1972 Chicago White Sox Replay

SERIES #1. 3 GAMES AT KANSAS CITY. LOST ALL THREE. GM’S 1-3.

The White Sox lost all three games to the Kansas City Royals and dropped quickly to the A.L. West basement.

Game recaps: Opening Day saw Wilbur Wood(0-1) hook up with Dick Drago in a terrific pitcher’s duel. Drago was the man for Kansas City, tossing a 1-0, three hit shutout and also knocking in Rich Scheinblum with the game’s only run in the bottom of the eighth. It was one of two hits on the day for Drago.

Game two was another close one. This time Chicago lost 2-1, when John Mayberry singled in Cookie Rojas with the game winner in the bottom of the ninth. Big John also homered in the sixth. Terry Forster(0-1) took the loss in relief of Stan Bahnsen.

In the series finale, the White Sox rallied late, scoring three runs in the top of the eighth, but couldn’t overcome an early 4-0 lead by K.C. Tom Bradley(0-1) took the loss. Chicago got two big pinch hits, a triple from Tony Muser, in the eighth and a double from Rick Reichardt, in the ninth. Also, Pat Kelly had three hits. The White Sox had the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, but Jorge Orta hit into a game ending double play.

American League West Standings (end of play, April 16)

Kansas City/3/3/0/1/.1.000

California/2/1/1/.500

Minnesota/2/1/1/.500

Oakland/2/1/1/.500/

Texas/2/1/1/.500

Chicago/3/0/3/.000