Douglas Zaner’s 1973 CAL Angels win the Holiday Festival Tournament Championship !!!

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Game 1 – Angels Stadium - Ryan vs. Jones, M.

For the opening game of this championship series, the Ryan Express continued its dominance displayed throughout the tournament. Nolan Ryan tossed a complete game 5-hit, 7 strikeout shutout. The California offense provided run support early, scoring 5 times off Mike Jones in the first 4 innings. Ken Berry, Sandy Alomar and Rudy Meoli each had 2 hits for the Angels, as did Hal McRae for the Royals. But this one was all Ryan. Final score: California 5, Kansas City 0. Angels lead the series 1-0.

Game 2 – Angels Stadium - Wright vs. Splittorff.

Amos Otis and Willie Wilson banged out 3 hits each, and Hal McRae had a HR and 3 RBI as Kansas City came roaring back to take game 2. Royals starter Paul Splittorff was ejected in the 5th inning for arguing balls and strikes. But Jim Wright did a nice job coming out of the pen to pitch 2.2 innings of shutout relief to pick up the win. Frank Robinson homered late in the game when it meant nothing, as California starter Clyde Wright once again struggled as he has done for the entire tournament. Royals scored 12 times on 14 hits and easily won the contest. Final score: Kansas City 12, California 2. Series tied 1-1.

Game 3 – Royals Stadium - Gura vs. Singer

Both starters pitching well made for a tight battle in game 3. RBI hits by Vada Pinson and Dave Gallagher put California up 2-0 in the 4th. Kansas City responded by getting 1 back in the bottom of the frame on Hal McRae sacrifice fly, and then taking the lead on a bases-loaded, 2-out single by Frank White in the 6th inning. Larry Gura seemed to be fully in control until he walked Frank Robinson to lead of the 8th inning. Next batter Bob Oliver then stunned the home crowd with a 384 foot shot down the left field line to put the Angels back on top. From that point California relief ace Steve Barber went to work, retiring 6 of the next 7 Kansas City batters to save the game for Bill Singer. Final score: California 4, Kansas City 3. Angels lead the series 2-1.

Game 4 – Royals Stadium - Leonard vs. May

A Darryl Motley double in the 2nd inning and an unearned California run in the 5th kept this game tight into the 6th inning. With the score tied at 1 and the bases full of Royals with 2 out, an umpire got sick, causing a delay of almost half an hour. The interruption had reverberations on the game itself when Angels’ pitcher Rudy May appeared to have stiffened up a bit during the delay and walked next batter Darryl Motley for force home the go-ahead run for Kansas City. The Royals padded their lead in the bottom of the 8th when hot-hitting Hal McRae belted a 2-run shot off reliever Dave Sells. But it probably wouldn’t have mattered to Royals starter Dennis Leonard, who remained steadily in control allowing no more than the 1 unearned run, and yielding only 5 hits and no walks for the complete game victory. Final score: Kansas City 4, California 4. Series tied 2-2.

Game 5 – Royals Stadium - Jones, M.vs. Ryan.

As the game 1 starters returned, an over-worked Mike Jones labored from the beginning, and gave up a 1st inning HR to Frank Robinson. He wouldn’t even make it through the 2nd inning, when he was given an early hook and replaced with Rich Gale. Meanwhile, Nolan Ryan was on the mound and looked to benefit. He would labor mightily through 7 innings, although he only gave up 6 singles, 2 walks, and a lone unearned run. But what Ryan could not have anticipated was the near-collapse of his defense. The Angels committed 7 errors on the day, forcing him to pitch out of one jam after the other. But helped by some timely double-plays, he always managed to escape without serious damage, leaving the Royals and their fans frustrated with their inability to get the one key hit they needed. For their own part, the Kansas City bullpen pitched well, allowing only 2 runs in 7.1 innings of relief. However once Ryan yielded to Steve Barber, the reliever continued his stellar tournament performance, and faced only 7 batters over the last two innings to earn his 5th save. Final score: California 3, Kansas City 1. Angels lead the series 3-2.

Game 6 – Angels Stadium - Wright vs. Splittorff.

The series moved back to southern California, as the game 2 starters returned. And although the Royals jumped on top in the 1st inning on yet another Hal McRae RBI hit, the California bats came alive against Paul Splittorff in the 2nd and 3rd innings, scoring 3 times in each thanks primarily to a Frank Robinson home run, and a Rudy Meoli triple. Still, KC refused to roll over, as they chipped away at Clyde Wright and the Angels’ lead. Yet another Hal McRae hit score 1 in the 6th inning, and George Brett’s single and an Amos Otis sacrifice fly scored 2 more in the 8th inning to close to lead to just 2 runs. To nobody’s shock, on came Steve Barber to put out the fire without any further damage. What did shock everyone was what happened next. In the top of the 9th, Barber suddenly lost the strike zone, walking 3 of the first 4 batters he faced to load the bases. Willie Wilson then grounded a tailor-made double play ball to Dave Chalk. But the shotstop’s throw went into centerfield, the 12th team error of the series! Now the Royals were only 1 run behind with only 1 out and the bases loaded. Barber regained his composure to strike out George Brett in a tense battle. But Amos Otis worked the 4th walk of the inning to force home to tying run. Aurelio Monteagudo came on to get the last out. But the game was now tied. Amazingly, after Bob Oliver led off the bottom of the 9th with a single, the parade of walks continued. Vada Pinson and Jim Spencer worked walks against Renie Martin. And with the bases now loaded Richie Sheinblum worked a walk off Dan Quisenberry to bring home the winning run. Final score: California 7, Kansas City 6. Angels wins the series 4-2. 

--submitted by Douglas Zaner--

Semi Final–’73 Angels outlast ‘75 Jints to head to finals.

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Game 1 – Angels Stadium – Ryan vs. Montefusco

This Final 4 series began with each team handing the ball to their respective ace, who lived up to all expectations. After 8 complete innings, Ryan had given up only 3 hits and 2 walks, while Montefusco had yielded only 4 hits and 4 walks. And neither had allowed a run to cross the plate. With the game still scoreless going to the top of the 9th, Ryan blinked first. Derrel Thomas led off with a single and Bobby Mercer followed with a double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Steve Barber came out of the California pen to retire the next three batters, but not before Gary Matthews had batted in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly. Undaunted, the Halos came back in the bottom of the inning off 2 Giants relievers and loaded the bases on 2 singles and a HBP. Sandy Alomar then knocked in the tying run with a single up the middle. And one out later, Vada Pinson singled to center off Gary Lavelle to score Mickey Rivers with the winning run. Final score: California 2, San Francisco 1. Angels lead the series 1-0.

Game 2 – Angels Stadium - Singer vs. Barr

This one seemed to get away from the home team early when the visiting Giants sent 11 men to the plate in the top of the 3rd inning. There were 6 singles (2 by Derrel Thomas) and 2 walks. By the time the dust had settled San Francisco had scored 6 times off Bill Singer, who obviously just did not have it today. Gary Matthews capped off the Giants scoring with a solo HR in the 6th inning off Singer to give send the Angels pitcher to the showers. Frank Robinson hit a solo HR, and California made a feeble attempt to get back into the game. But it was too little, too late as Jim Barr held his own and came 1 out away from a complete game. Final score: San Francisco 7, California 3. Series tied 1-1.

Game 3 – Candlestick Park – Halicki vs. May

As the series moved north to the Bay area, most of Game 3 looked like a carbon copy of game 1. Through 7 and a half innings, Ed Halicki had held the Angels scoreless, scattering 6 hits and 3 walks. Rudy May had pitched even better, giving up only 1 hit and 1 walk. But an infield error in the 4th inning had allowed an unearned run to score, and San Francisco clung to a 1-0 lead. Then in the bottom of the 8th with 2 outs and a runner on 2nd, the Giants strung together 4 consecutive singles off May and reliever Dave Sells. Mike Sadek, Von Joshua and Bobby Murcer each knocked in a run to give San Francisco a 4 run lead, and put the game out of reach. California out-hit the home team 8-5. But it’s hard to win without scoring any runs. Final score: San Francisco 4, California 0. Giants lead the series 2-1.

Game 4 – Candlestick Park – Falcone vs. Wright

Gary Matthews went 2 for 4 with a double, walk and 3 RBIs to back a very strong performance by San Francisco starter Pete Falcone. The Giants’ lefty tossed 7 innings, allowing only 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6. Frank Robinson and Mike Epstein each hit solo HRs for California. And the Angels actually pulled within 2 runs of tying the score at one point. But a struggling Clyde Wright gave it all back quickly enough. San Francisco out-hit California 12-6 in a contest that really wasn’t even as close as the score might indicate. The Giants were now only 1 win away from a trip to the tournament championship. Final score: San Francisco 6, California 2. Giants lead the series 3-1.

Game 5 – Candlestick Park – Montefusco vs. Ryan

Facing elimination, California turned to their #1 starter Nolan Ryan, who did not disappoint. Rising to the occasion, the Ryan Expressed steam rolled over the San Francisco lineup, going the full distance for a 5 hit, 6 strikeout complete game. The only blemish was an unlikely homerun by light-hitting Bruce Miller in the 7th inning. The Angels’ offense provided Ryan plenty of support, including 3 hits by Sandy Alomar and triples by Mickey Rivers and Bobby Valentine. Vada Pinson also knocked in 2 runs on a day when the normally very reliable John Montefusco was just not himself. But it didn’t really matter; this one clearly belonged to Ryan. Final score: California 7, San Francisco 1. Giants lead the series 3-2.

Game 6 – Angels Stadium – Singer vs. Barr

The series moved back south to Anaheim, and both game 2 starters returned to the mound. Once again, Giants’ starter Jim Barr pitched very well, giving up only 2 runs in 7 innings on 5 hits and only 1 walk. However, Bill Singer redeemed himself by matching Barr’s performance almost precisely (2 runs, 7 innings, 7 hits, 2 walks). With the score tied at 2 after 7 innings, the bullpens took over. Facing the Giants’ Rob Dressler in the bottom of the 8th, Vada Pinson led off with a single, was sacrificed to 2nd base, and scored 2 batters later when Richie Scheinblum lined a single to right field. California reliever Aurelio Monteagudo, who had been called on in the top of the 8th and put out the fire with 2 Giants on base and nobody out, retired San Francisco in the top of the 9th to pick up the win. Final score: California 3, San Francisco 2. Series tied 3-3.

Game 7 – Angels Stadium - May vs. Halicki

The winner-take-all game 7 had the feel and tone of game 3, when the same two starters had met in San Francisco. Rudy May and Ed Halicki both rose to the occasion and matched each other pitch-for-pitch, out-for-out. Halicki would give up only 3 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings. But sometimes it’s not the quantity; it’s the timing, as was the case here. In the bottom of the 6th, Halicki continued to appear to be totally in control, retiring the first 2 batters he faced. But the next two batters Richie Schenblum and Jim Spencer both walked. Up stepped Billy Grabarkewitz, who entered game 7 batting .095 for the tournament. Channeling his inner ’78 Bucky Dent, Grabarkewitz lined a triple down the third base line to score Scheinblum and Spencer. The next batter John Stevenson, who entered game 7 batting .160 for the tournament, doubled to score Grabarkewitz. Thanks to these unlikely heroics, the Angels now had a 3-0 lead. San Francisco moved a run closer the next inning when Bobby Murcer singled, advanced on an error and scored on Chris Speier’s infield groundout. By Rudy May pitched out of trouble to finish his day yielding only 1 unearned run on 3 hits and 2 walks. May received a standing ovation from the appreciative home crowed as he walked off the field after 7 innings of work. California reliever Steve Barber came on in the 8th and continued his stellar tournament performance. He tossed 2 innings of 1-hit scoreless relief to preserve the win, earn the save, and seal the series victory for the Angels. Final score: California 3, San Francisco 1. California wins the series 4-3.

--submitted by Douglas Zaner--

Final 4: ‘81 Royals win first 3 then falter vs ‘85 Bosox, only to win a classic game 7

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In a 7 game series that appeared to be all Royals after the first 3 games, something happened on the way to their home ballpark.

It was a mild day in Boston for the opening of the League championship. The Red Sox fans excitement was clearly showing at announcement of each of their players. The crowd was contained with but a small smattering of boos for the visiting Kansas City team. There wasn't much thought in the fans minds that this team from the Midwest would do much to against their rampaging Red Sox. Afterall, the Royals had struggled to get this far and the Red Sox had pushed the competition to the side of the road with little difficulty. The Sox had compiled a 12-1 record coming into this series while the Royals were 12-6. No one was feeling pity for the Royals ballclub but many had thought they had exceeded expectations already, but as the saying goes "That's why we play the games".

Game 1 had Mike Jones (3-0) hurling for the visitors while Roger Clemens (2-0) took the mound for the sox. The Royals were quickly dispatched in their half of the first on but 6 pitches. Beantowners were off to the races in the bottom of their inning. With one out, Barrett walked, went to 2nd on a wild pitch by Jones, Buckner promptly hit a sharp groundball up the middle scoring Barrett, Rice K'd and Gedman popped out to end the inning. RS 1-0. The top of the 2nd turned the page, McRae after being down in the count lined a single up the middle, Aikens forced McRae, Wathan felt the sting of a Clemens fastball on his thigh, Geronimo walked filling the bases. White hit a dribbler to shortstop who only had a play at first, allowing the runners to move up. Washington hit another dribbler to first this time, allowing the runners to move again. Two outs, Wilson hit a soft single up the middle scoring Geronimo. Otis on a 2-2 pitch took a Clemens' pitch for 387' to left center for a 3 run shot. KC 6 BRS 1 Boston was not to get another hit as Jones threw a one-hit one-run game. Geronimo hit his first home run in the top of the 3rd sending Clemens to an early shower. KC scored 3 more runs. KC 9 BRS 1

Another beautiful night for the 2nd game with Dennis Leonard (3-1) facing Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd (4-0). The Royals got to Boyd early scoring 3 runs in the top of the 2nd, scoring with 2 singles, a walk a force play and another single. Boston put their first run on the board in the bottom of the 3rd using two singles, walk and a ground out. In the bottom of the 4th, the Sox scored again when Gedman walked, Evans singled, Easler hit into a DP moving Gedman to third. Hoffman then drove Gedman home with a double off the wall in left center. KC 3 BRS 2  KC scored their last run on 3 singles putting them ahead by 2. In the bottom the 9th with one out and Leonard still on the mound, Evans hit a sharp line drive single into center. The Royals went to Quisenberry, up to this point the Quiz had been largely ineffective in the tourney. Easler on a 1-1 count smashed a line drive single to right. Hoffman with runners at 1st and 2nd hit a dribbler to Quisenberry who threw to 2nd for the force but could not turn the double play. Lyons up, on a 2-1 pitch he hit a hard groundball into left field putting runners at 1st and 3rd and scoring Evans. Rennie Martin came in to try and end the game. He was asked to load the bases by intentionally walking Boggs. Bases load, two out, KC holding onto a 1 run lead. Barrett due up, was called back and left handed Rick Miller was sent to the plate. Miller took the first two pitches for balls, Martin dealt and Miller pounded a ball but right at Brett who threw to White at 2nd, game over.  KC 4 BRS 3

A chilly 56 degree night in Boston, two left handed pitchers starting against each other, Larry Gura (0-1) against Bruce Hurst (3-1). White hit a solo shot for the Royals in the top of the 3rd to give them the lead 1-0. KC added their 2nd run of the night in the top of the 5th when Motley reached on an error by BUCKNER, White sacrificed him to 2nd. Chalk popped out and Wilson drove home Motley with a single to left center. The Royals added their last run in the top of the 7th when Hurst walked two batters after two ground outs. Wilson then doubled to right but Chalk, on 1st, didn't bring his wheels and couldn't score. Otis grounded out to end the inning. KC 3 BRS 0 Gura had his stuff going as Boston managed only a single by Evans. Gura walked 1 and Chalk committed an error which accounted for the other 3 runners to reach base for Boston. Wilson had 2 hits with 2 rbi for KC.  KC 3 BRS 0

The Royals were riding a high going home with a 3 game advantage. They only needed to win 1 more game. Game 4 saw Nipper go to the mound for only his 2nd time in the tourney while Splittorff was going back out their for his 5th time. Splittorff was 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA while Nipper was 0-0 with a 7.20 ERA. This from all appearances would be a run scoring game. Both pitchers however were on and dazzle opposing hitters until the top of the 6th, Boston got singles from Barrett and Buckner. With runners at 1st and 3rd, no outs, KC played deep for the double play. Gedman grounded to Washington who turned the two, however Barrett scored. BRS 1 KC 0 In the top of the 9th with Wright on the mound, Gedman lined a single to center. Boggs then grounded a single just beyond the reach of slick fielding White. Gedman hugged 2nd though, giving Boston runners at 1st and 2nd, no outs. Evens then blistered a line drive to Splittorff, which he caught. That was it for the Split, in came Quisenberry to again try to stop a rally. Jim Rice wasted no time, on the first pitch he lashed down the 3rd base line for a triple, driving both runners home. The infield in, Hoffman hit a grounder that White had to dive for, his only play was first. Boston did no more damage, the damage was done. BRS 4 KC 0 Nipper continued to stymie the Royals hitters until bottom of the 9th, Aikens hit a ball to the warning track in right center, 1 down. McRae worked the count to 2-1 the hit a screamer off the wall right down the third base line. Enter Stanley. Hurdle with a 2-0 counted popped a short fly to left, two outs. Quirk punched a soft liner into center scoring McRae. White finished it up by grounding out to 2nd base. Boston collected 9 hits, 2 walks and 4 runs to get their first win of the series. Rice was 3-4 with 2 rbi. Nipper allowed 4 hits in 8 innings lowering his ERA to 3.38, while Splittorff gave up 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 run to lower his ERA to 4.26 while taking his 3rd loss. BRS 4 KC 1

Game 5 couldn't come soon enough for the Royals who still led the series 3 games to 1, and only need 1 more win. It was the game 1 matchup again today, Roger Clemens (2-1) against Jones (4-0). Jones had been  pretty good in his last outing and was hoping for more of the same,while Clemens was trying to redeem himself after getting a visit to the showers early in game 1. Boston made it easy for Clemens, in the top of the 1st Buckner walked Jones for a walk, Gedman then ripped a double off the right center field wall, scoring Buckner. Boggs hit a single up the middle with Gedman holding at 3rd. Evans hit a shallow fly to left for the 1st out. Rice, after getting himself in a hole 0-2, turned on a fastball and drove it over the wall down the left field line. BRS 4 KC coming to bat Boston scored again in the 3rd, after 1 out, Evans singled, Rice walked, Hoffman singled loading the bases. Hammaker was called upon for the Royals. Easler grounded to 2nd but no double play could be turned, the Sox scored. Armas ground out to end the inning. Geronimo hit his 2nd homer run of the tourney in the bottom of the 3rd to get the Royals on the board. In the bottom of the 5th Wilson led off with a single , Otis walked, Brett singled to right, Wilson scored, Geronimo and Aikens popped out,Wathan ground a single into right field scoring Otis. The scoring was finished for the game. Clemens pitched 6 2/3 giving up 8 hits, 4 walks and all 3 of KC's runs. Woodward picked up the save pitching 2 1/3 innings of hitless, scoreless ball. Jones took his first loss of the tournament, getting hammered in only 2 1/3 innings, giving up 6 hits, 2 walks and all 5 runs. Hammaker and Brett were able to shutout the Sox the rest of the way on 4 hits. Gedman was 3-5, Hoffman 2-4, while the big blow was the home run by Rice 1-2, 3rbi and 2 walks. For the Royals, Wilson 2-5, Geronimo 2-4 with a home run, and White 2-4   BRS 5  KC 3

In the final home game for KC, the fans were restless and starting to disbelieve in their team. A great start had turned into something much less. If the Royals couldn't do it today, they would have to head back to Boston. It was Leonard's (4-1) turn on the mound for the home team versus the "Oil Can" (4-1). This game was just like the other 2 in KC, Boston struck hard with 3 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Lyons started the inning with a single to right center, Barrett sacrificed him to second, Buckner doubled off the wall down the right field line bring home Barrett, Gedman got a disputed call single, leaving Gedman at third. Boggs lashed a single into right scoring Gedman. Evans hit a hard line drive at Brett for the 2nd out. Leonard smacked Rice in the ribs, Hoffman walked to force home a run. Easler hit it right on the button but a full speed ahead Wilson caught it at his shoe tops to end the inning. Boston 3 KC 0 Boston would score one more time on a solo shot by Barrett in the 7th inning. Meanwhile, Boyd scattered 8 singles through his 8 innings of work giving up no runs and picking up his 5th win. Clear picked up his 1st save. Leonard took the loss dropping to 4-2 while giving up 9 hits, walking 1 and accountable for all 4 Boston runs. Wilson went 3-4 for the losers, while Buckner was 3-4, Wade Boggs 2-3 with both of them picking up an rbi for Boston. Boston 4  Kansas City 0 The series was tied now, 3-3 and Boston was getting to go home.

The series finale, back in Boston and a chilly night 56 degrees. Hurst (3-2) was hurling for the beantown crowd, while Gura (1-1) took the mound for KC. Boston took the lead in the bottom of the 1st when with 2 outs Boggs single to right, Evans followed with a single and Rice got the rbi when he punched a single into right center. BRS 1 KC 0  The top of the second set the tone for the game as the Royals took advantage of sloppy play of the Sox to open the floodgate. Lee May started by dribbling back to Hurst who picked it up then dropped it for an error. Motley fanned on 3 pitches. Wathan singled to right, White doubled to left center scoring May, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. Wilson ground it right back to Hurst,but this time he looked the runner back to third and threw to first for the 2nd out of the inning. Brett walked on 4 pitches, loading the bases for Otis. Otis fouled off 3 pitches before receiving a walk and forcing home a run. Willie Mays Aikens double off the wall down the right field line clearing the bases. It was back to May who ended the inning on a soft grounder to Hoffman at short. KC 6  BRS 1  Gura was wobbly giving up hit after hit to Boston but somehow his defense was turning the double plays to keep Boston from scoring until the bottom of the 6th. Hoffman led off with a single, Easler line a single, Armas singled loading the bases. Barrett hit into a double play scoring Hoffman. Buckner walked and the KC manager gave the hook. Hammaker was brought in. He coaxed Gedman into a fly out to center to end the threat. KC 6  BRS 2  The bottom of the 8th and Gale was pitching for the 1st time in the series, Easler on a 2-1 count smacked a home run down the right field line. Miller flied out, Barrett singled and Gale was done. Martin came in. Buckner took the first pitch but hit a ground ball to Brett's left, to White for one and to Aikens for two. KC 6  BRS 3  Martin put the Sox in order in the bottom of the 9th and KC became the series winner. Gura, although giving up 11 hits and walking 3 in his 5 2/3 innings picked up the win. Martin got his 2nd save. Hurst pitched 4 innings giving up 4 hits, 6 runs, only 2 earned but he took the loss to even his record to 3-3 and end the Sox hopes of moving to the championship.

It was an exiting series and I thank Tom Landers for managing a great series.

--submitted by Orion Bell--

Bobby Cox Region Finals: ‘81 Royals outlast ‘75 Amazin’s

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Game 1 was all Tom Terrific as Seaver controlled the game before the home crowd for the winning Mets. The Royals had 1 hit from Willie Wilson to lead off the game and from there, they were hitless.  The Mets scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st and that was all the scoring of the game. Garrett led off with a single, Milan walked and after a flyout by Staub, Kingman hit a bomb to left center to score all 3.  Gura pitched 7 innings allowing all 3 runs and 8 hits, Seaver struck out 9 and walked 3 besides giving up the lone single. Milan went 2-3 and Kingman went 3-3 with an intentional walk.  Mets 3-0

Game 2 saw the Mets put up Koosman against the Royals Jones. Neither pitcher threw a pitch in the 5th inning as runs were abundant. KC scored 1 in the 1st, 3 in the 2nd, 5 in the 4th. The Mets put 3 on the board in the bottom of the 4th.  When the 4th was done, Jones had given up 7 hits, 3 walks and 3 runs, while Koosman was tagged for 9 runs on 10 hits and 3 walks.  Rich Gale picked up the victory for the Royals as he pitched the next 4 innings allowing 4 hits, 3 walks and 1 run.  The Mets used Parker, Baldwin and Hall to contain the Royals. The Royal attack was led by Willie Wilson, who slammed 2 home runs driving in 6 (he only hit 1 home run during the regular season), McRae went 2-5 with 2 rbi.  The Mets Garrett had 2 rbi going 2-5, Milland was 2-4, Staub 2-4. Kingman was hitless but was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the 9th.  Royals 11-4

Game 3 and off to KC.  NY scored drew first blood scoring a pair in the top of the 2nd off Royals starter Leonard. Only a strong throw from Wilson, LF, kept the Mets from piling up more. KC put 6 runs on the board in the bottom of the 2nd with 4 singles 2 walks and a double by Otis.  The Mets scored 2 more in the top of the 3rd. Matlack threw 7 innings allowing 10 hits, 3 walks and 6 runs. Leonard picked up the win going 6 2/3 innings allowing 9 hits, 1 walk and 4 runs. Dan Quisenberry picked up the save.  Vail went 3-4, Phillps 2-4 and MIlan 2-4 with 2 rbi for the New Yorkers. The Missourians got 2 hits each from Wilson, Otis and May while both Otis and Washington drove in 2.  Royals 6-4

Game 4 in KC and the Royals wanted to put it away.  The Mets feeling the heat scored 2 in the first on a 2 run homer by Torre off starter and loser Splittorff.  KC took a brief lead in the 3rd when they put 3 runs up in the bottom of the 2nd on 3 walks, 2 singles and a fielders choice.  The Mets put up single tallies in the 3rd and 4th and put it away in the 6th while scoring 4 runs.  A rain delay in between innings caused starter Splittorff to tire but allowed no time for the reliever Brett to get ready. He was quickly punished for 3 runs and 4 hits.  Tate started for the Mets and hurled the first three innings while picking up the win.  Hall and Lockwood followed him to close out the game. Joe Torre was 2-4 with 3 rbi, Millan and Staub both had 3 hits while Garrett, Torre and Grote all had a pair.  Wilson for the Royals was the only hitter with 2 or more its.   Hall picked up a Hold while keeping the offense relatively quiet.  NYM 8-4

With the series tied 2-2, it was back to the East Coast and New York City.  Tom Terrific would face Larry Gura for the 2nd time in the series.  The day was not any different for Gura as he gave up 4 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 home runs in his 5 innings of work.   Unser wrapped one around the pole in right field in the bottom of the first and Kingman ripped one down the left field line to start the bottom of the 2nd.  KC tied the game in the top of the 4th on 2 singles and a squeeze play.  NY took the lead again in the bottom of the 4th scoring 2 more after Staub singled with 1 out, Kingman was given a free pass, Millan grounded out moving runners to 2nd and 3rd. Grote was intentionally walked to set up the force anywhere but Phillips delivered a single to right center driving in 2.  KC fought back in the top of the 5th on a single by Geronimo and a double off the right center field wall by Brett. Aikens then singled home George Brett (4-6, 3 RBI), NO he was out at the plate.  Washington doubled by Aikens couldn't get his train wreck of a body passed 3rd base. Quirk K'd. Top 6, Mets up 4-3. The Royals put 4 on the scoreboard with 3 singles, a walk and a double by the slowpoke, Aikens.  The Royals went to Gale who has pitched splendid for them. However not today. The Mets in the bottom of the 6th got a walk, single, walk, walk and a double by Garrett scored 3 to tie it a 7.  In the top of the 7th KC managed to score 2 more runs when Quirk walked, White bunted to Met's Grote who threw the ball away putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Royals' Grote grounded to short on a drawn in infield, out at first. Wilson then grounded a wobbler to Kranepool at first who bobbled the ball allowing a run to score, Geronimo then smacked the first pitch from Apodaca into left field scoring White. KC up 9-7. Bottom of the 9th Quisenberry comes in for the Royals still holding the 9-7 lead.  The manager failed to get him to warm, so it was not his norm. Unser lead off with a sharp single into right center, Kranepool took the first pitch dealt to him and ripped it to right, runners on 1st and 2nd, no outs. Staub hit a liner to left, charging in came Wilson, snagged it. 1 out.  Dangerous Kingman at the plate, 2 runners on and the Mets only 2 down.  NEVER WALK THE WINNING RUN, so when Quisenberry was asked to pitch around him, Kingman swung on an 0-1 count and popped it up to short. 2 outs. Millan took a strike, then grounded it weakly to the Quiz.  On the day Seaver didn't fair as well giving up 7 runs on 14 hits and 2 walks in his 5 innings of work. Apodaca gave up 2 UN-earned runs but took the loss.  Gura pitched to a no decision, Gale although roughed up for the first time, picked up the win while Quisenberry got the save.  KC 9-7

Royals win the series 3 games to 2.  --submitted by Orion Bell--

Torre Region Final: ‘73 Halos sweep ‘20 Brownies

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Game 1 – Angels Stadium – Ryan vs. Shocker

The respective staff aces began this Round 4 series. With St Louis clinging to a tenuous 1-0 lead, the tone of the game was completely shattered with one swing of Frank Robinson’s bat with the bases loaded. The HR was his 4th of the tournament and shifted the momentum to the home team Angels. California ended up with 7 runs and 12 hits in support of Nolan Ryan. Ryan was not particularly sharp, yielding 8 hits and 4 walks in only 7 innings of work. But he seemed to be able to get a strikeout or double-play grounded when he needed it most. Baby Doll Jacobson had 2 hits and 2 walks for the Browns. But starter Urban Shocker never was able to regain his rhythm after Robby’s grand slam, as California cruised to a 7-3 win.

Game 2 – Angels Stadium - Tanana vs. Burwell

Vada Pinson’s 3rd inning solo HR and Baby Doll Jacobson’s 5th inning solo HR summarized all the scoring through the first 6 innings of this very tight match. The Angels managed to push across 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th on a bases-loaded walk and a Bob Oliver sacrifice fly. But the Browns immediately answered and closed the gap to 1 run in the top of the next inning when Ken Williams doubled to set up George Sisler, who later scored on an infield groundout. Ken Berry provided some insurance in the bottom half of the inning with a solo HR, his first of the tournament. But while both starters pitched well, the hero this game was Steve Barber, who continued his stellar job out of the Angels’ pen, tossing 2.2 innings of 1-hit relief and picking up his team-leading 4th win.

Game 3 – Sportsman’s Park - Davis vs. Singer

Mickey Rivers had 3 hits and 3 RBIs, and Vada Pinson 2 hits, including a HR, and 2 RBI to lead the California Angels to a surprising 3 game series sweep over the tough St Louis Browns. Despite the game’s importance, neither starter appeared to have brought their A Game to the field. Dixie Davis only gave up 6 hits and 1 walk over 6 innings. But 4 of those were for extra bases, as the Halos scored 4 times in the first 2 innings. Bill Singer surrendered 11 hits and 4 walks over 7.1 innings, spending most the time pitching out of the stretch with the Browns all over the base paths and threatening. But somehow he repeatedly managed to prevent St. Louis from getting the key hit they needed to get back in the game. California pushed across a few more runs late in the game off a tired Browns’ bullpen, and walked away with a 7-2 victory to win the series.

--submitted by Douglas Zaner--

Lasorda Region Finals: ‘85 Bosox sweep ‘82 Yanks

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Get the women and children off the streets - it's New York vs. Boston!!
 
Game #1 - Guidry vs. Clemens
Boston snuck one home in the first vs. Guidry, as Barrett walked, Buckner singled him to 3rd and Rice brought Marty home on a sac fly.  In the 5th inning, New York figured out Clemens.  Oscar Gamble, Rick Cerone and Willie Randolph opened the inning with singles, with Randolph's hit scoring Gamble from 3rd.  The runners moved to 2nd and 3rd on a bunt by Dave Collins, and with two out Dave Winfield singled them both home to give the Bombers a 3-1 lead.  Boston came back to tie it in the 7th, when with one out, Tony Armas doubled, Hoffman singled him to third, Boggs walked and Barrett came through with an 2 RBI single.  The teams traded zeros through regulation and into the 12th inning.  With one out, Boggs doubled off of Mike Morgan, who was in his 5th inning of relief for the Yanks.  Barrett struck out and Buckner was intentionally walked, bringing Jim Rice to the plate.  Rice worked the count to 2-1 and then was hit in the ribs by Morgan, loading the bases for Rich Gedman, who promptly lined a single to left to score Boggs with the game winner.  Final Score  BOS 4  NYY 3.  WP - Kison (1-0)  LP - Morgan (1-1)
 
 
Game #2 - Righetti vs. Boyd
Oil Can Boyd make his 4th start of the tourney for Boston and continued to pitch impressively in the early going.  Boston got things going against Rags in the bottom of the 2nd, when with two outs Dwight Evans singled, went to 3rd on Mike Easler's single to right, and scored on a Tony Armas single.  Glenn Hoffman then walked and Easler scored when Boggs walked with the bases loaded, before Barrett grounded out to end the inning.  With a 2-0 lead, Boyd cruised up until the 5th inning, when the Bombers bats woke up.  New York had two outs and a man on 2nd, thanks to a Butch Wynegar double.  Next up came Lou Pinella who scored Butch with a single.  A Dave Collins single sent Lou to 3rd, and then Randolph and Mumphrey knocked in another run each with RBI singles before Boyd could get the last out.  But in the 6th inning, walks to Buckner and Gedman were followed by a Dwight Evans blast over the net in left to give the Red Sox a 5-3 lead.  Boyd tired in the 8th and turned the game over to Steve Crawford.  The Yankees were able to plate on more in the 9th on a Dave Collins RBI double, but Crawford was able to get the last out in the 9th to preserve Boyd's win.  Final Score BOS 5  NYY 4.  WP - Boyd (4-0)  LP - Righetti (1-2)  Sv - Crawford (1)
 
Game #3 - Hurst vs. Rawley
The teams moved to New York for Game #3.  Bruce Hurst took the hill for Boston, hoping to get back on track after getting roughed up in his last start.  On the mound for New York was Shane Rawley.  Boston erupted for 8 runs in the top of the third, keyed by Evans' 2nd three run blast in as many games and a 2-run double by Boggs.  Blessed with an 8 run lead Hurst got the job done, going 6 innings and allowing only one run, a Roy Smalley RBI single in the 5th.  Boston scored another run in the 6th on a triple by Gedman and single by Boggs.  Bruce Kison gave up three runs in relief of Hurst before Mark clear stopped the rally by pitching two shut out innings to end the game.  Final Score  BOS 9  NYY 4  WP - Hurst (3-1)  LP - Rawley (2-1)
--submitted by Tom Landers--

Larussa Region Final: ‘75 Giants drop ‘64 Dodgers in 4

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Game 1 (9/22) Montefusco @ Koufax
 
3 consecutive singles by Darrel Thomas, Mike Sadek and B Miller plated the first run of the game and a 1-0 lead for the Giants. The lead was short lived as R Fairly lead off the Bottom of the 2nd with a 348' blast to tie things up. Things were quiet until the 5th when the Giants got to Koufax who was pitching on 3 days rest and might be feeling a little off.  Gary Matthews and Bobby Murcer lead things off with a walk and a single and after Joshua struck out Willie Montanez doubled hard off the wall to score Matthews. Chris Speier followed with an RBI single and a groundball knocked in Montanez to give the Giants a 4 - 1 lead and with The "Count" dealing blanks this could be a good start for the Giants.
The Giants would score 3 more in the 8th and win game 1 as John “The Count” Montefusco moves to 5 - 0 (1.21 ERA).
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Game 2 (9/23) J Barr @ J Purdin
 
The Giants score first again with 2 in the top of the 1st with the big hot coming from a V Joshua triple and the Dodgers answered with a run of their own. The 2 - 1 score would carry on to the 7th when Steve Ontiveros doubled with the bases loaded to plate 3 and the Giants are now up 5 - 1 and the pressure is on the Dodgers. On comes Mike Caldwell to face the row of LH batters and gets the first two but Roseboro keeps it alive with a base hit and it pays off as PH's Moon & Shirley both grab RBI singles. 5 - 3 Giants going into the bottom of the 9th and the Giants are thinking we got this and will be up 2 - 0 but Gary Lavelle was tiring and allowed Johnny Roseboro & Wes Parker to reach base so on comes closer Randy Moffitt and he could not close it out with the final dagger being a bobble by Ontiveros to allow the winning run to score and the Dodgers are now back in this but headed on the road to SF.
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Game 3 (9/25) D Drysdale @ E Halicki
Ed Halicki brought his best stuff today and hurled 6 shutout innings including 9 K's. He was not happy when he was PH for in the bottom of the 6th but when Glenn Adams launched a 383' HR to straight away CF even he had to smile! The Giants bullpen would struggle again in the 9th but only allowed 2 runs and now lead the series 2 - 1.
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Game 4 (9/26) P Ortega @ P Falcone
This game the Dodgers would draw first blood when Willie Davis singled and stole second to begin the 2nd. Frank Howard doubled and Ron Fairly singled for RBI's and a 2 - 0 lead. The Giants would strike back in the 4th when Gary Matthews doubled with the bases full to give the Giants the 3 - 2 lead. The Dodgers wasted no time when Willie Davis lined a 2 run 3B to score Tommie Davis and Junior Gilliam and put the Dodgers back on top 4 - 3. The Giants answer in their half of the 5th with 2 which was capped off by a Willie Montanez solo shot and a 5 - 4 lead for the Giants. Maury Wills would single and score in the 7th to tie this game up and we have us a ballgame. Jim Brewer on the mound in the 7th for the Dodgers and the Giants would hit him hard and score 3 runs with Dave Rader providing the key double to knock in the final 2. The Giants bullpen would get the job done and keep things quiet and the Giants are moving on to the Final 4. Thanks to Pete for the well played series. The game played flawless with sound effects unchecked.
--submitted by Larry Reeves--