On June 21, 1972 Bob Gibson wins his 211th game, passing Jesse Haines as the Cards’ biggest winner, in St. Louis’s 14 – 3 win over the Padres. Gibson cracks a 3-run homer in the 7th before exiting.
Not to be outdone, the Indians lose a game on a strange 9th-inning managerial gaffe. They lead the Reds, 4 – 0, coming into the top of the 9th, after a brilliant start by Trevor Bauer, but closer Cody Allen gives up 4 runs and loads the bases with two outs, prompting manager Terry Francona to call in lefty Oliver Perez to face Joey Votto. Trouble is, its not Perez who’s been warming up, but righty Dan Otero, the result of a miscommunication with pitching coach Carl Willis: Francona asked to get “OP” warmed up, whereas Willis understood “OT” (Otero’s nickname). Given a favorable match-up, Votto lines a 3-2 pitch into right-center field to clear the bases and send Cincinnati on its way to a 7 – 4 win.
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July 10, 2018
