July 15, 1960
By Bobster

July 15, 1960---A day after being shutout by the Braves, the Pirates were blanked for the first 7 innings against Cincinnati and lost 4-1 to the Reds.


In the top of the first inning, Eddie Kasko singled, moved to second base on a passed ball by catcher Hal Smith and scored on Vada Pinson’s single. Pinson then stole second, went to third on a wild pitch by Bob Friend (10-6) and scored on Wally Post’s sac fly. Pinson tripled with one out in the third but was left stranded when Friend got the next two Reds to ground out. The Pirates threatened in the fifth when Friend led off by reaching on an error and Skinner belted a long drive to center. But Pinson, who was having quite a day, robbed Skinner with a running catch. Jim O’Toole (7-8) made the 2-0 lead stand for 7 innings until the Reds made it 4-0 on Frank Robinson’s 2-run double in the 8th. The Pirates scored their only run in the bottom of the 8th when Skinner and Clemente singled and Stuart walked, and Skinner scored on a pinch-hit sac fly by Smoky Burgess. Groat (.317) and Clemente (.323) each had 2 of the Bucs’ 7 hits. A victory by Milwaukee over Philadelphia reduced the Pirates’ lead to 3 games.

Starting lineup:

Skinner LF
Groat SS
Clemente RF
Stuart 1B
Cimoli CF
Smith C
Hoak 3B
Mazeroski 2B
Friend P