Pirates Edge Phillies, 3–2, Behind Law’s Third Straight Complete Game
Del Greco and Callison Homer, But Pittsburgh’s 11 Hits Provide Just Enough Margin
PHILADELPHIA, April 27 — The Pittsburgh Pirates tightened their hold on first place Wednesday night by outlasting the Philadelphia Phillies, 3–2, at Connie Mack Stadium, extending their winning streak to six games. The Phillies, who had won their first three one‑run decisions of the season, dropped their first close contest despite two solo home runs.
Pittsburgh right‑hander Vernon Law scattered 10 hits but walked only one and pitched his third straight complete‑game victory, allowing Philadelphia just two runs — both on long balls — and permitting a runner past first base in only one other inning.
Phillies Rely on Power
Philadelphia’s offense came entirely from the home run. Bobby Del Greco tied the game in the third with a drive into the upper deck in left, and Johnny Callison homered to right with two out in the eighth. But the Phillies managed little else against Law, who retired the final four batters in order.
Meyer Makes First Start in Two Years
Right‑hander Jack Meyer, making only his second start in two seasons, worked 3⅔ innings and allowed two runs. Manager Gene Mauch praised Meyer’s effort afterward, though the loss was charged to him. The deciding run scored off reliever Ruben Gomez in the fifth.
Pittsburgh’s attack was led by Bob Skinner, who reached base four times and drove in two runs, and Dick Groat, who collected three hits and executed a key hit‑and‑run play.
Pirates Strike First
The Pirates opened the scoring in the third. Don Hoak singled, and Groat bounced a hit through the vacated shortstop position as Joe Koppe broke to cover second on the hit‑and‑run. Hoak reached third easily and scored on Skinner’s sacrifice fly to right.
Del Greco’s homer tied the game moments later.
Pittsburgh Regains the Lead
In the fourth, Roberto Clemente and Smoky Burgess singled, and Clemente advanced to third. Bill Virdon lifted a sacrifice fly to center, putting Pittsburgh ahead 2–1.
Later in the inning, Law doubled and Burgess reached third, prompting Mauch to summon Gomez. The reliever struck out Hoak to end the threat.
Winning Run in the Fifth
Groat opened the fifth with a double to left‑center, and Skinner singled him home for what proved to be the winning run. Gomez and Humberto Robinson held Pittsburgh scoreless thereafter, but the Phillies could not draw even.
Phillies’ Missed Opportunity
Philadelphia’s best chance came in the fourth when Frank Herrera and Ed Bouchee singled to center. With runners on first and third and one out, Harry Anderson popped to short, and Hoak threw out Koppe to end the inning.
The Phillies put single runners aboard in the fifth, sixth, and seventh, but none advanced beyond first.
Coker, Burgess Shine Defensively
Both catchers had notable evenings. Burgess, long criticized for erratic throws, cut down Koppe and Callison on steal attempts. Phillies catcher Jim Coker, who had not thrown out a runner since Opening Day, erased three of four Pirates who tried to steal second.
Notes
- Infielder Ruben Amaro, recently discharged from the Army, worked out with the Phillies before the game and may soon be recalled from Indianapolis.
- The Pirates collected 11 hits, while the Phillies had 10, but Pittsburgh made better use of its opportunities.
- Philadelphia starter Robin Roberts is scheduled to pitch later in the series.
Courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer April 28, 1960 via Newspapers.com