60 YEARS AGO/32: CONTRASTING WAYS TO WIN

On Sunday, May 13, 1962, the Giants and Dodgers both closed out road series with wins, but they were decidedly different in nature.

The Giants broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning and took command with four more runs in the sixth, thanks to continued hot hitting from the left side of their infield (Jose Pagan's two-run homer being the big blow). SF was still banging out the hits, totaling 13 on the day (including three more from third baseman Jim Davenport, now hitting .337). After this game, the  Giants' team batting average--remember, in 1962, pitchers were still batting for themselves--was a lofty .298.

Jack Sanford finally weakened a bit in the ninth, allowing the Colts to score, but it was too little, too late. Final score: Giants 7, Colts 2.

In St. Louis, the Dodgers were stymied early by Larry Jackson, and fell behind 2-0, which was the score as they batted in the top of the eighth. A key throwing error from the normally reliable Ken Boyer on Maury Wills' sacrifice bunt allowed both Dodger baserunners to score, followed by a seemingly inexplicable decision by Cards' manager Johnny Keane to walk Wally Moon intentionally in favor of facing NL RBI leader Tommy Davis.

Tommy promptly singled home Wills, and Johnny Roseboro's sacrifice fly brought Moon home with the fourth run in the inning--which proved pivotal, because it took all three of the Dodgers' "big three" relievers--Larry Sherry, Ron Perranoski, and Ed Roebuck--to tamp down the Cardinals' furious rally in the bottom of the ninth. With the winning runs on base, Roebuck stuck out Charlie James to ensure that this come-from-behind win did not morph into a blown-lead loss. Final score: Dodgers 4, Cardinals 23.

SEASON RECORDS: SFG 24-8, LAD 20-12