April 11, 1978

Twins at Angels

Roy Smalley hits another home run to maintain his major league lead. Smalley was a good shortstop, but had never hit more than 6 home runs in a year. Ten days into 1978 and he already has 1/2 that total. It would turn out to be maturity. He was 25 in 1978, and he always had potential. He was the #1 pick in the 1974 draft. Twins won easily.

Blue Jays at White Sox

It's a slow game day, so I want to mention Vic Voltaggio, the home plate umpire. Vic has one of the best umpire names I've ever heard. Wonder how many times players argued with his calls, when his name indicates the mob might only be a phone call away.

Yankees at Brewers

Slow day for Milwaukee, and yet the Yankees' nightmares come true. The Brew Crew score another 9 runs, courtesy of two Gorman Thomas homers. 49 runs in 4 games.

Mike Caldwell gets the save. Apparently the Brewers don't yet know he's going to be their best starting pitcher for the next two years. In fact, he's going to win 22 games this season alone, and finish second in the Cy Young race. And he's closing the game!

Padres at Braves

Like the night before, the game is decided in the 9th inning, this time in the Padres' favor. Phil Niekro was still in the game in the top of the 9th, and Winfield reached on an error. George Hendrick then doubled him home to give Niekro his second loss. Niekro is going to have 37 decisions this year. Think that's a lot? In 1979 he would have 41 decisions!

Giants at Reds

Reds lose for the first time. Seaver pitched well, but Randy Tomlin gave up a homer to a young Jack Clark in the 8th, and the Giants eeked out the win.

Dodgers at Astros

Dodgers got their first loss, and Astros got their first win. J.R. Richard was dominant, with a complete game 2-hitter and 8 Ks. The only run of the game was in the bottom of the first, when leadoff hitter Terry Puhl singled, stole second and scored on a Cesar Cedeno single.

Cubs at Mets

Cubs lead 4-0 in the bottom of the eighth when Bruce Sutter is brought in to relieve Rick Reuschel. He gives up an earned run, and then Herman Franks decides not to bring him out in the ninth. Not a lot of confidence in this future Hall of Famer, and his youth can't be the reason. He had been an all-star the previous year, and finished 6th in the Cy Young voting and 7th in the MVP voting. Donnie Moore picked up the save for the Cubs.