Mets and Pirates keep pace

September 5, 1970

With New York visiting Wrigley Field and the Pirates hosting Philadelphia at shiny new Three Rivers Stadium, both teams took care of business in Friday and Saturday affairs to keep the Mets two games up in the only remaining pennant race of the 1970 season.

In Friday's afternoon affair, the Mets broke out with a six run second inning and never looked back, holding on by a 9-5 count. Donn Clendenon struck the big blow with a three run blast (24) to make the score 8-3 off Chicago starter Bill Hands (8-13), who has had a disappointing season that has hindered the Cubbies chance to stay in contention. Nolan Ryan (5-9) was erratic over 6-2/3 innings, striking out seven but walking six and allowing five runs before giving way to the bullpen. Ron Herbel provided two innings of scoreless relief to finish out the contest.

The Bucs won their ninth straight game in blowout fashion with a 9-1 win over the reeling Phillies. After trailing 1-0 early, the hosts dropped a four spot on starter Rick Wise (7-14), with back to back doubles from Willie Stargell and Manny Sanguillen driving in three of the runs. The latter would drive in another later in the game with a second two bagger. Gene Alley (13) added a long ball to lead off the 8th. Steve Blass (8-8) would go the distance, scattering six hits and striking out the same number.

New York continued to roll Saturday with an 8-3 win, scoring four in the first inning with four consecutive two out singles off Ken Holtzman (12-13) and coasting to their eighth victory in the last ten games. Clendenon would homer (25) again with a solo blast in the 8th inning. Jerry Koosman (12-7) tossed all nine innings for the victors, whiffing nine Cubs' swingers along the way.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh ran its season high winning streak to double digits in a game played close to the vest, 2-1. Rookie Fred Cambria (3-0) pitched a stellar seven innings to keep his team in the game. Back to back homers from Al Oliver (15) and Stargell (30) would provide the only offense. Recently acquired lefty George Brunet would provide 1-2/3 innings of scoreless relief, while mainstay Dave Guisti recorded the final two outs for his 24th save of the season.