July 15, 1964

Jim Bunning vs Bob Friend

The Phillies had lost five out of their last six games and were hoping to turn things around by sending Jim Bunning (9-3) to the mound.

The date was July 15, 1964.

Danny Murtaugh was countering with veteran Bob Friend (7-8).

Earlier in the season, Friend faced the Phillies twice and lost both times – although his ERA was a decent 3.75 over 12 innings against the Phillies.

Bunning won his two starts prior to the All-Star Game, but he lost 3-1 to the Reds in his first start after the All-Star Game. However, he came back in relief two days ago to save a game against the Braves.

This was his first start versus the Pirates.

Bob Friend and Jim Bunning pitched scoreless innings through the top of the fourth.

But Bunning lost his bid for a shutout in the bottom of the fourth.

Manny Mota singled to center. Roberto Clemente hit a ground ball to third. Richie Allen gloved the ball, but threw wildly to first ─ his 15th error of the season. On the overthrow, Mota took third and Clemente advanced to second.

Jerry Lynch then cleared the Forbes Field wall in deep left-center to put the Pirates ahead 3-0. It was Lynch’s eighth home run.

And that was it for the scoring.

Bob Friend (8-8) picked up the win with a complete-game shutout ─ the 32nd shutout of his career. Jim Bunning (9-4) took the loss.

Giants Lose, Too

Fortunately for the Phillies, the Braves bunched three runs in the bottom of the seventh and two more in the bottom of the eighth in beating the Giants 6-2 at County Stadium.

Rico Carty (#10) and Eddie Mathews (#13) homered for the Braves. Willie Mays supplied the scoring for the Giants (#28) with a two-run shot in the fifth.

Denny Lemaster (9-6) got the win and Bobby Bolin (3-4) took the loss. Bobby Tiefenauer notched his seventh save of the year.

That left the Giants in first place one game ahead of the Phillies.