Wrigley Field opener...

Williams, Banks go back-to-back as Cubs stun Braves, 6-5

CHICAGO, Apr 14(AP)-With a "College" coaching the Cubs now, you would think the atmosphere at Wrigley Field would be a bit more spirited. Such was the case in bottom of the 7th as Billy Williams and Ernie Banks both went back-to-back to rally the Cubbies to a thrilling 6-5 win over the Milwaukee Braves today. The Cubs entered the inning down 5-1, as Bob Buhl was pitching a masterful game for the Braves, allowing just 2 hits, both by Williams, who also homered in the 1st and tripled in the 6th.

It started with a single

Dick Bertell opened the inning with a single, then was forced out on a bunt attempt by Al Heist. Pinch-hitter Bob Will then singled Heist to 3rd, followed by a pop to 2nd by Richie Ashburn. Don Zimmer then singled Heist home, sending up Williams, who blasted Buhl's pitch to the right field bleachers for the tying home run. Banks then followed up with what proved to be the game-winning home run, chasing Buhl from the game.

Braves rally falls short

Then in the top of the 8th, Eddie Mathews greeted Don Elston with a lead-off triple, followed by a Hank Aaron grounder to the mound, holding Mathews and a strikeout of Frank Bolling. Joe Adcock, who had earlier hit a 3-run homer, was then walked intentionally, sending Roy McMillan to the plate, who grounded out to Banks at short to end the rally. Barney Schultz pitched a perfect 9th to preserve the win for starter Bob Anderson, who pitched 7 innings.

Game notes
-Williams is now 7-10 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's.
-Adcock was 2 for 3 with a homer and 3 RBI's, the homer coming in the 4th.
-Buhl struck out 6 Cubs before running out of steam in the 7th.

WP-Anderson(1-0) LP-Buhl(0-1) SV-Schultz(1)
HR-Williams(1,2) Adcock(1) Banks(1)
MIL 5-7-1 CHC 6-7-0