It’s summer time and with a little more free time, I’m rolling dice for my 1966 NL replay again. It’s feeling good getting back into the groove. As I start up again, I noticed that I’m at the June 18th mark in my replay which was just a few days ago.
A couple of highlights…
June 18, 1966
S
F vs. LA
Sandy Koufax is having quite a year second only to his teammate Don Sutton (15-0, 1.39 ERA). However, when he gave up three hits and two runs in the first inning against the Giants, I wondered if this was going to be “one of those games”. Nope. Koufax buckled down and kept the Giants hitless for the next eight innings.
Willie Davis tied it with a two-homer in the 4th inning but it was Koufax himself who drove in Johnny Roseboro to win the game. The win boosts the Dodgers’ first place lead in the NL. Meanwhile the Giants who were hot for so long, are languishing in fourth place.
Koufax’ 1.47 ERA in 134 2/3 innings is second on the team next to Sutton however he leads the league in strikeouts (132) and complete games (16).
LA 3
SF 2
WP- Koufax LP- Sadeki
HR- W. Davis
June 18, 1966
PHI vs. STL
The Cardinals entered this game with Philly at 17-43, easily the worst record in the league. I’m no Redbird fan but hoping they win some games. They traded for Orlando Cepeda recently but for some reason, he wasn’t played (I’m using actual lineups). They will have to win one without Baby Bull this game.
Bob Buhl is on the mound for the Phillies. He’s a D pitcher but for some reason, he has maintained a 3.73 ERA. Until this game, that is. Buhl only lasts 3 plus innings as the Cards collect six singles in seven straight at-bats in the fourth inning.
Al Jackson spreads out eleven hits in his complete game win and goes 2 for 4 with an rbi.
Worth noting: Bobby Wine extends his hitting streak to 15 games. Reality check: Wine only played 46 games and had 97 at-bats in the actual 1966 season and hit .236. He’s just been lucky.
STL 9
PHI 4
WP- Jackson, A LP- Buhl
Next up: a doubleheader between the Cubs and the Astros giving Houston a chance to make up some lost ground.
Bobby Wine, whose walk-up song should have been Faron Young’s “Wine Me Up.” ;-)
Super stuff,Tom!…My fave of all time!…Have a great weekend!