Pirates Flogged by Giants, 12-4
3-run second inning lone bright spot as Bucs title defense begins on sour note
By Jack Hernon, Post-Gazette Writer
SAN FRANCISCO-Apr 11-They picked up where they left off in October with a 3-run second. Then, it was over.
The Pirates title defense began on a promising note with a 3-run second inning, mostly fueled by Giant starter Sam Jones' shaky control and fielding, getting 4 walks and a error while managing just 1 hit off the righty.
Pirate starter Bob Friend started well enough, retiring the first five Giants before he was "doubled" over, that is, he allowed back-to-back-to-back doubles to Ed Bailey, Chuck Hiller and Ed Bressoud, slicing the Buc lead to 3-2.
Then in the 3rd, Friend lost the lead and eventually the game when Willie Mays singled in Felipe Alou, then Orlando Cepeda crushed a Friend offering towards Sausilito, signaling an onslaught in which the Jints would score in each subsequent inning, rendering the Pirate world champion attack impotent on 4 runs off 7 hits, all singles.
It was sheer frustration for 3 key Pirates in the 12-4 rout. Roberto Clemente was a pitiful 0-5 against the Giant combo of Jones and lefty Billy O'Dell. Catcher Smoky Burgess let 2 passed balls get away from him and in a 7th inning that'll be fondly remembered, reigning MVP Dick Groat let 2 grounders get away from him, with a 3rd getting past him for a Willie Mays single.
The Pirate pen leaked badly after Friend left in the 4th, with Al McBean, Clem Labine and ex-Yankee Bobby Shantz getting bruised up by the booming Giant bats.
It wasn't no way to start a title defense, but at least the Pirates still know how to start; it's how they finish that needs work over the next 2 games in the Bay.
3-run second inning lone bright spot as Bucs title defense begins on sour note
By Jack Hernon, Post-Gazette Writer
SAN FRANCISCO-Apr 11-They picked up where they left off in October with a 3-run second. Then, it was over.
The Pirates title defense began on a promising note with a 3-run second inning, mostly fueled by Giant starter Sam Jones' shaky control and fielding, getting 4 walks and a error while managing just 1 hit off the righty.
Pirate starter Bob Friend started well enough, retiring the first five Giants before he was "doubled" over, that is, he allowed back-to-back-to-back doubles to Ed Bailey, Chuck Hiller and Ed Bressoud, slicing the Buc lead to 3-2.
Then in the 3rd, Friend lost the lead and eventually the game when Willie Mays singled in Felipe Alou, then Orlando Cepeda crushed a Friend offering towards Sausilito, signaling an onslaught in which the Jints would score in each subsequent inning, rendering the Pirate world champion attack impotent on 4 runs off 7 hits, all singles.
It was sheer frustration for 3 key Pirates in the 12-4 rout. Roberto Clemente was a pitiful 0-5 against the Giant combo of Jones and lefty Billy O'Dell. Catcher Smoky Burgess let 2 passed balls get away from him and in a 7th inning that'll be fondly remembered, reigning MVP Dick Groat let 2 grounders get away from him, with a 3rd getting past him for a Willie Mays single.
The Pirate pen leaked badly after Friend left in the 4th, with Al McBean, Clem Labine and ex-Yankee Bobby Shantz getting bruised up by the booming Giant bats.
It wasn't no way to start a title defense, but at least the Pirates still know how to start; it's how they finish that needs work over the next 2 games in the Bay.
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