|
|
Thompson, Pilots Take Home First HOF League Title...
Exposition Park: In another exciting and back and forth game, the Seattle Pilots rallied and held off a late charge by the Birmingham Black Barons to win the first ever Lp2 HOF League title. "What a great game," stated Joe Chapman, "we were sweating it out there in the bottom of the ninth, but the guys held on and played a great series. Kudos to the Barons for a great season and even better series." The Pilots jumped on Carl Hubbell HOF early, with 3 in the first, highlighted by a 2-run homerun by Ernie Lombardi HOF. The Barons then rallied in the bottom of the 2nd, putting up a 5 spot, led by a Willie Mays HOF 3 run jack. The lead was shortlived, as the Pilots took the lead for good in the top of the 3rd, scoring 7 runs, 3 off of a 3 run triple by Pilot starter Addie Joss HOF. "We actually delayed that at bat for about 2 minutes, as we strongly considered taking Addie out," said Chapman, "but we thought we needed his arm. Come to find out, we needed his bat!"
However, the Barons never gave up and in the bottom of the 9th, with one run across, Ozzie Smith HOF came to the plate with the tying run on 2nd and the winning run on first. The Pilots countered with Phil Niekro HOF, who got Ozzie to fly out to end the game. "I wish I could have gotten the big hit," said Ozzie, "but it wasn't to be."
Though their bullpen was dominant, throwing six shutout innings, the Barons were again hurt by errors, having committed 2, which led to a whopping 9 unearned runs.
Joss (2-0) got the win, Niekro the save. Hubbell (1-1) took the loss. Sam Thompson HOF, who was named the series MVP following the game, went 4-5 in the victory, with 2 RBIs. For the series, Thompson hit .481 (3rd) with 13 hits, (t1st), 8 RBI (t1st), while slugging .630 (3rd).
In attendance for the game, Joe Chapman and Joe Terry. Each manager was in control of their own substitutions.
|
