21-3K: FOLLOWING CLEMENTE'S 3000 HITS

BLASS SHUTS OUT METS 2-0
SUN 4/16/72

NEW YORK - Willie Stargell’s first RBI of the season was all that Steve Blass needed as he shut down the Mets, 2-0.
Rennie Stennett lead of the top of the first inning with a ground ball single past short off Gary Gentry (0-1) . Two outs later, Stargell dropped a single into right center field to give Steve Blass (1-0)  all the cushion he needed. Blass went seven innings, giving up just two hits and struck out five.
Stargell doubled the score in the top of the eighth when his single off reliever Jon Matlack scored Al Oliver.
Roberto Clemente did reach base on a walk in the eighth and advanced to second on Stargell’s RBI hit. He was stranded when Richie Hebner popped up to Matlack. Clemente was 0-3 overall in the game.
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.