Niekro’s Knuckler and Bagwell’s Bat Lead Hoots Over Docs

Phil Niekro was in total control of his knuckleball, leading the Houston Hoots over the Chicago Docs 7-1 at Wrigley Field in a game that had postponed Tuesday due to rain. Niekro allowed a run on 3 singles in the 1st inning, but just 2 singles after that. Arky Vaughan hit a leadoff homerun off the Docs’ Jerry Koosman to start the game, but it was the 3rd inning that really doomed Kooz. Jeff Bagwell hit a 3-run shot with 2 outs, and Mike Schmidt followed with another to put the Hoots up 5-1. In the end, every Houston hitter had at least one hit. Koosman picked up his Maelstrom-leading 5th loss as the Docs dropped to 9-17. Houston improved to 10-16.

Houston @ Chicago – 4/28/22