July 25, 1969: Gibby Gets It Done

On July 25, 1969, the Cardinals took down the Giants 2-1 in thirteen innings at Busch Stadium. The game had instant classic written all over it with two future hall of famers squaring off in what was sure to be a great pitching duel. The Cards sent Bob Gibson to the mound while the Giants countered with Gaylord Perry, both pitchers gave up a run in the first then locked into a true battle that would lead to extra frames. Perry struck out 9 men before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the top of the thirteenth. Gibby picked up his 11th K of the day when he struck that pinch hitter out, then finished off that half of inning with a quick flyball out. While the Giants skipper Clyde King chose to pinch hit for his ace, Red Schoendienst chose to let his ace hit for himself and it paid off. Gibson led the top of the thirteenth off with a single, then found himself on second after a Frank Linzy wild pitch. Phil Gagliano singled moving Gibby over to third then Curt Flood picked up the game winning rbi with a single that brought Gibson trotting across the plate. It was one of those days that the Cardinals hurler got the job done in more ways than one.

Here's the box score: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196907250.shtml