Reds Win Ninth Straight as O’Toole Blanks Phillies, 1–0
Pinson’s Triple Produces Lone Run; Philadelphia Shut Out for Third Consecutive Game
CINCINNATI, May 13 — The Cincinnati Reds continued their remarkable early‑season surge Friday night, edging the Philadelphia Phillies 1–0 at Crosley Field for their ninth straight victory. The defeat marked the Phillies’ third consecutive 1–0 loss and extended their scoreless streak to 29 innings.
Left‑hander Jim O’Toole, 23, authored his second straight shutout, scattering seven hits and working out of several tight spots to earn his third win in five decisions.
Reds Break Through in the Fifth
The game’s only run came in the fifth inning. Billy Martin singled to right and advanced on O’Toole’s sacrifice bunt. After an infield out moved Martin to third, Vada Pinson drove a long shot off the center‑field wall for a triple. In most parks the ball would have been a routine out, but Crosley’s short straightaway center allowed Pinson’s drive to fall safely.
Phillies Miss Golden Chance
Philadelphia’s best opportunity came moments earlier in the top of the fifth. Cal Neeman, making his Phillies debut, singled to center, and Joe Koppe ended an 0‑for‑21 drought with a double high off the left‑center scoreboard. Neeman, unsure of the ball’s flight, hesitated and held at third.
With runners on second and third and none out, the Phillies came up empty. Pitcher Ruben Gomez tapped back to the mound, and O’Toole tagged him for the first out. Tony Taylor and Al Dark struck out to end the threat.
Buzhardt Leaves Early; Gomez Strong in Relief
Philadelphia starter Johnny Buzhardt worked only one inning before a blister forced him out. Gomez pitched the remaining seven frames, allowing just one run, walking none, and striking out one. He kept Cincinnati in check after the fifth, permitting only three baserunners the rest of the way.
The Reds threatened once more in the fourth when Frank Robinson and Tony González singled, but Ed Bailey grounded to first and Frank Herrera threw Robinson out at the plate.
Phillies’ Other Chances Fade
The Phillies mounted several smaller threats:
- In the first, Taylor walked and stole second but was stranded.
- In the second, Ken Walters singled before Neeman hit into a double play.
- In the fourth, Walters again grounded into a double play after Herrera walked and Wally Post singled.
- In the seventh and eighth, Koppe and Bobby Del Greco doubled, but both were left on base.
O’Toole walked three and struck out four, bearing down each time the Phillies advanced a runner.
Reds’ Defense Sharp
Cincinnati’s fielding helped preserve the shutout. González made a leaping one‑handed catch on Del Greco’s liner in the fourth, and shortstop Roy McMillan ended the game with a difficult play near second on Koppe’s grounder.
Third baseman Eddie Kasko recorded eight assists.
Notes
- The Reds, once 4–11, are now above .500 and climbing rapidly in the standings.
- The Phillies have not scored since the sixth inning of Monday’s game.
- The major‑league record for consecutive shutouts is four; the Phillies are one away.
- Pinson’s triple was his second of the season.
Courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer May 14, 1960 via Newspapers.com