Giants Edge Cubs, 2–1, as Sam Jones Decides Game With Bat and Arm
Pitchers’ Duel Ends in Ninth; Chicago’s Squeeze Fails Before Jones Doubles Home Winner
SAN FRANCISCO, June 1 — A tense pitchers’ duel between Sam Jones and Chicago left‑hander Dick Ellsworth turned dramatic in the ninth inning Wednesday afternoon at Candlestick Park, where Jones first stopped a Chicago squeeze attempt, then doubled home the winning run to give the Giants a 2–1 victory and a split of the four‑game series.
Only 10,751 fans — the smallest crowd of the season — saw Jones earn his sixth win with a five‑hit performance and deliver the decisive blow with his bat.
Cubs’ Squeeze Play Backfires
The Cubs threatened first in the ninth when Ernie Banks opened with a ground‑rule double under third baseman André Rodgers’ glove. After Ed Bouchee flied deep to right, Banks advanced to third.
With Don Zimmer at the plate, Chicago appeared ready to try a squeeze. Jones threw two pitchouts, but Banks held. On the next pitch — a low fast curve — Banks broke for the plate. Zimmer missed the bunt, and Banks was trapped between third and home. Catcher Bob Schmidt, Rodgers, and shortstop Eddie Bressoud combined for the rundown, with Bressoud applying the tag.
Zimmer struck out to end the inning.
Jones Wins It With Two Out
Ellsworth retired the first two Giants in the bottom of the ninth, but Schmidt singled sharply up the middle. Manager Bill Rigney allowed Jones to bat for himself, and the decision paid off.
With a 1–2 count, Jones drove a high fly to deep left. Lou Johnson, playing shallow, retreated to the warning track but could not reach it. The ball struck high off the screen, and Schmidt scored without a play.
It was Jones’ fourth hit of the season and the 15th of his two‑year Giants career.
Early Scoring
San Francisco scored first in the third. Rodgers walked, Jones sacrificed, and Bressoud dropped a bloop single into left to make it 1–0.
Chicago tied it in the fourth when Banks singled and Bouchee tripled him home. Jones bore down to retire Walt Moryn on a foul pop and Frank Thomas on a popup to second baseman Joe Amalfitano, ending the threat.
Neither team scored again until the ninth, though the Giants mounted several threats on Ellsworth’s six walks.
Pitching Summary
- Jones: 9 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 4 strikeouts.
- Ellsworth: 8⅔ innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 6 walks, 4 strikeouts.
Both pitchers worked efficiently, with Jones relying on his curve and Ellsworth showing poise despite limited run support.
Notes
- Willie Kirkland extended his hitting streak to 12 games with an infield single in the fourth.
- The Giants remain 1½ games behind the league‑leading Pirates.
- The weather was the best yet at Candlestick Park — clear skies and a mild breeze.
Courtesy of The San Francisco Chronicle June 2, 1960 via Newspapers.com