[GrimmyDee]

Friday, April 15 - Wills Hits For Cycle Against Baltimore

Texas 2B Bump Wills (.464, 1 HR, 7 RBI) accomplished a rare feat when he hits for the cycle in a 12-6 win over Baltimore. Wills goes 4-for-4 on the day, scoring three runs while driving in another three. He doubled in the first inning, singled in the third, walked in the fourth, tripled in the sixth, then finished things off with a three-run blast off of Scott McGregor in the seventh inning. C John Ellis (.450, 3 RBI) has four hits while Jim Fregosi (.333, 1 RBI) and Roy Howell (.133, 1 RBI) have three each in a Rangers 20-hit barrage. Pat Kelly (.320, 3 RBI) and Doug DeCinces (.174) each have a trio of hits in the loss.

Oakland starter Doc Medich (2-0, 3.45 ERA) scatters eight hits and strikes out four while blanking the Twins 7-0 at Metropolitan Stadium. C Manny Sanguillen (.292, 1 HR, 6 RBI) delivers four hits to lead the offense.

Pittsburgh's Bruce Kison (1-0, 1.53 ERA) gives up eight hits, but no runs while striking out five in leading the Pirates to a 5-0 win over the Cardinals. Kison goes 8 2/3 innings before Pittsburgh manager pulls him for closer Kent Tekulve, who gets his third save.

Steve Carlton (0.53 ERA) goes eight innings to get his second win and Expos starter Steve Rogers (0-2, 4.91 ERA) strikes out nine over 8 1/3 innings, but it is an RBI single by newly acquired Lee Lacy (.273, 4 RBI) in the top of the eighth that decides it as Philadelphia slips by Montreal.

Detroit's Mark Fidrych (2-0, 2.50 ERA) pitches his second complete game, LF John Wockenfuss (.429) delivers three hits and Jason Thompson (.343, 11 RBI) drives in five runs as the Tigers take advantage of four Kansas City errors - two by George Brett - to beat the Royals 12-4.

Pete Rose (.290) has three hits and Ed Armbrister (.571, 3 RBI) knocks in three runs as Cincinnati hands San Diego it's eighth consecutive loss, 8-3. San Diego and Baltimore (0-6) are the only winless team in the league to date.

Other Scores
American League

New York Milwaukee

10 2

Toronto Chicago

2 1

Seattle California

4 5

National League

Los Angeles San Francisco

7 2

Chicago New York

6 1

Houston Atlanta

6 1

Contract Signings

MR Darold Knowles (5-7, 9 SV, 2.89 ERA - 1976) signed a 3-year extension worth a total of $2,387,160. He will earn $286,000 a year through 1979.

Major Transactions

SS Bill Russell was designated for assignment and placed on waivers. 2B Ted Martinez (.267, 2 HR, 5 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Albuquerque. Martinez will assume the starting SS position, Rafael Landestoy (.167, 2 RBI) moving to the bench.

MR Bill Butler optioned to Triple A Tacoma. MR Jim Shellenback (2.08 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Tacoma. Shellenback will replace Butler in the bullpen in a middle relief role.

Short Season Single A
Virginia Beach Toreadors (5-5) at Jamestown Expos (6-4)

Virginia Beach Jamestown

1 6

W: Bill Newton (3-0) L: Christian Cowan (1-1)
HR – None
POG: Bill Newton (JAM) 8.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

I know, how could I pull a starter with one out to go for a complete game when I have a five run lead? I don't even have a good answer for that. Newton (0.86 ERA) pitched outstanding and has quickly shown to be the front runner on our rotation. Jesus Rivera (.300) has a pair of hits, Paco Bruno scores twice and Robinson Diaz (.313, 6 RBI) drives in two as we cruise to victory after a five-run third inning.