On July 4,1977 In the first game of a doubleheader, Chicago outfielder Larry Biittner pitches the last 1 1/3 innings for the Cubs, striking out 3. That’s the good news. The bad news is he allows six earned runs on five hits and a walk as the Expos crush the Cubs, 19 – 3. Two of the three K’s are of the opposing pitcher, Jackie Brown, and the last is Larry Parrish, who had earlier homered on a 1-2 pitch from his former teammate. Biittner also serves up homers to Ellis Valentine and Andre Dawson, each of whom have five ribbies. Biittner is later fined $50 by the National League for throwing a “brush-back” pitch after surrendering the three home runs, but a collection is taken up to pay for his shave. Further bad news for the Cubs in the nitecap is that Bruce Sutter is knocked out for the first time this year, and a massive knot beneath his right shoulder will keep him out of the All-Star Game. The Cubs also lose that game, 7 – 6.
