‘56 Redbirds take 2 of 3 from ‘75 Jints

9/15 – 9/16 – Candlestick Park

GAME 1 – Cardinals 5, Giants 2

Wilmer “Vinegar Bend” Mizell was tightly protecting a 1 run lead when his offense posted 2 huge insurance runs off of Giant reliever Gary Lavelle in the top of the 9th.  PH Red Schoendienst and shortstop Alvin Dark both singled home back to back runs to seal the deal.  Larry Jackson came on to close the game out, but got into trouble in the bottom of the ninth when he allowed 1 out singles to Miller and Dave Rader.  Thanks to the two insurance runs from the top of the inning Jackson had a neat 3 run margin, which allowed him to pitch aggressively and get the final 2 outs for the his 6th save of the season.  Ed Halicki (1-2, 2.39) took the loss after a decent 7 inning / 3 run effort.

GAME 2 – Giants 7, Cardinals 3

Bobby Murcer hit two homers to boost his season total to 7 as  the former Yankee star knocked in 4 runs and scored 3 of his own.  A four run 5th inning broke a 2-2 stalemate as the Giants handed reliever Dave Heaverlo his 3rd win of the season.  Starter Mike Caldwell mysteriously left the game after 4 2/3 innings work and 2 runs allowed.  Tom Poholsky (4-1, 3.91) took his first loss of the season for the Redbirds.  Stan Musial showed some signs of breaking out of his slump with a 2 for 4, 2 RBI day.

9/17 – Sportsman’s Park

GAME 3 – Cardinals 2, Giants 1

“The Count”, John Montefusco (3-3, 3,80) and Murry Dickson (3-2, 3.40) were locked in a good ole’ fashioned pitcher’s duel until the 6th when “The Count” was tossed from the game for debating balls and strikes with umpire Lee Wyer.  Gary Lavelle recreated his faux pas from game 1 and yielded an insurance run in the 6th when backup catcher Bill Sarni lifted a long fly ball to left to allow Musial to tag and score.  Dickson began tiring and after getting 1 out in the 9th gave way to Lindy McDaniel who got the final two outs and his 3rd save of the season.