Bert Blyleven allowed just two hits, but the Boston Splinters needed extra innings, eventually winning in the 11th on their only run scored thanks to a base hit. A sacrifice fly off Nolan Ryan gave Boston an early lead. In the 5th, George Brett’s throwing error, and a questionable call led to a big inning for the Oakland Jacks. Lou Boudreau watched an apparent strike 3 for what should have been the 3rd out, but the home plate ump called the pitch outside. After some chattering from the Boston dugout, Blyleven struggled to throw a called strike, walking 5 batters in the inning and allowing 4 runs. Another sacrifice fly in the 6th, and two runs on groundouts in the 7th after a couple of errors tied the game 4-4. Relievers keptt things tied until the 11th, when Ichiro Suzuki doubled in Carlton Fisk. Rollie Fingers pitched a perfect 9th to seal the win and earn his 13th save. Suzuki finished 2 for 5 and has hit safely in 20 games for the 2nd time this season. If Boston wins tomorrow, they’ll tie last year’s St. Louis Wizards for most wins in a season.
