* TOP OF THE 1st, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
Hello again, everybody ... it's series time ... I'm Ernie Harwell
bringing you Oakland Athletics baseball ... join the crowd and enjoy the action
here on 66 WAPBA ... we're coming to you from out here at the park
today the visiting St. Louis Cardinals ... will test the Athletics at home
this is the Championship Series! ... Game Number One ... in this 7-game series
these two teams have fought for privilege ... their reward is the contest now joined
the Athletics take the field here in the first ... let's see ... defensively for Oakland
Mark MCGWIRE '98 at first base ... Phil GARNER '79 at second
Bert CAMPANERIS '70 the shortstop ... Sal BANDO '69 at third ... across the outfield
in left it's Jose CANSECO '88 ... in center Rickey HENDERSON '90
and over in right Reggie JACKSON '69 ... Mickey TETTLETON '91 is behind the plate
batting second and DHing ... Darrell EVANS '73 ... and going today for Oakland
the portsider Vida BLUE '71 ... a strikeout artist ... he'll be facing Cardinals starter
right-hander Bob GIBSON '68 ... it's a hitter's park ... the weather
wind not much of a factor here ... blowing in gently ... so settle in
this is a championship game
Here's Lance JOHNSON '96 to lead it off
* L. JOHNSON '96 facing V. BLUE '71, T 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
Now BLUE '71 pitches ... JOHNSON '96's called out on strikes ... one down
Next batter...Tom HERR '85
* T. HERR '85 facing V. BLUE '71, T 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 to the wind ... grounded weakly to MCGWIRE '98 ... and he steps on first for the out
two gone
Two down 1st inning ... Keith HERNANDEZ '79 walks up
* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 1st, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
Now BLUE '71 comes home with it ... chopper back to the mound ... BLUE '71 gloves it
throws to first ... the throw is wild!...into right field ... HERNANDEZ '79's headed for second
here's the throw ... not in time ... he's in standing ... that'll be an error on BLUE '71
Well ... for St. Louis two down one on ... the next Cardinals batter is Terry PENDLETON '91
he'll bat from the right side this time ... he's their clean-up hitter
* T. PENDLETON '91 facing V. BLUE '71, T 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 looks back at HERNANDEZ '79 on second ... the pitch ... swung on
bounced toward the mound ... BLUE '71 knocks it down ... now he has it ... he goes to first
for the third out
The half for the Cardinals ... no runs no hits and one Athletics error ... they leave 1
Cardinals nothing Athletics coming up
* BOTTOM OF THE 1st, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
The Cardinals take the field here in the first ... let's see
here's how it lines up defensively for the Cardinals ... Keith HERNANDEZ '79 at first base
Tom HERR '85 at second ... Garry TEMPLETON '79 the shortstop ... Terry PENDLETON '91 at third
the trio in the outfield ... in left it's Jose CRUZ '83 ... in center Lance JOHNSON '96
and over in right Andy VAN SLYKE '92 ... Ted SIMMONS '75 is behind the plate
at DH, Todd ZEILE '99 ... he bats seventh ... and on the mound for St. Louis
Bob GIBSON '68 who comes from the right side ... he's a strikeout pitcher
Rickey HENDERSON '90 starts it for the Athletics
* R. HENDERSON '90 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
GIBSON '68 into his motion ... delivers ... lazy fly to center ... easy chance for JOHNSON '96
he's got it ... one down
One gone ... here's Darrell EVANS '73
* D. EVANS '73 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 1st, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The offering to EVANS '73 ... way off the plate ... that'll be ball four
and a free pass for EVANS '73 ... that was EVANS '73's first walk of the series
Jose CANSECO '88 getting ready to go
* J. CANSECO '88 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Tied 0-0
Now GIBSON '68 pitches ... swung on ... lined to short ... he leaps ... caught!
and EVANS '73 returns to first
Two down runner on first ... for Oakland ... we have right-handed Mark MCGWIRE '98 to bat
for the Athletics ... batting in the fourth slot
* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 0-0
Here comes the pitch ... this one is hit ... it may carry ... a long run for CRUZ '83
if it's fair it's trouble ... and it drops a foot inside the line ... EVANS '73's around third
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
they're waving him in
THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here comes the throw home
TRY FOR THIRD ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here's the play at the plate ... and EVANS '73's ... out!...just missed getting in
the coach was waving him on with two outs ... Duke Robinson, Jr has his boys running
but he comes up short here ... what's this? ... time called ... EVANS '73's down
SIMMONS '75's down ... they're getting up slowly ... SIMMONS '75's up ... EVANS '73
limps toward the dugout ... SIMMONS '75's hurt ... he got banged up a bit on that play
it looks like he'll leave the game ... and he gets a big hand from the crowd
The report from the clubhouse... ... Cardinals catcher SIMMONS '75 ... injured for 4 days
EVANS '73 ... will stay in the game ... but he could lose a little
That'll do it for Oakland ... nothing across ... no errors ... St. Louis due up
* TOP OF THE 2nd, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
The Cardinals will have ... SIMMONS '75 VAN SLYKE '92 and ZEILE '99 here in the 2nd
Cardinals skipper walking down the bench
SIMMONS '75 is injured ... who are they going to get for him?
will send Terry KENNEDY '82 out to hit ... he'll likely keep him in to catch
he shoulders the bat ... and heads toward the plate
Here's Terry KENNEDY '82 to start it off
* T. KENNEDY '82 facing V. BLUE '71, T 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 deals ... a bouncer back of second ... fielded by GARNER '79 ... he throws in time
one away
Andy VAN SLYKE '92 up
* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing V. BLUE '71, T 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
Here's the delivery ... in the air to center ... no cause for alarm
HENDERSON '90 has it in his sights ... and he tucks it away ... two down
Next batter...Todd ZEILE '99
* T. ZEILE '99 facing V. BLUE '71, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
He brings it home ... up the chimney ... a towering pop-up in foul ground
TETTLETON '91 near the dugout ... and he gloves it for the out ... three away
So the Cardinals go in order ... no score
the Athletics will get a try in the bottom of the second inning
* BOTTOM OF THE 2nd, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
JACKSON '69 TETTLETON '91 and BANDO '69 to bat next
Terry KENNEDY '82 ... he goes to catcher for the Cardinals
To get it going Reggie JACKSON '69
* R. JACKSON '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
GIBSON '68 with the offering ... popped way high ... to the left of the mound
TEMPLETON '79 comes in ... KENNEDY '82 comes out ... PENDLETON '91 is over
GIBSON '68 is trying to direct traffic ... who's got it? ... TEMPLETON '79 snares it!
for the putout ... one away
Mickey TETTLETON '91 is up next
* M. TETTLETON '91 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The offering to TETTLETON '91 ... TETTLETON '91 beats it into the dirt
a Baltimore chop in front of the plate ... KENNEDY '82 waits for it ... rifles a throw to first
and the ump thumbs TETTLETON '91 out ... and that's out number two
Sal BANDO '69 comes up to bat
* S. BANDO '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The pitch ... grounded to the right side ... and HERR '85 gloves it ... the throw
in plenty of time ... three away
For the Athletics ... three up three down ... no score ... the top of the third inning coming up
* TOP OF THE 3rd, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
For St. Louis here in the 3rd ... CRUZ '83 TEMPLETON '79 and JOHNSON '96
Jose CRUZ '83 leading off the 3rd
* J. CRUZ '83 facing V. BLUE '71, T 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 to the wind ... a towering fly ball to center ... HENDERSON '90 roams over
plenty of room ... and hauls it in ... one away
It's now Garry TEMPLETON '79 to bat ... he'll bat right here
* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 3rd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
Here comes the pitch ... there's a looping liner to left ... CANSECO '88 will have to hurry
charging hard ... and he makes the shoestring catch! ... right off a tall blade of grass
two down
We have JOHNSON '96 to bat for the Cardinals ... two gone none on
* L. JOHNSON '96 facing V. BLUE '71, T 3rd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 brings it ... he hits it off the handle to right ... not very deep
JACKSON '69 coming on ... and he one-hands it to retire JOHNSON '96 ... that's three away
So the Cardinals go quietly ... still no score here after two and a half
* BOTTOM OF THE 3rd, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
For Oakland it'll be ... GARNER '79 CAMPANERIS '70 and HENDERSON '90
Well ... here's Phil GARNER '79 to lead it off ... he bats right
* P. GARNER '79 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
GIBSON '68 to the wind ... a towering fly ball to right ... plenty of room
VAN SLYKE '92 moves under it ... and makes the catch ... one away
One gone ... right-handed batter Bert CAMPANERIS '70 now walks out to bat
* B. CAMPANERIS '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 3rd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
He comes home ... a healthy cut by CAMPANERIS '70 ... but he sends it straight up
KENNEDY '82 flings his mask aside ... and cradles the ball ... for the second out
Rickey HENDERSON '90 comes up to bat
* R. HENDERSON '90 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 3rd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
He brings it home ... HENDERSON '90 really thumps this one ... it's curving toward the pole
CRUZ '83 looks up ... is it fair or foul? ... foul ball ... strike one
* R. HENDERSON '90 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 3rd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The pitch ... swing and a miss ... hang up a K for GIBSON '68 ... that's three away
No runs no hits no errors ... and at the end of 3 ... 3 complete here in Oakland
still no score in the game ... we go to the top of the fourth inning
* TOP OF THE 4th, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
Oakland will now face the St. Louis strength ... HERR '85 HERNANDEZ '79 and PENDLETON '91
To get it going for the Cardinals here's Tom HERR '85 ... against BLUE '71 he'll bat right
* T. HERR '85 facing V. BLUE '71, T 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 brings it home ... high, high pop fly ... this one'll bring rain
BANDO '69 and TETTLETON '91 converge near the line ... TETTLETON '91 is calling off BANDO '69
and he has it for the out in fair territory ... one away
Alright... ... one out ... it's now the port-side swinger Keith HERNANDEZ '79 to bat
* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 4th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
To the plate ... it's a whiff ... two gone
Alright... ... Terry PENDLETON '91 steps up to face BLUE '71 ... he'll bat right here ... two outs
* T. PENDLETON '91 facing V. BLUE '71, T 4th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The delivery from BLUE '71 ... hit hard toward the gap in right center
HENDERSON '90's racing back ... he won't get it ... it's off the wall
HENDERSON '90 chases it down ... PENDLETON '91 cruises in to second
and that's the 1st base knock for the Cardinals in this game
Two away 4th inning ... one on ... Terry KENNEDY '82 steps up to face BLUE '71
* T. KENNEDY '82 facing V. BLUE '71, T 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0
PENDLETON '91 moves quietly toward third ... BLUE '71 cranks it up ... grounded hard to BANDO '69
he takes the high hop ... juggles it ... the long throw to first ... just in time
The half for the Cardinals ... no runs one hit ... they leave 1 ... still no score
the Athletics will get a try in the bottom of the fourth inning
* BOTTOM OF THE 4th, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
And here comes the artillery for Oakland ... EVANS '73 CANSECO '88 and MCGWIRE '98
Darrell EVANS '73 to lead it off for the Athletics ... he bats left-handed
* D. EVANS '73 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
GIBSON '68 deals ... fastball ... high ... free pass to EVANS '73 ... and Darrell takes first
No outs 4th inning ... one on ... right-handed batter Jose CANSECO '88 now walks out to bat
* J. CANSECO '88 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 4th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 0-0
Throw to first ... he's back ... now GIBSON '68 is back on the rubber
GIBSON '68 comes to the plate ... CANSECO '88 squibs it to the left side ... a swinging bunt
PENDLETON '91 charges it ... picks it up and guns it to first ... but CANSECO '88 beats the throw
that'll be an infield hit for CANSECO '88
Okay ... runners at first and second nobody out ... the bottom of the fourth inning
Mark MCGWIRE '98 will bat next for Oakland
* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 4th, No Outs, 1st and 2nd, Tied 0-0
Here he comes ... swung on ... easy bouncer to HERR '85 ... could be two
he flips to TEMPLETON '79 at second ... over to first ... yes!...the twin killing
EVANS '73 moves to third
Well ... two down runner at third ... Oakland now sends Reggie JACKSON '69 to bat
hitting from the left side
* R. JACKSON '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 4th, 2 Outs, Runner on 3rd, Tied 0-0
EVANS '73 off third ... he brings it home ... in the air to center
JOHNSON '96 has it in his sights ... and he tucks it away
For the Athletics ... no runs on one hit ... they leave 1 ... a chance goes by the board
4 in the books here in Oakland ... still no score in the game
we go to the top of the fifth inning
* TOP OF THE 5th, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
The Cardinals will have ... VAN SLYKE '92 ZEILE '99 and CRUZ '83 here in the 5th
Andy VAN SLYKE '92 leading off the 5th
* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing V. BLUE '71, T 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 now ... fastball ... badly fooled ... strike three ... one away
Todd ZEILE '99 is the next hitter
* T. ZEILE '99 facing V. BLUE '71, T 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
The pitch ... just over the knees ... the plate ump thumbs him out
a pair of strikeouts for BLUE '71 here in the 5th ... two away
Jose CRUZ '83 is out to take his hacks ... he hits from the left ... two down
* J. CRUZ '83 facing V. BLUE '71, T 5th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
Now he comes home with it ... bounced up the middle ... GARNER '79's racing over ... he's got it
spins...fires to first ... not in time! ... and they are giving him the base hit
Garry TEMPLETON '79 coming up
* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 0-0
BLUE '71 with the offering ... half swing ... strike! ... and CRUZ '83 is stealing
and he caught BLUE '71 napping!
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
here's the peg from TETTLETON '91 ... the ump signals ... out! ... they lose a runner
Cardinals trying to score the first run ... but TETTLETON '91 had other ideas
that's three away
That'll do it for St. Louis ... nothing across ... so they do not tally ... another half inning gone
we still have a scoreless tie as we go to the bottom of the fifth inning
* BOTTOM OF THE 5th, Cardinals 0, Athletics 0
TETTLETON '91 BANDO '69 and GARNER '79 due up for Oakland
Here's Mickey TETTLETON '91 to start it off
* M. TETTLETON '91 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0
GIBSON '68 with the offering ... blasted deep ... deep to left center over JOHNSON '96's head
it's long gone!
Cardinals 0, Athletics 1
So TETTLETON '91 has his 1st homer of the series
and the Athletics break the tie and now lead 1-0 ... here in the 5th
BANDO '69 now walks out to bat ... no outs a run in
* S. BANDO '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
He delivers ... and BANDO '69 is caught looking ... one down
Phil GARNER '79 getting ready to go
* P. GARNER '79 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0
The offering ... GARNER '79 lashes one to right ... it falls ... and GARNER '79's on with a single
Well ... the next Athletics batter is Bert CAMPANERIS '70 ... right-hander
one out GARNER '79 on first ... for Oakland
* B. CAMPANERIS '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0
GARNER '79 going with the pitch ... hit hard to right center ... JOHNSON '96 scampering back
at the track ... he leaps ... he's got it! ... two gone ... and GARNER '79 returns to first
as the throw comes in
GARNER '79 on first two down ... the bottom of the fifth inning
right-handed hitter Rickey HENDERSON '90 ... gets set to bat against GIBSON '68
he's the top of the order
* R. HENDERSON '90 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0
GARNER '79 two full strides off first ... the pitch ... chopper back to the mound
GIBSON '68 gloves it ... he flips to HERNANDEZ '79 at first ... for the out
For the Athletics ... a run on 2 hits ... there were no errors ... one left
and they go ahead in the game ... the score now stands 1-0 ... Cardinals trail
* TOP OF THE 6th, Cardinals 0, Athletics 1
TEMPLETON '79 JOHNSON '96 and HERR '85 due up for St. Louis
Garry TEMPLETON '79 will start it off here in the 6th ... he'll bat from the right side this time
* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1
Here's the pitch from BLUE '71 ... TEMPLETON '79 dribbles one to the left of the mound
BLUE '71 can't reach it ... CAMPANERIS '70 charges in ... grabs it and throws in one motion
or tried to ... the ball travels about three feet ... and TEMPLETON '79 is on at first
that should be an error on CAMPANERIS '70 ... and it is...E6 ... 2 errors now for Oakland
the tying run is on
Lance JOHNSON '96 steps up to face BLUE '71 ... TEMPLETON '79 on at first
* L. JOHNSON '96 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1
Firstbaseman MCGWIRE '98 ready for a throw from BLUE '71 ... BLUE '71 brings it to the plate
soft blooper to right ... toward the gap ... and JACKSON '69 ... cuts it off on the bounce
TEMPLETON '79's around second
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
they're waving him on
THROW TO THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here comes the throw
TRY FOR SECOND ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here's the play at third ... and he's ... out by inches! ... go to town, Athletics!
they extinguish the tying run at third! ... and the aggressive baserunning does not pay off
and JOHNSON '96 holds with a single
Here's Tom HERR '85 to hit for the Cardinals ... hitting from the right side here ... for St. Louis
JOHNSON '96 on first one gone
* T. HERR '85 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1
JOHNSON '96 bluffs going ... now BLUE '71 comes home with it ... whacked it into right field
JACKSON '69's got a long way to go ... still after it ... near the line ... he makes the catch
two away ... JOHNSON '96's tagging
TRY FOR SECOND? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but the coach holds him at first
For St. Louis two down one on ... Keith HERNANDEZ '79 up
* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1
The pitch ... taken ... JOHNSON '96 is off to the races
MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)
TETTLETON '91 comes up throwing ... going to be close ... safe! ... JOHNSON '96 has a swipe
that's his 1st steal of the series ... the tying run is now at second base
* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-1
JOHNSON '96 now with an aggressive lead ... the pitch ... way off the plate ... that'll be ball four
and a free pass for HERNANDEZ '79 ... setting up the force
and that's the 1st walk issued by BLUE '71 ... that was HERNANDEZ '79's first walk of the series
Terry PENDLETON '91 gets set to bat against BLUE '71
the switch-hitter will be a righty against BLUE '71
two away JOHNSON '96 at second...HERNANDEZ '79 at first ... for St. Louis
* T. PENDLETON '91 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Behind 0-1
The runners take their lead ... the pitch ... clubbed to deepest center
HENDERSON '90 sprints for the fence ... but the ball wins this race ... a three-run homer
Terry PENDLETON '91 will circle the bases ... and he's sure taking his time
he's greeted at home plate ... congratulations all around
BLUE '71 is giving himself a lecture
Cardinals 3, Athletics 1
So PENDLETON '91 has his 1st homer of the series ... the Cardinals have their first big runs
and the Cardinals take the lead from the Athletics! ... they now lead 3-1
and this crowd has gone silent
Terry KENNEDY '82 to face BLUE '71
* T. KENNEDY '82 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-1
The offering to KENNEDY '82 ... called strike ... strike one
* T. KENNEDY '82 facing V. BLUE '71, T 6th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-1
BLUE '71 now ... soft grounder to BANDO '69 ... he's up with it ... the throw across the diamond
in time ... for the third out
For the Cardinals ... 3 runs on 2 hits ... one misadventure for the Athletics
they have taken the lead in this game! ... after five and a half 3-1 Cardinals
* BOTTOM OF THE 6th, Cardinals 3, Athletics 1
And here comes the artillery for Oakland ... EVANS '73 CANSECO '88 and MCGWIRE '98
Here's Darrell EVANS '73 to start it off
* D. EVANS '73 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
Here he comes ... batted hard on the ground toward right ... diving stop by HERR '85! ... throws
and he makes the play to first ... one away
Next up Jose CANSECO '88
* J. CANSECO '88 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 6th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
GIBSON '68 with the offering ... high fly ball to center ... JOHNSON '96 drifts back
he's at the warning track ... taps the glove ... and brings it down ... two down
Mark MCGWIRE '98 comes up to bat
* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 6th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-3
Now he comes home with it ... upstairs with a fast one ... MCGWIRE '98 doesn't offer
and that's ball number four ... and Mark will get down to first
that was MCGWIRE '98's first walk of the series
Next up...Oakland hitter Reggie JACKSON '69
* R. JACKSON '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 6th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-3
GIBSON '68 now ... JACKSON '69 swings ... and it's lifted to right
a routine chance for VAN SLYKE '92 ... he gloves it ... Athletics go down
That'll do it for Oakland ... no runs on no hits ... one left ... Cardinals still leading by 2
* TOP OF THE 7th, Cardinals 3, Athletics 1
For St. Louis here in the 7th ... VAN SLYKE '92 ZEILE '99 and CRUZ '83
To get it going for the Cardinals here's Andy VAN SLYKE '92 ... he swings from the left side
* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing V. BLUE '71, T 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-1
Here's a pitch ... VAN SLYKE '92 slaps it on the ground toward right ... this one has eyes
right between GARNER '79 and MCGWIRE '98 for a base hit
VAN SLYKE '92 couldn't have thrown it in a better spot
No one out 7th inning ... one on ... here's Todd ZEILE '99 to hit for the Cardinals
* T. ZEILE '99 facing V. BLUE '71, T 7th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1
The pitch ... swung on and missed ... BLUE '71 pulled the string
and ZEILE '99 was way out in front ... one away
Jose CRUZ '83 up
* J. CRUZ '83 facing V. BLUE '71, T 7th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1
There goes VAN SLYKE '92 ... slashed into the hole ... it's by him into left
CAMPANERIS '70 was over to cover second ... and that let the ball get through
VAN SLYKE '92 hustles in to third ... and Jose CRUZ '83 executes the fundamentals
a textbook hit-and-run
Alright... ... runners at the corners one away ... Garry TEMPLETON '79 will bat next for St. Louis
* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing V. BLUE '71, T 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 3-1
Athletics playing for the double play ... the offering
TEMPLETON '79 rips it down the left field line ... fair ball! ... VAN SLYKE '92 crosses the plate
CANSECO '88 tracks it down quickly ... CRUZ '83 is around second
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
the strong throw comes in to CAMPANERIS '70 ... and they're holding CRUZ '83 at second
Cardinals 4, Athletics 1
So TEMPLETON '79 with a ribbie-single ... and St. Louis increases its lead
it's now a 4-1 ballgame
Two on ... the top of the seventh inning ... we have Lance JOHNSON '96 coming up to hit
he bats left
And here comes Athletics manager Duke Robinson, Jr ... he's asking BLUE '71 for the ball
on his way to the mound is Paul LINDBLAD '75 ... the left-hander
so BLUE '71 goes six and a third ... the line on him ... 4 runs ... 1 earned ... on 7 hits
a homer ... one walk ... he struck out 5 ... he's responsible for the runners
he can only lose it ... for LINDBLAD '75 his first appearance in the series ... he's a southpaw
he'll be looking for the double play
Alright... ... the Cardinals have ... one out CRUZ '83 on second...TEMPLETON '79 on first
the top of the seventh inning ... Lance JOHNSON '96 now walks out to bat ... he bats left-handed
Lance is their lead-off man
* L. JOHNSON '96 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 4-1
The runners take their lead ... the pitch is on the way ... JOHNSON '96 hits a pea
past the diving MCGWIRE '98 ... just inside the bag ... it's rolling
JACKSON '69 will have to play it near the corner ... CRUZ '83 scores
TEMPLETON '79's rounding third
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
they're waving TEMPLETON '79 in ... CAMPANERIS '70 will relay
THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here comes the throw home
TRY FOR THIRD ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)
the coach is waving JOHNSON '96 to third on the throw
CUT IT TO THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
TEMPLETON '79 scores ... MCGWIRE '98 cuts it to third ... and he's
out!...just missed getting in ... the coach was waving him on
the Cardinals trade the out for the extra run
Cardinals 6, Athletics 1
So two runs score on JOHNSON '96's double ... and the Cardinals leave the Athletics behind 6-1
Cardinals hitter Tom HERR '85
* T. HERR '85 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 brings it ... low and away ... ball one
* T. HERR '85 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
The pitch to HERR '85 ... slow roller toward third ... BANDO '69 has to rush his peg
and he gets his man ... that's the third out!
The line for the Cardinals ... 3 4 and oh ... so the Cardinals have now taken a big lead
Cardinals over the Athletics 6-1 ... okay, folks, on your feet
take a break for the 7th inning stretch
* BOTTOM OF THE 7th, Cardinals 6, Athletics 1
TETTLETON '91 BANDO '69 and GARNER '79 due up for Oakland
Mickey TETTLETON '91 leading it off
* M. TETTLETON '91 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-6
The offering to TETTLETON '91 ... upstairs with a fast one ... TETTLETON '91 doesn't offer
and that's ball number four ... and TETTLETON '91 will get down to first
that was TETTLETON '91's first walk of the series
Sal BANDO '69 walking up to bat
* S. BANDO '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 7th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-6
The pitch ... and he misses ... ball one
* S. BANDO '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 7th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-6
GIBSON '68 fires it in ... grounded deep into the hole ... HERR '85 dives ... he cuts it off
he's on his feet ... slings it to first ... out at first ... one away
TETTLETON '91 goes to second
Phil GARNER '79 up there
* P. GARNER '79 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 7th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Behind 1-6
GIBSON '68 cranks it up ... checked swing ... he held up ... and he walks
and GIBSON '68 has given up 5 free rides to first
that was GARNER '79's first walk of the series
Bert CAMPANERIS '70 coming up
* B. CAMPANERIS '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 7th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-6
Quick move to the plate ... a towering fly ball to center ... JOHNSON '96's back ... he's under it
he's got it! ... both runners are tagging
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but they're holding them ... as the throw comes back in
Rickey HENDERSON '90 getting ready to go
* R. HENDERSON '90 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 7th, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-6
The offering from GIBSON '68 ... HENDERSON '90 pops it up behind the plate
KENNEDY '82 tosses his mask away ... moves under it ... and he makes the catch
that's three away
That'll do it for Oakland ... no runs on no hits ... they leave 2
they had a good chance but did not cash in ... Athletics trailing by 5
* TOP OF THE 8th, Cardinals 6, Athletics 1
Oakland will now face ... the heart of the Cardinals lineup
albeit one that has undergone some surgery ... HERNANDEZ '79 PENDLETON '91 and KENNEDY '82
Here's Keith HERNANDEZ '79 to start it off
* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 comes to him ... HERNANDEZ '79 raps it to the right side
GARNER '79 ranges to his left ... the quick peg to first ... and HERNANDEZ '79 is retired
and there's one away
Here's Terry PENDLETON '91 coming to the plate
* T. PENDLETON '91 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 with the offering ... PENDLETON '91 lofts a routine fly ball to center
HENDERSON '90 drifts under it ... and hauls it in ... two gone
Terry KENNEDY '82 up
* T. KENNEDY '82 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 8th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 to the wind ... swung on ... lined shot to center ... drops in front of HENDERSON '90
and KENNEDY '82 holds at first ... as the throw comes in to second
Andy VAN SLYKE '92 getting ready to go
* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 rocks and fires ... checked swing ... they check with the third base ump
and he didn't go around ... ball one
* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 6-1
And now the pitch ... lined hard over first ... JACKSON '69 races over
he cuts it off in the corner ... KENNEDY '82's around third
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
the throw comes in to CAMPANERIS '70 ... they're holding KENNEDY '82 at third
and VAN SLYKE '92's in standing with a double ... 2nd safety for VAN SLYKE '92
Todd ZEILE '99 is now up
* T. ZEILE '99 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 8th, 2 Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Ahead 6-1
The runners take their lead ... the delivery ... ZEILE '99 smacks a clothesline
straightaway center ... HENDERSON '90 steps back
and he reaches up and grabs it for the putout ... that almost sailed over his head
that's the third out!
For the Cardinals ... no runs on 2 hits ... there were no errors ... 2 left ... the score still 6-1
Athletics trail
* BOTTOM OF THE 8th, Cardinals 6, Athletics 1
St. Louis will now face the Oakland strength ... EVANS '73 CANSECO '88 and MCGWIRE '98
Darrell EVANS '73 to lead it off
Leading off Darrell EVANS '73
* D. EVANS '73 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-6
He lets it go ... swung on ... toward the gap ... VAN SLYKE '92 races back ... he stabs for it
and makes the catch in the webbing ... one away
Now coming up Jose CANSECO '88
* J. CANSECO '88 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 1-6
The pitch ... taken ... strike three ... he's gone ... two away
Mark MCGWIRE '98 is now up
* M. MCGWIRE '98 facing B. GIBSON '68, B 8th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-6
GIBSON '68 comes to him ... he pops it up ... HERNANDEZ '79's backing up ... HERR '85's over
waves off HERNANDEZ '79 ... for the third out
The Cardinals retire the side in order ... the score still stands 6-1 Athletics down
as we head for the top of the ninth inning
* TOP OF THE 9th, Cardinals 6, Athletics 1
CRUZ '83 TEMPLETON '79 and JOHNSON '96 to bat next
Jose CRUZ '83 leading off the 9th
Jose CRUZ '83 to lead it off
* J. CRUZ '83 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 fires it in ... CRUZ '83 tops it down the third base line
it'll be a tough play for BANDO '69 ... the off-balance peg ... yes! ... got him by a stride
sweet play by BANDO '69 ... that's one!
Garry TEMPLETON '79 coming up
* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 9th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 brings it to the plate ... grounded toward third ... BANDO '69 fields it ... fires
got him ... two away!
Next up...St. Louis hitter Lance JOHNSON '96
* L. JOHNSON '96 facing P. LINDBLAD '75, T 9th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 6-1
LINDBLAD '75 brings it ... hit in the air to right ... JACKSON '69 drifts over ... plenty of room
and JOHNSON '96's gone ... for the third out
So the Cardinals go quietly ... Cardinals up 6 1 ... we go to the bottom of the ninth inning
* BOTTOM OF THE 9th, Cardinals 6, Athletics 1
For Oakland it'll be ... JACKSON '69 TETTLETON '91 and BANDO '69
Reggie JACKSON '69 leading it off
Pitching change for St. Louis ... sends Al HRABOSKY '75 to the hill
so GIBSON '68 gets his innings ... he pitched eight ... his line ... one earned run ... on 4 hits
a homer ... 5 walks ... he struck out 3 ... he stands to win it
for HRABOSKY '75 his first appearance in the series ... he's a southpaw
Reggie JACKSON '69 to lead it off
* R. JACKSON '69 facing A. HRABOSKY '75, B 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-6
Now the delivery ... banged to right ... it's in there ... VAN SLYKE '92 fields it
JACKSON '69 starts for second ... but he's quickly back
as the throw comes in to TEMPLETON '79 ... single for JACKSON '69
Mickey TETTLETON '91 is the next hitter
* M. TETTLETON '91 facing A. HRABOSKY '75, B 9th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-6
Firstbaseman HERNANDEZ '79 right on the bag ... here's the pitch from HRABOSKY '75
it's back to him at the mound ... HRABOSKY '75 turns and throws to second ... in time for the out
and TETTLETON '91's on at first ... one away
Now coming up Sal BANDO '69
* S. BANDO '69 facing A. HRABOSKY '75, B 9th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-6
The runner's going ... punched back to HRABOSKY '75 ... it's off his glove!
BANDO '69 races down the line ... no play ... TETTLETON '91 holds up at second
Now at bat Phil GARNER '79
And here comes Cardinals manager ... he's asking HRABOSKY '75 for the ball ... he'll go to the pen
on to relieve is right-hander Todd WORRELL '86
so HRABOSKY '75 goes only one third of an inning ... the game for HRABOSKY '75 ... 2 hits
he leaves with two runners on ... for WORRELL '86 his first appearance in the series
he's a right-handed pitcher
Now coming up Phil GARNER '79
* P. GARNER '79 facing T. WORRELL '86, B 9th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Behind 1-6
Here's the pitch from WORRELL '86 ... swung on ... easy bouncer to HERR '85 ... could be two
he flips to TEMPLETON '79 at second ... over to first ... double play
and they get out of the inning
So it goes ... the Athletics lose ... and the Cardinals take it ... Game 1 goes to the Cardinals!!
St. Louis shuts down the Athletics bats with a 6-hitter! ... not pretty for the Oakland fans
here's the line ... for the Cardinals ... 6 runs on 10 hits ... no errors ... they leave 4
for the Athletics ... a run on 6 hits ... they committed 2 errors ... and they leave 7
GIBSON '68 gets his 1st win ... BLUE '71 takes his 1st loss ... so the Cardinals gain a step
in the next game, they'll go after the Athletics again ... in this 7-game series
they now stand at ... St. Louis ... one win ... no losses ... bye for now, everybody
this is WAPBA and Ernie Harwell ... saying so long from Oakland
Cardinals take this one from the Athletics ... 6-1
FINAL SCORE : Cardinals 6, Athletics 1