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NL openers

We start with a pitcher's duel in Cincy and end with a head-scratcher at the Coliseum
Glen's Hobbie? Shutting out Reds
The traditional Opening Day crowd at Crosley was treated to a pitcher's duel, but when the  final out was recorded, it was Glen Hobbie walking off the field a winner, as the Cubbies began their "College of Coaches" era with a academic 1-0 shutout over the Reds. Ron Santo broke up the duel with a RBI single in the 8th, scoring Richie Ashburn, while Hobbie retired the last 7 Redlegs to finish the 7-hit gem over Jim O'Toole, who allowed only 4 Cub hits.
Spahn spanks Redbirds
Ageless Warren Spahn added another successful opener to his resume as the Braves pounded the Cards by a 7-1 final. Hank Aaron got things started with a 2-run homer in the 1st, then Spahn started a 10-batter 3rd with a leadoff single off losing pitcher Ernie Broglio. The Bravos would score 5 in the inning, including 2-run singles by Frank Bolling and John DeMerit. Spahn went the distance, allowing the only Card tally in the 9th.
Game 7 revisited
Bill Mazeroski's homer with 2 outs in the 6th sparked memories of his ending the 1960 season against the Yankees, only this time, it would end up being a bad memory for the Candlestick faithful. Mazeroski's home run, coupled with Bob Friend and Roy Face's pitching led the World Champion Pirates to a 2-1 win over the Giants, whose lone thrill came in the 3rd, when Willie Mays singled in losing pitcher Sam Jones with their lone run.
Pancho didn't need no Cisco Kid
Phillies 1B Pancho Herrera rode off into the Coliseum sunset with 2 solo home runs, the latter of which forced Walt Alston to pull Don Drysdale in the 8th, breaking a 4-all tie as the Dodgers fell to the Phillies, despite a bases-loaded rally in the 9th, 6-4. The Phils were sparked by Herrera's heroics(he also singled) and a similar 3-hit effort by Johnny Callison, who also tripled and drove in 2 runs, the 2nd being an insurance run in the 9th. Tony Gonzalez also soloed one out of the cavernous Coliseum. The Dodgers wasted a 4-hit effort by Wally Moon and a Drysdale HR and loaded the bases off Phils reliever Ken Lehman in the 9th, who struck out pinch-hitter Norm Sherry to end the wild and wooly opener. Jack Baldschun got the win in relief of Robin Roberts.

2 AL games on Monday, back at the BlogSpot then.


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