Thursday, 10 May 2012 22:00

Written by Donn Frizzi

21-3K CLEMENTE'S 3,000 HITS
CLEMENTE 3-4
OLIVER, ROBERTSON HR
BUT PIRATES LOSE 8-4
Wednesday, May 10th, 1972

ATLANTA - Phil Niekro pitched a complete game victory while Bill Virdon went through 5 Pirate pitchers in the Bucs' 8-4 loss to the Braves.

Roberto Clemente was 3-4, pulling within 92 base hits of 3,000.

Clemente singled with 2 outs in the 1st inning. He singled in the 6th after Al Oliver's 2 run HR and doubled in the 8th. Clemente was standed each time.

In the 7th, Dave Guisti had Earl Williams picked off at 1st. But his throwing error opened the door for 3 runs to score. Bob Robertson hit a solo HR in the top of the 9th to make the score 8-4.

Niekro (4-3) got the win. Bob Johnson (0-2) pitched just 1.2 innings and took the loss.
 
The Pirates head to Houston for a weekend series. Friday, it's Steve Blass (2-1) vs Larry Dierker (2-1).
In memory of Mr.Les Banos.