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Dodgers Drop Contest to Pittsburgh Despite 16 Hits

May 7, 1963 - The Dodgers cracked enough base hits — 16 — to win a couple of games, but a throwing error by Jim Gilliam (pictured) paved the way for a 4-run Pirate rally that gave the National League leaders a 7-4 victory yesterday. Gilliam’s error in the sixth cost Don Drysdale (2-3) his third defeat as the Pirates nabbed the series, 3-1, and widened their lead over the seventh-place Californians to 4 games. Ten of the Pirates’ thirteen hits and six of their runs were charged to Drysdale, but only three of the tallies were earned. In the meantime, the Dodgers drove Bob Friend to cover with 11 hits in less than 4 full innings. Joe Gibbon relieved Friend to get the win, although he needed help from Tom Sisk and Roy Face. Drysdale was nursing a 4-2 edge when Ted Savage got aboard in the bottom of the sixth on Gilliam’s low throw to Moose Skowron. Savage scored on Bob Skinner’s double, and the bases filled when Willie Stargell walked and Roberto Clemente beat out a bunt. Skinner scored while Smoky Burgess was grounding out, tying the score. Bill Mazeroski was purposely passed, and Bob Bailey forced a runner at the plate before Johnny Logan walked up for Joe Gibbon and singled in two runs to make it 6-4. The Pirates’ seventh run was scored in the seventh inning. Ron Fairly lost Savage’s fly in the sun for a single, Skinner sacrificed, and Stargell doubled the run home. Tonight, Sandy Koufax makes his first appearance against the Cardinals in St. Louis since he injured his left shoulder working against the Braves April 23. Ray Washburn pitches for St. Louis.

© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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