Cubs Split Doubleheader, Win Nightcap 8–5 After Braves Take Opener 5–4
Chicago Scores Six in Eighth Inning of Second Game to Salvage Split in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE, June 15 — The Chicago Cubs twice came from behind in the late innings Wednesday night, but only one rally held up. Milwaukee captured the opener of a twilight‑night doubleheader, 5–4, with two runs in the ninth, while Chicago stormed back with a six‑run eighth inning to win the second game, 8–5.
Neither club received a complete game from its pitching staff as both contests turned into bullpen affairs.
Braves Take First Game With Ninth‑Inning Rally
Warren Spahn carried a four‑hit shutout into the ninth inning of the opener, having outpitched Dick Ellsworth, Don Elston, and Moe Drabowsky through eight innings. Milwaukee had built a 3–0 lead, scoring once in each of the first, sixth, and eighth innings.
Chicago’s first run came when Ashburn, Will, and Banks opened the ninth with singles. Don McMahon relieved Spahn, but Ed Bouchee drove a pitch into the seats for a three‑run homer, giving the Cubs a brief 4–3 lead.
Milwaukee answered immediately in its half of the ninth against Seth Morehead. Mantilla singled, Mathews walked, and Aaron’s fly moved Mantilla to third. Joe Adcock singled to right to tie the game, and Spangler followed with a hit to right to bring home the winner.
Cubs’ Big Eighth Wins Second Game
Milwaukee built a 4–0 lead in the nightcap. Covington homered in the second, and Mathews hit a three‑run drive in the third. One of the runners reached on an error, and Schoendienst had singled ahead of the blast.
Chicago cut the margin in the fourth when Moryn singled and Thomas followed with a two‑run homer. Mathews struck again in the seventh with his second home run of the game, making it 5–2.
The Cubs’ decisive eighth inning began with singles by Moryn and Thomas off Carlton Willey. Ron Piché entered and allowed a single to Sam Taylor and a walk. A grounder by pinch‑hitter Dick Gernert forced in the tying run. Bob Will singled to right to score two more, and Banks’ infield bouncer caromed off Mathews’ chest for the final run.
Ken MacKenzie finally stopped the rally, but the damage was done.
Pitching Notes
- Drabowsky, who pitched in both games, earned the win in the nightcap.
- Piché was charged with the loss after facing only two batters.
- Willey worked seven innings before being chased in the eighth.
- Anderson started for Chicago in the second game but was removed after Mathews’ first homer.
Home Run Summary
- Mathews hit his 13th and 14th of the season.
- Covington hit his fifth.
- Thomas hit his 13th for Chicago.
- Bouchee homered in the opener to give the Cubs a temporary lead.
Standings Impact
The split left both clubs holding ground in the National League race, with Milwaukee taking the opener but unable to withstand Chicago’s late surge in the second game.
Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune June 16, 1960 via Newspapers.com