Braves Hold Off Phillies’ Ninth‑Inning Rally to Win Slugfest, 9–8
Rush Fans Two With Tying Run Aboard; Mantilla and Aaron Homer in 30‑Hit Contest
PHILADELPHIA, June 2 — A long, uneven, and often wild night at Connie Mack Stadium ended only when Bob Rush struck out Cal Neeman and Joe Koppe with the tying run on second base, preserving the Milwaukee Braves’ 9–8 victory over the Phillies in a 30‑hit slugfest.
The Braves led throughout, but the Phillies mounted a furious rally in the ninth, scoring three runs and chasing reliever Don McMahon before Rush finally extinguished the threat.
Braves Break It Open Against Conley
Milwaukee carried a 6–5 lead into the ninth when Philadelphia summoned Gene Conley, making his first relief appearance of the season. The tall right‑hander struck out Joe Adcock, but a double by Wes Covington, an intentional walk to Johnny Logan, and a run‑scoring single by Del Crandall opened the door.
After McMahon popped up a bunt, Bill Bruton doubled off the right‑field wall, driving in two more and giving Milwaukee a 9–5 cushion.
Phillies Answer Back
The Phillies refused to fold. Tony Taylor, who had three hits, walked to start the inning. Al Dark reached when Felix Mantilla mishandled his grounder. After Tony Curry struck out, Ken Walters singled home a run, and Harry Anderson doubled down the right‑field line to score two more.
With the tying run at second and one out, Rush entered and struck out Neeman and Koppe to end the game.
Milwaukee Jumps Ahead Early
The Braves struck quickly against starter Taylor Phillips, recalled from Buffalo for his first start. Mantilla singled and three walks forced in a run in the first. In the second, singles by Bruton, Eddie Mathews, and Hank Aaron made it 3–0.
Milwaukee added three more in the third and fourth. Mel Roach and Logan singled in the third, setting up a sacrifice fly by Warren Spahn. Mantilla hit his second homer of the season in the fourth, and Aaron followed with his 10th, giving the Braves a 6–1 lead.
Phillies Chip Away
Philadelphia answered with steady pressure. Taylor and Dark doubled in the first. In the fifth, singles by Bobby DelGreco, Taylor, Bobby Gene Smith, and Walters produced two runs before Spahn struck out Frank Herrera and Neeman to escape.
Taylor homered in the seventh — his third of the year — and Dark reached third when Roach misplayed his single. Curry beat out an infield tap to score Dark, but Walters was thrown out trying to steal to end the inning.
Pitching Summary
- Spahn (3–2): 6⅓ innings, 11 hits, 5 runs, 2 strikeouts.
- McMahon: 2⅓ innings, 5 hits, 3 runs.
- Rush: ⅓ inning, 2 strikeouts, save.
- Phillips: 2+ innings, 6 hits, 4 runs.
- Gómez, Robinson, and Short combined for five scoreless innings before Conley faltered in the ninth.
Defensive Highlights
- DelGreco made two standout catches in center, including a leaping grab against the scoreboard and a deep running catch on Aaron’s long drive.
- Walters was thrown out attempting to steal in the seventh, ending a Phillies rally.
Notes
- Attendance was 10,002.
- Outfielder Johnny Callison was placed on the disabled list with a knee injury.
- The Phillies outhit Milwaukee 16–14, but the Braves’ two home runs proved decisive.
Courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer June 3, 1960 via Newspapers.com