1972 Chicago White Sox Replay

SERIES #20. THREE GAMES, WON TWO OF THREE. CHICAGO AT MILWAUKEE

The Chicago White Sox and the Oakland A’s have flip flopped first place over the past three days, with the Pale Hose claiming a half game lead on the A’s at the end of their latest series with the Brewers.

Chicago took two of three from Milwaukee, dropping the opener, 4-1, but winning the next two, 4-3 and 3-1. In both of those games, the Sox scored a run in the top of the final inning, though they had an insurance run in the last contest.

Stan Bahnsen(5-3) dropped game one, losing to Jim Lonborg, who went seven and a a third. Catcher, Ed Herrmann was the only bright spot for Chicago, hitting a single and also belting his (9th) homerun.

Game two was a ten inning affair, with Dick Allen(19) homering in the top of the tenth, to break a 3-3 tie. Goose Gossage(2-0) notched the win, taking over for Jim Acosta, who in turn relieved starter, Wilbur Wood.

In the last game, Rich Morales singled in Bell Melton in the top of the ninth, giving the White Sox a 3-1 lead, which Dave Lemonds made stand up. Lemonds, who had not pitched in 10 days, faced a slew of right handers, but was up to the task, taking over for starter and winner, Tom Bradley(9-3), who worked six. Bradley did not have his usual good stuff, but was able to maintain a slim lead, until Lemonds could work the final three innings. Dick Allen(20) went deep again, also adding two singles. Melton had a single and a double. The only run Bradley allowed was a sixth inning homerun to John Briggs.

Chicago now travels to Arlington Stadium to take on the Texas Rangers.

American League West Standings(June 22, 1972)

Chicago/57/37/20/.649/—

Oakland/56/36/20/.643/.5

Minnesota/54/30/24/.556/5.5

Kansas City/55/26/29/.473/10

Texas/58/27/31/.466/10.5

California/59/24/35/.407/14