Game of the Week

Iowa City @ Montreal

Sandy Murphy was poised to dominate throwing a complete game victory on his last outing. The Montreal Royals countered with Enrique Carrasquel. In an instant classic pitching duel, the Iowa City I Wanna Score More lost focus on several opportunities in the early innings.

Baserunning mishaps hurt Iowa all game long, first Francis Kennedy was caught stealing in the first and Angel Hernandez was gunned down by "Popeye armed" Kent Stinnett in the third. Then Benny Melton was picked off 1st by the pitcher in the fourth. Solid pitching and defense ensued with Iowa squeaking in a run in the 6th and Kennedy hitting an insurance lead-off HR in the eighth to make it 2-0.

Murphy was sent out for the ninth, hoping to preserve a 1-hit shutout.

Things quickly started to unravel.

Murphy quickly loaded the bases giving up a single to Endy Suzuki, a walk to Diego Johnson and another single to lead-off man Rich Speier. Murphy convinced pitching coach Placido Baez to preserve his complete game following a visit to the mound.

Perhaps poor strategy or oversight, but most GM's would rather get the out and have a run score than risk a play at the plate. Iowa finally put in setup man Carlos Estrella but he gives up a walk to tie the game.

In a some what surprising move Montreal replaces All Star 3b Vladimir Calvo with veteran Mikey Robbins. Robbins hits the first pitch to centerfield giving Montreal the exciting, bottom of the ninth walk off victory.