Saturday, February 8, 2014

Bailey powers Expos to first win.....

April 15, 1969 Montreal:  Behind the big bat of firstbaseman Bob Bailey and the pitching of youngster Carl Morton and company, the Expos picked up their first win in franchise history, 9-0.  A scoreless game with two out in the bottom of the third, Mack Jones grounded a single to right.  Bailey then hit his first of two home runs on the day to give Montreal a 2-0 lead.  The Expos extended their lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the fifth.  Bailey's RBI single scored Don Bosch, who picked up his first hit of the year to start the inning.  Thirdbaseman Coco Laboy put the icing on the cake with a three run homer to straight away center and a 7-0 Expo lead.  John Bateman finished off the scoring with a two run homer to left center in the bottom of the seventh.

Today's game was a game of first in franchise history.  First win, first multi home run game, and first shutout.  Morton went the first six innings allowing six hits, with three walks and seven strikeouts before giving way to a trio of relievers.  Veteran Don Shaw threw one scoreless inning.  Expo manager Gene Mauch then brought in young lefthander Dan McGinn who he thought would finish out the game.  McGinn threw a scoreless eighth but showed some immaturity questioning home plate umpire Al Barlick's call to Curt Flood on a 3-2 pitch which resulted in McGinn's unscheduled exit and a potential fine from ARAIG Commissioner Chad Weyenberg.  Regardless, veteran righty Carroll Sembera was able to pitch out of a bases loaded situation as Cardinal catcher Tim McCarver grounded into a game ending double play. 

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