21-3K: FOLLOWING CLEMENTE'S 3000 HITS
PIRATES BEGIN DEFENSE OF WORLD CHAMPS CROWN
CLEMENTE BEGINS CHASE OF 3000 HITS

PITTSBURGH - The Pirates will open the 1972 season on the road. They’ll take on the New York Mets for a weekend series at Shea Stadium.  Dock Ellis (19-9) will start against Tom Seaver (20-10) in Saturday’s game (April 15th). Steve Blass (15-8) will battle Gary Gentry (12-11) in Sunday afternoon’s game (April 16th).
The Bucs home opener will begin Tuesday night, April 18th with a two game series against the Cubs.  Bob Moose (11-7) will get the start against Milt Pappas (17-14) in game one.  Dock Ellis will make his second start of the season Thursday night against Ferguson Jenkins, who had a 24-13 record in 1971.

Then the Pirates hit the road again for a three game weekend series in Philadelphia before returning home for a nine game home stand with the Reds, Braves and Astros.

The Cubs and Mets were tied for third place in the National League East division with matching 83-79 records.

Roberto Clemente is expected to start all four games in his quest for hit number 3000. The World Series MVP needs only 118 base hits to reach the coveted mark.