Game Three..rubber game goes to Moonlighters 3-2

[larrysiegfried20]

Mike Patterson had a good outing going eight innings two runs five walks seven strikeouts but did not figure in the final decision. Jack Fitzke, roughed up in game two, came back in game three to pitch a scoreless inning, and get the win. Fitzke is 4-1.

Patterson was hurt by the five walks he issued. Both runs scored off him came in the forst inning. he walked Jim Knox who stole second. Jack Darr flied out to left field. Jim Cozart followed with a run scoring single.

A two base throwing error on third baseman Anthony Ribrant followed by two consecutive walks to Pena and Hooton forced home the second run. Frank Gainer grounded into an inning ending double play started by shortstop Don Allison.

2-0 Toronto.

Minnesota got started in the 5th inning. Mike Straub singled to center field and stole second base (5th) Brad Ward struck out. Allison grounded back to the mound (1-3). Damon Carey, who had a bad series defensively, made up for it with his bat by singling to right field driving in Staub.

2-1 after five innings.

Minnesota tied the game 2-2 in the eighth inning. Carey picked up his second hit of the game, a single to right field. Pinch hitter Mack Webb, batting for Patterson was at bat when Dan Debus uncorked a wild pitch advancing Carey into scoring position. Webb advanced Carey to third base with a ground out to the right side. Chuck Trillo flied out to centerfield, but not deep enough to score the catcher from third base. Izquiedo's single to left got the job done tying the game 2-2

Toronto threatened in the top of the ninth inning. Fritzke making his second straight appearance in the series gave up a lead off single to center field to Brent Harrah who stole second with pinch hitter Crazy Van Robays at bat. Damon Carey made his second throwing error of the series advancing the runner to third base.

Fitzke buckled down and left the runner stranded at third; Van Robays lined out to first and Knox struck out to end the inning.

With the score still tied the Moonlighters won it in walk off fashion. Anthony Ribrant singled and Mike Straub tripled to drive in the winning run.

With the results of this series and Washington sweeping Kansas City by scores of 5-1, 4-2 in 11 innings and 7-2, Washington and Toronto are tied for first place and the resolute Moonlighters creeping slowly closer and closer, this season could be a very good one and it would be just a start of more to come.