined on a three-hit shutout for the Bucs. Tony Pena singled in one run in the second, and pinch hitter Dave Parker singled in the other in the ninth. Rookie second baseman Johnny Ray scored both runs. Mookie Wilson, Lee Mazzilli, and Hubie Brooks had the only hits for the woebegone Metsies, who are still tied for last place in the East with the Cubs.

W- Bibby (9-7)
S- Tekulve (6)
L- Lynch (5-9)

Expos 2, Phillies 1

The Spos scored a thrilling come from behind victory over the reeling Phils.. A Pete Rose single gave the Phils a lead that held up until the bottom of the ninth, when Tim Wallach and Larry Parrish got back-to-back base hits off of Sparky Lyle. Phils manager Dallas Green called on closer Tug McGraw, and the Tugger got Jerry White to ground into a force play, which scored Wallach and tied the game. White took off running on the next pitch, and catcher Keith Moreland's throw appeared to beat him to the bag, but second base umpire Jerry Dale called him safe. In the ensuing fracas, Green, second baseman Ramon Aviles, Moreland, and first base coach Tony Taylor were all ejected, one right after the other; in fact, crew chief Bruce Froemming had to threaten a forfeit to quiet the Philly bench.

With Manny Trillo not on the trip due to a bad knee, acting manager Bobby Wine had no choice but to put Rose at second, the position he broke into the big leagues playing. As bad luck would have it, Chris Speier cued McGraw's second pitch over Rose's head into center field. Dick Davis' throw is offline, White scored, and Rose had to be tackled to avoid punching Dale square in the mouth. In one of the wackiest scenes in baseball this year, Mike Schmidt took off after Dale and Froemming to demand satisfaction for his teammates; the telecast back to Philadelphia ends with the door to the umpires' room being slammed in Schmidt's face.

W- Bahnsen (5-2)
L- Lyle (9-11)

Here are the National League East standings to the moment:

Cardinals: 99-61 (clinched)
Expos: 87-71- 11 GB
Phillies: 81-78- 17.5 GB
Pirates: 71-87- 27 GB
(tie) Cubs: 57-99- 40 GB
(tie) Mets: 57-99- 40 GB

Next: We look at the Eastern Division action for August 5.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the National League East action for Wednesday, August 5:

Phillies 6, Expos 0

Unlike last night's game, this one was a fairly pedestrian affair brightened only by the pitching of Steve Carlton, who threw a three-hit shutout. Gary Matthews provided the lion's share of the Philadelphia offense, going three for four with four RBIs. Larry Bowa was four for five and drove in another run, while Lonnie Smith collected three hits. Warren Cromartie, Chris Speier and Gary Carter got the only hits off of Lefty tonight. With the victory, Carlton became the third twenty-game winner in the National League this season.

On the Schmidt front, Michael Jack was 0 for 2 with three walks, but he scored twice.

W- Carlton (20-7)
L- Gullickson (13-12)

Pirates 4, Mets 3

The Pirates scored two runs in the ninth on a base hit by Omar Moreno to top the Mets. The game-winning hit capped off a four for five, three-RBI evening by The Antelope. Pitcher Pascual Perez had the other Pirate ribbie. For the Mets, Mookie Wilson homered, while Darryl Strawberry and newly recalled second baseman Wally Backman, both important building blocks in their future, had two hits apiece.

W- Tekulve (7-6)
S- Cruz (7)
L- Allen (7-7)

HR- NYM: Wilson (4)

Cardinals 15, Cubs 5

The Cardinals' Thunderbird offense continued to operate at peak efficiency, pounding out seventeen hits; only a four-run ninth kept the Cubs from being completely embarrassed. Center fielder Willie McGee continued his audition for 1982, going three for six and driving in three runs. Kenny Oberkfell also drove in three, while Tommy Herr, Sixto Lezcano, and George Hendrick drove in two each. In fact, the only Cardinal position player not to have an RBI was catcher Orlando Sanchez, who went 0 for 4. Steve Henderson drove in three runs for the Cubs on a bases-clearing double in the ninth, while second baseman Joe Strain, seeing his first action of the "makeup season", went two for four and scored a run.

With the victory, the Cardinals became the first team in Major League Baseball to win a hundred games this season. Meanwhile, the Cubs and Mets have each lost a hundred, and they remain tied for last in the East with one day left in the season.

W- Sykes (4-0)
L- Griffin (3-9)

Here are your National League East standings to the moment:

Cardinals: 100-61 (clinched)
Expos: 87-72- 12 GB
Phillies: 82-78- 17.5 GB
Pirates: 72-87- 27 GB
(tie) Cubs: 57-100- 41 GB
(tie) Mets: 57-100- 41 GB

Next: We wrap up the National League East season with a look at August 6.

Thoughts?

 

[Garrett Garlits]

Now here's the National League East action for Thursday, August 6:

Cardinals 7, Cubs 4

The Cardinals finished the regular season on a high note, overcoming a 4-1 deficit with a five-run seventh. Willie McGee and Kenny Oberkfell each had two-run singles in the inning to cap off three-RBI evenings. For the Cubs, Bill Buckner went three for four, while Jerry Morales went two for four and drove in two runs. Starting pitcher Jay Howell drove in the other two. Bruce Sutter threw two innings and collected his forty-fourth save, which is a relief to those Cardinal fans who are still worried about the health of his elbow.

W- Shirley (17-7)
S- Sutter (44)
L- Tidrow (4-14)

Phillies 10, Expos 6 (Game 1)

The Phils used a four-run fifth and a five-run eighth to down the Spos in Game 1. Lonnie Smith and Bob Boone had two hits and two RBIs apiece, and Mike Schmidt also contributed two hits, neither of which was a home run. Pete Rose also drove in two runs. Warren Cromartie and John Milner went deep for Montreal, while Tim Raines went four for five, stole two bases and scored twice. Andre Dawson, limited to pinch hitting duty due to a bad knee, knocked in a run with a fielder's choice.

W- Ruthven (17-8)
S- McGraw (14)
L- Rogers (14-12)

HR- PHI: Matthews (12)
MTL: Cromartie (10), Milner (6)

Expos 11, Phillies 2 (Game 2)

The Phils never had a chance, as the Spos jumped on starter Larry Christenson for three in the first and cruised after that. They totaled sixteen hits, led by four from the center field position (two each from Andre Dawson and Jerry White). Dawson left to a raucous ovation after doubling in a run in the sixth. Two batters later, Gary Carter blasted one into the upper deck, an estimated distance of 440 feet. Also on display are the fleet feet of Tim Raines, who stole a total of four bases in addition to going three for four and scoring four times. Third baseman Tim Wallach also got in on the act, going three for five and driving in two runs. Rodney Scott drove in a pair as well. If this is a preview of coming attractions, the Expos will certainly need to be reckoned with in 1982.

In case you're interested, the Phillies' Mike Schmidt went 0 for 3, which meant that his season ends with forty-nine home runs.

W- Sanderson (15-8)
L- Christenson (5-11)

HR- MTL: Carter (20)

Mets 5, Pirates 3 (Game 1)

The Metsies scored twice in the sixth to down the Bucs. Rookie Wally Backman drove home the winning run with a single, and fellow rookie Darryl Strawberry hit his second major league home run. Jason Thompson went deep for the Bucs, while starting pitcher John Candelaria felt no ill effects from his back injury in five and two-thirds innings and even contributed two hits and an RBI. A healthy Candy Man at the head of the pitching staff could be one of the keys to a return to prominence for The Family in 1982.

W- Falcone (7-9)
S- Allen (26)
L- Candelaria (3-4)

HR- NYM: Strawberry (2)
PIT: Thompson (21)

Pirates 8, Mets 0 (Game 2)

Four Pirates pitchers combined on a four-hitter. Mike Easler drove in three. Buccos starter Luis Tiant lasts only three and two-thirds innings in what appears to be his final big league start, while Mets starter Charlie Puleo lasted only three. Steve Nicosia homered for Pittsburgh.

W- Scurry (10-7)
L- Puleo (0-2)

HR- PIT: Nicosia (4)

Final National League East standings:

Cardinals: 101-61 (clinched)
Expos: 89-73- 12 GB
Phillies: 83-79- 18 GB
Pirates: 73-88- 27.5 GB
Cubs: 59-100- 40.5 GB
Mets: 58-102- 42 GB

Next: We look at August 6 in the West.

Thoughts?