Cubs Keep Expos WInless as a Franchise

Les Expos battle hard - at least a little bit - but lose three to the Cubbies and are still looking for franchise win #1.

Game 1: Chicago 7, Montreal 3
W: J. Niekro (1-0)
L: Morton (0-1)

Youngster Carl Morton -- a future Rookie of the Year candidate (hint) in 1970 -- needs some seasoning, allowing eight hits and six runs in 3.2 innings. Joe Niekro isn't great, allowing 10 hits in seven but gets ample run support for the win. Centerfielder Don Young crashes a 407 foot homer to pace the scoring attack.

Game 2: Chicago 4, Montreal 3 (10 innings)
W: Regan (1-0)
L: Shaw (0-2)

Montreal's Mudcat Grant continues to prove that he belongs as a starter, no hitting the Cubs through four until Ernie Banks pounds the first of his two homers on the day. Montreal leads 3-1 going into the top of the ninth, scoring three off Cubs starter Fergie Jenkins in the eighth, fueled by Coco Laboy's clutch single. But Banks hits a dramatic, tying two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth to send it to extras. In the bottom of the 10th, Don Young singles and goes to second, setting up a two-run RBI single by Glenn Beckert to send the Wrigley faithful home happy.

Game 3: Chicago 6, Montreal 0
W: Hands (1-1)
L: Stoneman (0-2)

This one is all Cubs, scoring three off Montreal starter Bill Stoneman, who is effective but can't shake the lack of offensive support. Jim Hickman's two-run shot in the sixth puts the Cubs up 3-0 for starter Bill Hands, who had perfect control while striking out six and walking none in a complete game. Three eighth inning runs by the Cubs off a wild Carroll Sembera ice the game.