Cubbies Take Phils in Three Slugfests

The Cubs take two of three from the resurgent Phillies, as the longball comes out. In game two, the Cubs launch seven homers, two each from Billy Williams and Ernie Banks.

Game One: Phi 6, Cubs 5

W: Short (1-0)
L: Holtzman (1-1)
S: Lersch (1)

A scoreless game is broken up by the Phils in the fifth, as the Cheesesteakers score five off Ken Holtzman, scorching four doubles in the inning. The Cubbies rally against Chris Short and Barry Lersch, scoring two in the ninth. But the rally falls short. Johnny Briggs goes four for four with a home run (1) and two RBIs.

Game Two: Cubs 13, Phils 6
W: Hands (2-0)
L: Wise (0-1)

The Phillies hit Bill Hands for four runs in the top of the first, featuring a key triple from Tim McCarver to plate two. But then the Cubbies get the lumber out, as they hit seven homers off Phils' pitchers, two each from Billy Williams (3,4) and Ernie Banks (2,3). Johnny Briggs hits his fourth for Philly, a ball traveling 446 feet to center.

Game Three: Cubs 7, Phil 3
W: Decker (1-0)
L: Fryman (0-1)

23-year old Joe Decker pitches well enough in his debut start, going six inning and allowing three runs. He's backed by strong run support from the power hitting Cubs, including a two run shot in the first from Jim Hickman (2), as Phils starter Woodie Fryman gets battered for 10 hits in six innings, including six doubles.