Game of the Week - September 4

This series is probably the Phillies' best shot at catching the surprising New York Mets. The Phillies lost the first game last night in excruciating fashion -- they led in the 9th inning but allowed four runs to lose the game.

Veteran Jim Lonborg (12-8) will start for the Phillies. The Mets will counter with youngster Craig Swan (9-5).

With two out in the top of the first inning, Mike Schmidt blasted a solo home run to deep left field to give the Phillies an early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third inning  Dave Kingman and  Ed Kranepool both singled. After Ron Staiger flied out, John "Bad Dude" Stearns hit a home run to put the Mets ahead 3-1.

The score remained unchanged until the top of the 8th inning. With two out, Schmidt hit his second solo homer of the game to make the score 3-2.

Felix Millan led off the bottom of the 8th with a walk. John  Milner doubled to put runners on second and  third. Kingman was intentionally walked. Tug McGraw came in to face the left-handed Kranepool. Kranepool walked, forcing in Millan with the fourth New York run.

The Phillies had a last-ditch effort to tie the game in the top of the 9th inning. Jay Johnstone doubled to center and went to third on a balk by Swan. Bob Boone walked. Larry Bowa hit a grounder that scored Johnstone. Bowa was left on base as pinch hitter Tim McCarver grounded out to end the game.

Swan earned the win and improved to 10-5. Lonborg (12-10) took the loss. The Phillies are now 8 1/2 games behind the Mets.

National League - September 4

Player of the Day: John Stearns hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning to propel the Mets to a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pitcher of the Day: Dave Heaverlo pitched the last 1 1/3 innings of the game and earned the win.

Cincinnati 6, Montreal 2

The Reds have clinched at least a tie for the NL West title

 Los Angeles 5,  Houston 4

 New York 4, Philadelphia 3

 Pittsburgh 9, Montreal 7

 San Francisco 6, San Diego 5 (10 innings)

 St. Louis 8, Chicago 7

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American League - September 4

Player of the Day: Amos Otis went 3 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBI to help  the Kansas City Royals to a 6-0 

win over the Texas Rangers.

Pitcher of the Day: Dennis Leonard had a no-hitter going into the 7^th inning against the Texas Rangers. Toby Harrah led off the top of the 7^th inning and bunted for a base hit to break up the no-hitter. Leonard allowed a single to Gene Clines in the 9^th inning and ended up with a 2-hit shutout.

 Kansas City 6, Texas 0

 Boston 9, Cleveland 2 (game 1)

 Cleveland 6, Boston 2 (game 2)

 Minnesota 7, Chicago 6 (15 innings)

 Milwaukee 4, Detroit 2

 Baltimore 1, New York 0 (game 1)

Jim Palmer pitched a 2-hit shutout and won his 20th game.

 Baltimore 3, New York 2 (game 2)

 California 8, Oakland 2

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