June 15, 1964 - Jim Ray Hart (left), a rookie, lashed a run-scoring single to center field in the ninth inning to give the San Francisco Giants a 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds today at Candlestick Park. The Giants now are only eight percentage points behind the Philadelphia Phillies, the National League leaders.
Hart drove in three runs with a homer and a double yesterday in the Giants’ 8-2 victory over the Reds.
The Giants had gone ahead, 5-3, with three runs in the eighth, but the Reds rushed back for two in the ninth.
Doubles by Frank Robinson and John Edwards scored the Reds’ first run in the ninth. Then Cincinnati filled the bases on a bobble by Hart of a routine grounder at third base and a walk to a pinch hitter, Hal Smith, before Bobby Klaus drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to left field.
But Hart didn't stay in the woodhouse long. After Bill Henry walked Willie McCovey (right) and Orlando Cepeda on 3-2 pitches with none out in the bottom of the ninth, Ryne Duren came in to pitch to Hart.
The Reds were all set for a bunt, but Hart whacked Duren’s first pitch through the middle and McCovey scored without having to slide.
“I saw the shortstop [Chico Cardenas] move over toward third leaving a big hole,” said Jim afterward. “I thought if I could drive the ball past the pitcher, I’d get a sure hit through that bunched up, bunt-expecting infield.”
Billy O’Dell, the fifth Giant pitcher of the day, emerged with the win and now stands 2-1. Bob Shaw and Gaylord Perry turned in perfect relief jobs earlier after Bob Hendley, the Giant starter, ran into difficulties.
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