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1972 World Sim

Seattle Cascades (3) vs. Indianapolis Racers (0)

vs.


Game 4



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Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Game 4 of the 1972 World Sim on October 23, 1972. The Indianapolis Racers host the Seattle Cascades at Victory Field, facing elimination as Seattle leads the series 3–0. The Racers must respond to keep their championship hopes alive. Every pitch carries immense weight as these teams battle for baseball’s ultimate prize.

Top of the 1st – Siebert Works Around Trouble
Seattle looks to strike first in Game 4 as Wes Parker steps in against Indianapolis right-hander Sonny Siebert. Parker takes a ball before lining out to center field for the first out. Joe Torre follows, fouling off the first pitch before lifting a soft liner to the shortstop for the second out. With two down, Al Bumbry patiently works the count to 3-1 before drawing a walk. Frank Robinson follows by grounding a single past the second baseman into right field. Bumbry hustles to third, challenging the center fielder’s throw and sliding in safely, while Robinson advances to second. With two runners in scoring position, Siebert bears down, getting Dave Duncan to a 2-2 count before blowing a fastball past him for a swinging strikeout. Seattle threatens early but comes away empty-handed as Siebert keeps the game scoreless.

Bottom of the 1st – Racers Get Two on but Come Up Empty
Jim Willoughby takes the mound for Seattle as Indianapolis looks to strike first. Tony Perez steps in and swings at the first pitch, grounding it sharply to the shortstop, who fires to first for the out. Dusty Baker follows and shows patience, taking four straight balls to work a walk. Billy Williams steps up next and takes a ball, then watches a called strike to even the count at 1-1. He follows by grounding a single past the first baseman into right field, pushing Baker up to second. With two on and one out, Buddy Bell steps in and gets under one, lifting a fly ball to center field for the second out. Tito Fuentes looks to capitalize but falls behind 0-1 before evening the count. He then fouls off three consecutive pitches to stay alive, takes a ball to even it at 2-2, but then lines out to the third baseman to end the inning. The Racers threaten but leave two stranded as the game remains scoreless.

Top of the 2nd – Siebert Cruises Through the Frame
Sonny Siebert returns to the mound and quickly dispatches Glenn Beckert, who takes a called strike before rolling a grounder to the shortstop, who makes the throw to first for the out. Sonny Jackson follows, taking a ball before tapping a soft grounder back to Siebert, who fields it cleanly and tosses to first for the second out. Mike Anderson steps in, takes a called strike, then fouls one off to fall behind 0-2. He takes a ball to make it 1-2, then lifts a fly ball to right field, where it is easily handled to retire the side. A strong, efficient inning for Siebert as he keeps Seattle off the board.

Bottom of the 2nd – Willoughby Sets Down the Racers in Order
Jim Willoughby returns to the mound and quickly gets ahead of Ellie Rodriguez, throwing two called strikes before missing the zone. On the next pitch, Rodriguez rolls a grounder to the second baseman, who makes the throw to first for the out. Eric Soderholm steps in and takes a ball before watching a called strike even the count. Willoughby spots another strike on the outside edge, and after a foul ball, Soderholm swings through strike three for the second out. Juan Beniquez follows and fouls off the first pitch before lifting a routine popup to the first baseman, who makes the catch to retire the side. A clean inning for Willoughby as Seattle keeps it scoreless.

Top of the 3rd – Torre Walks, but Baker Cuts Down a Run at the Plate
Jim Willoughby leads off for Seattle and patiently works the count to 2-0 before grounding a routine ball to second baseman Tito Fuentes, who throws to first for the out. Wes Parker steps in and falls behind 0-2 but stays with a tough pitch, bouncing a ground ball past the diving third baseman into left field for a single. Joe Torre follows and watches three straight balls sail out of the zone before taking ball four for a walk, pushing Parker into scoring position. Al Bumbry steps up looking to capitalize and takes a swinging strike before evening the count at 1-1. He lays off a couple of close pitches and fouls one away before ultimately swinging through strike three for the second out. With two on and two out, Frank Robinson delivers a sharp line drive single into center field. Parker rounds third aggressively, but Dusty Baker charges in and fires a strong throw home, where catcher Ellie Rodriguez applies the tag to get Parker at the plate. Seattle threatens, but Baker’s quick reaction and strong arm keep the game scoreless.

Bottom of the 3rd – Williams Sends Indy in Front
Sonny Siebert starts things off for the Racers and jumps on the first pitch, lining a single into right-center. Tony Perez follows and fouls off a pitch to start the at-bat before taking a ball. He then swings through a pitch for strike two and, on the next delivery, goes down swinging for the first out. Dusty Baker steps in and takes a ball, then fouls one off before watching another miss the zone. He works the count to 2-1 but then lifts a liner to center, where it’s caught for the second out. That brings up Billy Williams, who takes a ball before Siebert swipes second base. Now with a runner in scoring position, Williams takes another ball, then gets a pitch to drive and launches a two-run homer deep to right-center, putting Indianapolis on the board. Buddy Bell tries to keep the rally going and takes a strike, then evens the count at 1-1 before grounding one to the third baseman, who makes the throw across to retire the side. The Racers strike first and take a 2-0 lead heading into the fourth.

Top of the 4th – Seattle Breaks Through, Siebert Exits Injured
Dave Duncan leads off the inning, taking a 1-0 count before flying out to center field for the first out. Glenn Beckert steps in next and aggressively swings at the first pitch, lining a double down the right-field line. As Sonny Jackson digs in, Siebert appears to be in discomfort, and after a brief visit from the trainer, Indianapolis is forced to make a pitching change, bringing in Pedro Borbón. Jackson resumes the at-bat, taking a 0-1 strike, evening the count at 1-1, then grounding a single past the shortstop into left field. Beckert moves up to third, and as Dusty Baker gets the ball in from center, his throw gets away for an error, allowing Beckert to come home and Jackson to advance to second. With a run in and a man in scoring position, Mike Anderson battles to a 2-2 count, fouling off two pitches before getting caught looking for strike three. Jim Willoughby follows and, after working a 1-1 count, grounds out to second to end the inning. Seattle takes advantage of the opportunity to cut into the deficit, but Indianapolis still leads 2-1.

Bottom of the 4th – Soderholm Adds to the Lead
Tito Fuentes starts the inning for Indianapolis and quickly finds himself in a 1-2 count before ripping a double into the gap in right-center. Ellie Rodriguez steps up next and grounds out to shortstop, but Fuentes remains at second. That brings up Eric Soderholm, who takes a called strike before evening the count at 1-1. He works the count to 2-1 and then connects on a 2-run home run, driving the ball deep over the right-field wall to extend the Racers’ lead. Juan Beniquez follows but lines out to the shortstop for the second out. Paul Schaal enters as a pinch hitter and battles to a 3-2 count, before grounding out to shortstop to end the inning. Indianapolis extends its lead with a pair of runs, now up 4-1 heading into the fifth.

Top of the 5th – Alexander Keeps Seattle Quiet
With Indianapolis now leading 4-1, Pedro Borbon exits, and Doyle Alexander takes the mound to begin the fifth. Wes Parker leads off for Seattle and shows patience, working a 3-0 count and draws a walk to put a runner on. Joe Torre steps in and quickly falls behind, 0-2, after fouling off four straight pitches. On the next pitch, he grounds into a 6-4-3 double play, as the shortstop fields it cleanly and starts the turn. With two outs, Al Bumbry takes a called strike before fouling one off to go down 0-2. He takes three straight balls to run the count full, but Alexander stays in command, getting Bumbry to strike out swinging on a 3-2 pitch. Another scoreless frame for Seattle as the Racers maintain their 4-1 lead.

Bottom of the 5th – Willoughby Retires the Side
Jim Willoughby remains on the mound for Seattle as Tony Perez steps in to lead off the inning. He watches three straight balls to get ahead 3-0, then takes a called strike before rolling over a 4-3 groundout to the second baseman. Dusty Baker follows, taking a ball, then a called strike before swinging through one to fall behind 1-2. On the next pitch, he chops a 5-3 groundout, as the third baseman makes the play. Billy Williams is up next and swings at the first pitch, sending a routine ground ball to first base, where he is retired unassisted. A quick, efficient inning for Willoughby, as he sets the Racers down in order. Seattle heads to the sixth, still trailing 4-1.

Top of the 6th – Seattle Squanders a Chance
Doyle Alexander continues on the mound for Indianapolis, looking to protect their 4-1 lead. Frank Robinson leads off and works the count to 3-0 and draws a walk, giving Seattle a leadoff baserunner. Dave Duncan steps in next and takes two balls to get ahead 2-0, then watches a called strike before swinging and missing to even the count 2-2. He takes anoter ball to fill the count. After fouling off two pitches, Duncan draws a walk, moving Robinson to second. With two on and no outs, Glenn Beckert tries to keep the rally going but bounces into a 3-6-1 double play, with the first baseman starting the turn to erase both lead runners. Robinson advances to third on the play. Don Baylor is called upon to pinch-hit and takes a strike, then fouls one off to fall to 0-2. He watches two pitches miss outside to work it to 2-2, but Alexander gets him to chase for a swinging strikeout to end the threat. Seattle strands a runner at third, failing to capitalize, as the Racers maintain their 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth.

Bottom of the 6th – Racers Threaten but Can't Add On
Jim Willoughby remains on the mound for Seattle, but Bob Heise takes over at shortstop for the Cascades. Buddy Bell leads off for Indianapolis and works the count full before fouling off a pitch, but then grounds a hard shot to shortstop, where it’s handled cleanly and fired to first for the 6-3 groundout. With one down, Seattle makes a pitching change, bringing in Dave Goltz, and Jerry Kenney replaces Heise at short. Tito Fuentes steps in and takes a called strike before bouncing a slow roller past the mound for an infield single, beating the throw from second. Ellie Rodriguez is next and takes a ball and a strike before lofting a fly ball to left field, where it’s easily caught for the second out. Fuentes remains at first as Eric Soderholm steps in. After two pickoff attempts to first, Goltz delivers, and Soderholm flies out to right field to end the inning. The Racers leave a man stranded but still hold a 4-1 lead heading into the seventh.

Top of the 7th – Alexander Works Around a Double
Doyle Alexander remains on the mound for Indianapolis as Mike Anderson leads off for Seattle. He takes a ball, then swings and misses for a strike. Another swinging strike puts him behind 1-2, and after fouling off a pitch, he chases a breaking ball for a swinging strikeout to start the inning. Jerry Kenney steps in next and takes two balls before fouling off a pitch to make it 2-1. He watches another ball go by, getting ahead 3-1, then laces a double down the third-base line, putting a runner in scoring position with one out. Wes Parker follows and bounces a grounder to second, where it’s fielded and thrown to first for the 4-3 putout, with Kenney advancing to third. With a runner 90 feet away, Joe Torre digs in and takes a ball before watching a called strike. A foul ball puts him in a 1-2 hole, followed by two more fouled away to stay alive. After working the count full, he lifts a fly ball to right field that is easily handled for the third out. The Cascades strand a runner at third as Indianapolis maintains its 4-1 lead.

Bottom of the 7th – Racers Extend Their Lead
Indianapolis looks to add to its lead against Seattle right-hander Dave Goltz. Juan Beniquez leads off, taking three straight balls before drawing a four-pitch walk, putting a leadoff runner aboard. Matty Alou steps in to pinch-hit and quickly falls behind 0-1 after fouling off a pitch. As Beniquez swipes second base, Alou takes a called strike, making it 0-2. He fights off a pitch, fouling it away, then takes a ball. Staying patient, he fouls off another before evening the count at 2-2. On the next pitch, Alou rips a line drive into center for a single, with Beniquez racing to third. With runners on the corners, Tony Perez takes a ball, and while he waits, Alou steals second base uncontested. Now with two in scoring position, Perez grounds one to short, where it’s fielded and thrown to first for the out, but Beniquez comes home to score, making it 5-1 as Alou moves up to third. Dusty Baker follows and grounds out to third, but it’s enough to bring Alou home for another run, extending the lead to 6-1. Billy Williams steps in looking to keep the inning alive but quickly falls behind 0-2 after a called strike and a swinging strike. He battles, fouling off three pitches in a row before finally grounding out to second, ending the inning. Indianapolis plates two more runs and heads to the eighth with a comfortable 6-1 lead.

Top of the 8th – Carroll Keeps Seattle in Check
Indianapolis turns to right-hander Clay Carroll to protect their five-run lead. Al Bumbry leads off for Seattle and quickly falls behind 1-2 after a foul ball and a swinging strike. He works the count full by laying off two close pitches, then fouls off another before Carroll gets him to chase for strike three. Frank Robinson steps in and fouls off the first pitch before lifting a fly ball to left field, where it’s easily handled for the second out. With two down, Dave Duncan digs in but grounds out to shortstop, who fields it cleanly and fires to first to retire the side. Carroll makes quick work of the Cascades, and Seattle remains down 6-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth.

Bottom of the 8th – Goltz Retires the Side
Seattle's Dave Goltz remains on the mound as Buddy Bell leads off for Indianapolis. Bell takes a ball, then lifts a high popup near home plate, where the catcher makes the catch for the first out. Tito Fuentes follows and grounds a sharp ball to the second baseman, who fields it cleanly and fires to first for the second out. Ellie Rodriguez steps up next, taking a called strike before evening the count at 1-1. He takes another called strike, then watches a perfect pitch paint the corner for strike three. Goltz sets the Racers down in order, keeping Seattle within five runs as they head to the ninth, trailing 6-1.

Top of the 9th – Carroll Closes the Door
Indianapolis turns to Clay Carroll to finish things off as Glenn Beckert leads off for Seattle. Beckert takes a ball, then watches a called strike to even the count at 1-1 before hitting a routine grounder to shortstop, who makes the easy throw to first for the out. Tim McCarver comes in to pinch-hit and takes a ball before lifting a fly ball to right field, where it’s caught for the second out. Down to their last chance, Mike Anderson takes a called strike, then swings through the next pitch to fall behind 0-2. On the next delivery, Carroll blows a fastball past him for strike three, sealing the victory for Indianapolis.

Final Score: Indianapolis 6, Seattle 1. Facing elimination, the Indianapolis Racers responded with their best performance of the series, riding a combination of power hitting and lockdown pitching to force a Game 5. Billy Williams launched a two-run homer in the third, and Eric Soderholm added a blast of his own in the fourth to give Indianapolis a lead they would never relinquish. The game took an early turn when Sonny Siebert exited in the fourth inning due to injury, but the Racers’ bullpen delivered in a critical moment. Pedro Borbón, Doyle Alexander, and Clay Carroll combined for 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, keeping Seattle’s offense in check. Meanwhile, Indianapolis added key insurance runs in the seventh with Matty Alou’s clutch RBI single and Dusty Baker’s groundout that brought home another run.

For Seattle, it was a frustrating night as they managed only one unearned run in the fourth inning following a throwing error in center field. Their best opportunity to rally came in the seventh, but they stranded a runner at third as Joe Torre’s deep fly ball was hauled in by the right fielder. Jim Willoughby took the loss, surrendering four runs over five innings, while Doyle Alexander earned the win in relief for Indianapolis.

With the Racers securing their first victory of the series, the 1972 World Sim now moves to Game 5, where Seattle still holds a 3-1 series lead. Indianapolis needs another win at Victory Field to send the series back to Seattle and keep their championship hopes alive. Can they extend their fight, or will the Cascades close it out and claim the title? We’ll find out next!


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