August 20, 1969, Montreal: Expos 11, Padres 10 (box score)
If you like offense, this was the game for you. Even though the Padres ended up losing, they made a valiant comeback attempt.
The Expos jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first on four singles and a walk off San Diego starter Tommie Sisk. The Padres responded with a run of their own in the second, but Montreal scored four more in the bottom half of the inning. The big blow was a Ron Fairly three-run homer off reliever Dave Roberts, who had replaced Sisk after just nine batters.
San Diego stormed back in the fourth. With one out, Al Ferrara drew a walk against Montreal starter Howie Reed. Nate Colbert tripled home Ferrara, and Cito Gaston singled home Colbert, making the score 7-3. After allowing another single, to Chris Cannizzaro, Reed’s day had come to an end.
Claude Raymond came in and promptly gave up a single to Tommy Dean, loading the bases for pitcher Roberts. He grounded to first, bringing home Gaston for the Padres’ third run of the inning and fourth of the game. Jose Arcia then followed with yet another single, this one plating Cannizzaro and Dean, making the score 7-6. After Arcia swiped second (and advanced to third on a throwing error), Van Kelly struck out to end the frame.
The Padres tied the game in the sixth. With runners at the corners and one out, Arcia knocked his second single of the contest, driving home Dean. The visitors added three more in the seventh. Ollie Brown homered, while Gaston and Roberto Pena each had RBI singles to push San Diego ahead, 10-7.
The lead didn’t last long. With Frank Reberger now on the mound, Montreal came roaring back. With one out, Rusty Staub walked and Fairly slammed a two-run homer to pull Les Expos to within one run, 10-9. After Coco Laboy walked, Gary Ross came in from the bullpen to take over for Reberger and gave up three straight singles, the last of which, by pinch-hitter Kevin Collins, moved the home team back in front, 11-10. Jack Baldschun relieved Ross and eventually restored order, but it was too late. Right-hander Bill Stoneman, who had come on in the seventh, allowed just two walks over the final two innings to seal the victory in front of 28,536 at Jarry Park.
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