GM# 83 JULY 5, 1971 VS CHICAGO CUBS
BLASS GOES DISTANCE AS BUCCOS WIN FINALE OF SERIES, 4-2
After Steve Blass allowed back to back singles, with two out in the seventh inning, he got a mound visit from manager, Danny Murtaugh. The pitcher shooed the skipper away and went on to a 4-2 victory and his fifth complete game of the season, as Pittsburgh took their latest series with Chicago, three games to one.
The Pirates had to overcome three errors by Gene Alley and a triple play turned by the Cubs, to achieve the victory. The three errors in one game were the most by any player in the league this year. Alley leads N.L. shortstops with 14.
One of baseball’s rarest plays took place in the top of the third inning. Dave Cash led off with a double. Gene Clines drew a walk, then Roberto Clemente singled. Cash scored, but the throw was cut off and Clines was forced to stop at second base. Manny Sanguillen then hit a sharp liner, which was snared by Glenn Beckert, just behind second base. Clines had taken off on what he thought was a sure hit. Beckert stepped on the bag for the double play, then looked to his left and saw Sangy halfway between first and second. After a brief rundown, first baseman, Bob Robertson made the tag, for the inning ending triple play.
Dave Cash, who has not played since June 25th, due to a leg infection suffered during his military reserve training exercises, returned to the top of the Pirate lineup and was quick to show how sorely he has been missed. Cash went 3-5, with a double and scored two of Pittsburgh’s four runs. Gene Clines also had a fine game, with a double and his third home run. WP-Steve Blass(10-1). LP-Ken Holtzman. HR-Gene Clines(3).
The Pirates return to Three Rivers Stadium, to battle the Cincinnati Reds. Dock Ellis will go up against Lynn McGlothin, in the opening game.
OTHER N.L. EAST SCORES
Philadelphia 6 Atlanta 5
San Diego 3 St. Louis 2
Montreal 2 New York 1
New York 8 Montreal 0
STANDINGS, END OF PLAY, JULY 5, 1971
Pittsburgh83/52/31/.627/—
New York/80/43/37/.538/7.5
St. Louis/84/45/38/1/.536/7
Chicago/79/40/39/.506/10
Philadelphia/82/38/44/.463/13.5
Montreal/82/31/50/1/378/20
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