1972 Chicago White Sox Replay

SERIES # 9. THREE GAMES, SWEPT SERIES. BALTIMORE VS CHICAGO

The White Sox will carry a four game win streak into their upcoming series with the first place, Minnesota Twins. In their most recent series, Chicago swept Baltimore three straight, winning by scores of 6-5; 3-2 and 8-4.

Chicago survived a poor performance from their bullpen in the first game. Eddie Fisher(2-1) took a 6-1 lead into the ninth, trying for his first complete game. However, he stumbled, allowing a homerun to Davey Johnson and after retiring Brooks Robinson, gave up a single to Andy Etchebarren. That put Fisher in overuse protocol and he was relieved by Steve Kealey. The White Sox set up man surrendered a single and a two run homerun to pinch hitter, Johnny Oakes. Kealey came on and allowed a base on balls, but finally got the last two outs for the save. Bill Melton and Carlos May each went 3-4.

In game two, once again, Chicago had to survive a top of the ninth rally by Baltimore in order to pull out a 3-2 victory. After Stan Bahnsen(3-0) held the Orioles scoreless while leading 3-0 through eight innings, he allowed, with one out, two straight singles to Don Buford and Merv Rettenmund, before Chicago confidently went to set up man, Terry Forster. It didn’t work out quite as planned, as Boog Powell touched Forster for an rbi double. Brooks Robinson then walked, as did Paul Blair. Johnson hit a sac fly, before Oates was retired. Dick Allen(11) homered for Chicago.

The final game of the series saw the White Sox trailing, 4-3, before exploding for five runs in the bottom of the eighth. That breakout inning saw the White Sox load the bases on three straight walks. Buddy Bradford hit an two run single, then Allen smashed a three run homer, his(12th). Vincente Romo(2-0) earned the win, as it was yet another no decision for Wilbur Wood.

Now comes the big series with the front running Twins.

Minnesota/21/16/5/.762

Chicago/22/15/7/.682

Oakland/20/13/7/.650

Texas/23/11/12/.478

Kansas City/24/10/14/.417

California/23/9/14/.391