SOUTHERN LEAGUE
The Southern League and the North Saskatchewan Baseball League approved an inter-locking schedule for the 1970 season. The southern clubs will play eight inter-league games, four at home and four away, and the northern clubs will take part in ten games, five at home and five away. The reason for the unbalanced number of games is that one N.S.B.L. club, the Neilburg Monarchs, declined to enter into inter-locking play. The Saskatoon Commodores, North Battleford Beavers, Kindersley Klippers and Unity Cardinals will meet the Southern League's Regina Red Sox, Moose Jaw Regals, Swift Current Indians, Melville Millionaires and Yorkton Cardinals.
Managerial changes for 1970 include Jackie McLeod taking over for Harvey Nybo in Swift Current with Nybo resuming his role as a catcher only. Ned Andreoni takes charge as the playing-manager in Moose Jaw and Irwin Wright assumes the non-playing skipper's job with Regina. After Don Krick initially was named playing-manager of the Yorkton Cardinals, he stepped aside and relinquished the reins to veteran Ed Stefureak. Melville's Gord Johnson was the only returning head man from 1969.
(May 30) The Swift Current Indians opened the 1970 season on a winning note, defeating the Moose Jaw Regals 10 to 7 at Mitchell Field. The Tribe jumped out of the gate with five first-inning counters but the Regals fought back to take a 7 to 6 lead after the fifth. Swift Current then picked up two in the sixth and another brace in the eighth to preserve the win for complete game pitcher Tim Cox. Catcher Harvey Nybo led the Indians' batters with two singles off loser Roy Rowley. For the Regals, Ned Andreoni picked up a double and single while Clark Gillies had a bases-loaded double which plated three counters.
Rowley (L) and Samoluk
Cox (W) and Nybo
(May 31) A run-scoring single by Pete Rieben in the bottom of the 13th inning gave the Melville Millionaires a 3 to 2 opening- night win over the Regina Red Sox at Pirie Field. Left-hander Ross Stone, who was touched for ten Regina hits, went all the way for the Moneymen to pick up the win. Loser Doug Homme, nicked for 14 Melville base knocks, also went the 13-inning distance. Stone fanned ten along the way while Homme set down 13 Melville hitters on strikes. Don Gelowitz delivered a pair of doubles and a single for Melville and teammate Nelson Bryksa had a brace of one-baggers. Danny Fink laced a double and a single for the Red Stockings while Jim Paisley and rookie infielder Brian Dimen both singled twice.
Homme (L) and Logan
Stone (W) and Johnson
(May 31) In their home opener at Ross Wells Park, the Moose Jaw Regals thumped the Swift Current Indians 17 to 5 to extract some revenge for last evening's defeat against the Tribe in the Frontier City. It was not a pitcher-friendly game as both teams hit the ball hard and often. Gary Erfle led the winners at the dish with a trio of one-baggers. Brian Keegan and winning pitcher Lloyd Waterer each had two singles while Roy Rowley came through with a double and single.
Mahaffey (L), Migneault (3), Commodore (5), Nybo (7) and Nybo, Martin (7)
Waterer (W), Bellegarde (6) and Tollefson, Samoluk (9)
(June 2) The Regina Red Sox struck for nine runs over the last three innings of an eight-frame contest to whip the youthful Yorkton Cardinals 10 to 3 in the Regina home opener at Mount Pleasant Park. Southpaw Randy Sawa got the hurling win on the strength of two innings of no-hit relief work. Another portsider, Steve Sobkow of the Redbirds, suffered the loss. Red Sox' catcher Andy Logan slammed three doubles to pace all hitters in this game. The Sox pulled off a triple play in the fourth inning.
Bradford, S. Sobkow (6) (L) and Rochholz
Papp, Duff (4), Sawa (7) (W) and Logan
(June 3) The Moose Jaw Regals overcame a 7 to 0 deficit, largely as a result of Larry Tollefson's three-run homer in the seventh inning, and went on to beat the Yorkton Cardinals 12 to 9 at Ross Wells Park. Tollefson's circuit-blast put the Regals in front 8 to 7 and they never looked back. The Regal catcher also plated two other runs with a two-run single in the fourth. Alex Bellegarde picked up the win in a relief role while import southpaw Don Krick was tagged for the loss.
Krick (L), Wintonyk (8) and Rochholz
Rowley, Bellegarde (3) (W) and Tollefson
(June 4) The Indians of Swift Current relied upon winning pitcher Les Wall's timely bat to nip the Kindersley Klippers 12 to 11 in an inter-locking Southern League match. The Tribe jumped on Kindersley starter Dana Hendershott for four runs in the opening inning but watched the lead dwindle away as three hurlers failed to hold off the stubborn visitors. Wall entered the game in the top of the eighth as Swift Current's fourth chucker and, when he came to bat in the bottom of the frame with two out, drilled a two-run single that brought the Indians back from an 11 to 9 deficit. Murray Steeves and Bob Martin both slammed three safeties for the winners including a four-bagger each. John Migneault, Brian Dickie and Bill McKetiak stroked a brace of hits apiece. Ernie Syrota had a huge game for the Klippers, slugging two round-trippers and a single, good for four RBI's. Teammate Bob Halpenny responded with three singles and three RBI's.
Hendershott, Phelps, Hendershott (8) (L) and O'Sullivan
Cox, Mahaffey (3), Kambeitz (4), Wall (8) (W) and Nybo
(June 6) The Saskatoon Commodores took a 10 to 8 decision from the Moose Jaw Regals at Ross Wells Park. Left-hander Ken Haanen picked up the mound decision in relief and also clouted a solo home run. Ned Andreoni smashed a two-run circuit-blast and a double for the Regals.
Mitchell, Haanen (3) (W) and Stubbs
Waterer (L), Hogg (3), Andreoni (8) and Tollefson
(June 6) The North Battleford Beavers blanked the Yorkton Cardinals 4 to 0 behind the five-hit pitching of Greg Dvorak. The Beavers collected seven hits off loser Arden Bradford and reliever Don Krick. Six Yorkton errors made things easier for the Beavers. Big Ed Stefureak had a double and single for the Redbirds.
Dvorak (W) and Bunyan
Bradford (L), Krick (4) and Rochholz
(June 7) Bobby Martin and Morley Watson slammed bases-loaded home runs to pace the Swift Current Indians' 19-hit attack in a 22 to 9 victory by the Tribe in the opener of a doubleheader with the visiting Regina Red Sox. All told, there were seven circuit clouts in this game, five by the Indians off four Regina pitchers. Murray Steeves, Wayne Commodore and Bill Hogaboam all had solo blasts for the winners while Doug Simon and rookie Rick Wagman replied with dingers for the Reginans. Import right-hander Larry Hemphill got the complete game win for the Indians.
Homme (L), Fellner (5), Seeley (7), Duff (8) and Logan, Dimen (6)
Hemphill (W) and Nybo
(June 7) The Regina Red Sox bounced back following a disastrous matinee performance to hand the Swift Current Indians a 6 to 4 loss in the finale of their twin-bill in Speedy Creek. Wayne Commodore of the Indians hit his second homer of the day in this game, pulling the Tribe into a 3 - 3 tie in the sixth. The Red Sox, however, pushed across a pair in the seventh and added another one in the ninth to salt the game away. Randy Sawa took the pitching decision over import John Andrews.
Sawa (W) and Logan
Andrews (L), Wall (7) and Nybo
(June 7) The Yorkton Cardinals won their first game of the year blanking the Moose Jaw Regals 4 to 0 at Yorkton's Jubilee Park. Import Bob Beyn, making his first pitching start for the Redbirds, hurled a four-hitter for the shutout victory, fanning ten throughout the nine innings. The Cards produced enough runs in the first inning on a run-scoring double by catcher Larry Rochholz and a pair of Moose Jaw errors.
Bellegarde (L) and Tollefson
Beyn (W) and Rochholz
(June 7) The North Battleford Beavers, riding atop the Northern Saskatchewan Baseball League, continued to have success against Southern League opposition as they took a 20 to 11 slugfest from the Melville Millionaires in the Rail Town. Playing-manager Gord Johnson drilled a pair of homers and a single and Ross Stone also connected for a four-bagger for the Moneymen but to no avail as the Beavers pounded out a total of 19 hits' including seven doubles, off five different Melville hurlers. Manny Primeau and Neil Lampitt picked up a pair of doubles each while Jim Johnstone, Gil Hilleary and Tom Sallaway had a two-bagger each.
Hilleary, Sallaway (6) (W) and Bunyan
Stone, B. Valberg (6) (L), M. Valberg (7), Gelowitz (7), Rieben (7) and Johnson
(June 11) The Melville Millionaires picked up their second win of the early season as they edged the Yorkton Cardinals 5 to 4. Don Laube's three-run homer in the bottom of the first gave the Cards a temporary lead. The Moneymen tied things on Terry Buck's run-scoring single and then went ahead on Nelson Bryksa's RBI triple. In the sixth frame, Malcolm Stelmak of the Millionaires settled things once and for all when his two-bagger drove home the winning run. Tom Keeler went the distance for the Millionaires, allowing four hits. Melville had six hits off losing pitcher Don Krick.
Keeler (W) and Johnson
Krick (L) and Rochholz
(June 13) In the opener of a three-game weekend series in the Rail Town, the visiting Swift Current Indians emerged with a 4 to 1 triumph over the Melville Millionaires. Locked in a 1 - 1 pitcher's joust between their hurler, winner Larry Hemphill, and the always-tough Ross Stone of the Moneymen, the Tribe erupted for a trio of runs in the ninth inning to salt away the victory. Bill McKetiak and Brian Dickie led the Indians' eight-hit offense with a pair of singles each. Stone engineered his team's lone run with a solo homer.
Hemphill (W) and Nybo
Stone (L) and Johnson
(June 14) The Melville Millionaires turned the tables on the Swift Current Indians by taking the first game of the Sunday double-dip after taking it on the chin in the opener of the series. When the dust had settled, the Moneymen were victorious by an impressive 7 to 0 count. Terry Buck, hurling for Melville, was in top form, striking out 20 and allowing only one hit, a single to Wayne Commodore in the first inning. Ross Stone hit his second homer in as many days for the Moneymen and teammate Ken Sutherland slammed a pair of singles.
Wall (L) and Nybo
Buck (W) and Johnson
(June 14) The Swift Current Indians, after their bats fell cold in the matinee game, came back in the owl encounter to nip the Melville Millionaires 3 to 1 and leave Pirie Field with a one-game advantage in the trio of tussles. John Andrews of Swift Current and Tom Keeler of the Millionaires both went the route with Andrews coming out the victor as the Redskins out-hit their hosts 7 to 5. Melville first baseman Brian Hicke with a double and single topped the hitter's charts.
Andrews (W) and Nybo
Keeler (L) and Johnson
(June 14) The Unity Cardinals hosted the Moose Jaw Regals in an inter-league match and thumped the visitors 10 to 4. Al Ferchuk went the distance for Unity in the seven and a half inning game called because of rain. Dick Schmidt drove in the winning run in the sixth with a single. Teammates Jim Shaw, Ed Ralston and Ivan Gutfriend each had a pair of singles in the win.
Bellegarde, Doerksen (3) (L) and xxx
Ferchuk (W) and xxx
(June 17) The Regina Red Sox out-hit Moose Jaw, out hustled the Regals and generally outplayed the visitors but still came away losers at Mount Pleasant Park. The only statistic that really matters is the final score and that is where the Regals come out best, nipping a disheartened Regina squad 2 to 1. Randy Sawa was touched for just three hits in being saddled with the loss. Winning chucker Roy Rowley was roughed up for nine Regina hits but, with the help of his teammates, was able to come through unscathed when the chips were on the line.
Rowley (W) and Tollefson
Sawa (L) and Logan
(June 17) The Southern League's Swift Current Indians overcame seven errors and went on to defeat the Saskatoon Commodores 8 to 4 in an interlocking game in the Hub City. Winning hurler Larry Hemphill gave up six hits and fanned 13 in posting his third straight win. Wayne Commodore led Swift Current's batters with a double and single. Murray Steeves, Harvey Nybo and Bob Martin each had a pair of one-baggers. Bob Brown lashed out a pair of base hits for the Commodores.
Hemphill (W) and Nybo
Haanen (L), Anderson (6), Martinson (9) and Stubbs
(June 18) Terry Buck gave up a home run to the Yorkton Cardinals' leadoff hitter, Andy Boleziuk, but then got in the groove and pitched the Melville Millionaires to a 4 to 3 win over the Redbirds. Bev Hickie had a pair of singles off losing pitcher Bob Beyn. Hickie plated the winning run in the seventh following a wild pitch and a Yorkton error.
Buck (W) and Johnson
Beyn (L) and Rochholz
(June 20) The Kindersley Klippers hosted their initial inter-league game and came away victorious with a 6 to 4 win over the Swift Current Indians. Dana Hendershott got the pitching win with relief help from Corky Phelps. Les Wall was saddled with the loss. Ed Gosselin had 3 hits for the Klippers, two singles and a double. Bill Hogaboam of the Tribe had four base raps, one of which was a two-bagger.
Wall (L), Andrews (4) and Nybo
Hendershott (W), Phelps and O'Sullivan
(June 20) Import Gary Buck was the hero as he lashed a solo home run in the fifth inning to give the Melville Millionaires a 5 to 4 win over the Saskatoon Commodores. Ross Stone picked up his second win, fanning ten and surrendering six hits. John Anderson was the loser.
Anderson (L) and Maxemiuk
Stone (W) and Johnson
(June 20) Californian Larry Rochholz smashed a two-out solo homer in the ninth inning to give the Yorkton Cardinals a 3 to 2 win over the Moose Jaw Regals. Left-hander Don Krick scattered five hits to pick up his first win of the season. Fred Cardwell made his first-ever start for Moose Jaw, tossing a seven-hitter, but was the losing pitcher on the basis of being lit up for the bottom of the ninth dinger by the Redbirds' catcher. Jim Booth of the Regals also had a bases-empty four-bagger.
Cardwell (L) and Tollefson
Krick (W) and Rochholz
(June 20) Tom Sallaway held the Regina Red Sox to three hits as the North Battleford Beavers dumped the Queen City visitors 7 to 2. The winners out-hit the Reginans 8 to 4, handing Doug Homme his third defeat. Mark Perkins rapped a double and two singles for the league-leading Beavers while catcher Lorne Bunyan singled twice.
Homme (L), Currie (8) and Logan
Sallaway (W) and Bunyan
(June 21) Don Laube crashed a solid two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to erase a 3 to 2 Saskatoon lead and lift the Yorkton Cardinals to a 4 to 3 interlocking schedule victory over the Commodores. Bob Beyn earned his second win in a relief role as the Cards won their second of the weekend. Laube also hit a double and single as well as his dinger. Ken Haanen had two singles for Saskatoon.
Brandon, Martinson (8) (L) and Maxemiuk
Syrota, Beyn (4) (W) and Rochholz
(June 21) Left-hander Randy Sawa ran his season's record to 3 - 0, gaining the pitching victory in relief, as the Regina Red Sox evened their weekend record at a win and a loss when they defeated the Unity Cardinals 7 to 5. Larry Haylor went the distance and lost for Unity.
Currie, Sawa (3) (W) and xxx
Haylor (L) and xxx
(June 21) Greg Dvorak captured his fourth win of the campaign as the runaway leaders in the N.S.B.L., the North Battleford Beavers, just kept rolling along. The northerners travelled to Speedy Creek and knocked off the Swift Current Indians 11 to 6. The Tribe's Larry Hemphill tasted defeat for the first time this campaign as the Beavers roughed him up early and often. Cam Sternig was the big bopper for North Battleford, smashing a pair of two-run homers, a single and a sacrifice fly for five RBI's. Dvorak helped his own cause with three singles.
Dvorak (W) and Bunyan
Hemphill (L), J. McLeod (8) and Nybo, Migneault (9)
(June 21) In the opener of a twin-bill, the homestanding Melville Millionaires picked up three eighth inning tallies to defeat the Moose Jaw Regals 6 to 4. Tom Keeler scattered eight hits to earn his second win. Roy Rowley, in relief of Moose Jaw starter Alex Bellegarde, was the loser. Keeler's eighth inning double drove in the tying and winning runs. He then scored an insurance run to give himself a little more breathing room.
Bellegarde, Rowley (6) (L) and Tollefson
Keeler (W) and Johnson
(June 21) The Melville Millionaires made a clean sweep of their doubleheader with the Moose Jaw Regals as they took the seven-inning second game 8 to 2. It was the third win in two days for the Moneymen and entrenched them in first place in the Southern League. Import Terry Buck not only hurled a four-hitter for the win, his third without a defeat this season, but he also launched a grand-slam homer in the second frame off loser Dale Hogg.
Hogg (L), Andreoni (5) and Tollefson
Buck (W) and Johnson
Southern League standings (as of end of June 21)
W L T Pts.
Melville Millionaires 7 3 0 14
Swift Current Indians 6 5 0 12
Moose Jaw Regals 3 7 0 6
Yorkton Cardinals 3 5 0 6
Regina Red Sox 3 4 0 6
(June 24) The Regina Red Sox doubled up the Saskatoon Commodores 12 to 6 in an interlocking encounter in the Bridge City. Dave Seeley pitched and batted the Red Sox to their win, hitting two singles and a triple. His battery mate, Andy Logan, had a homer, two singles and a double. Doug Simon also picked up a dinger to go along with a one-bagger while Jim Paisley and Dan Fink both had a pair of singles.
Seeley (W) and Logan
Brandon (L), Martinson (4) and Maxemiuk
(June 24) The Unity Cardinals shaded the Swift Current Indians 3 to 1 at Mitchell Field in the Frontier City as both pitchers of record, winner Al Ferchuk of Unity and John Andrews of the Tribe, allowed nine hits. Mel Dahlseide, Jim Shaw, Glen Miller and Dick Schmidt all had two hits for the Cardinals with one of Dahlseide's being a double. Bill Hogaboam was Swift Current's best with the hickory, pasting a double and a brace of singles.
Ferchuk (W) and Wilkinson
Andrews (L) and Nybo
(June 24) The Moose Jaw Regals hammered the Yorkton Cardinals 22 to 5 in an eight-inning game at Ross Wells Park. The Regals pounded out 18 hits in their one-sided win. Fred Cardwell worked five innings, allowing three hits, for the easy win before handing over mop-up duties to Wayne LeBere. Jim Booth had a pair of circuit clouts and a single for the Regals while Ned Andreoni picked up a four-bagger and a double. Larry Tollefson hit three singles and Erwin Doerksen added a double and single. Don Laube and Larry Rochholz both singled twice for the Redbirds.
Krick (L), S. Sobkow (1) and Rochholz
Cardwell (W), LeBere (6) and Tollefson, Samoluk (6)
(June 25) Andy Boleziuk rifled a two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Yorkton Cardinals a 5 to 3 victory over the Regina Red Sox. Randy Sawa went the distance for the Sox but was roughed up for ten hits including three home runs. Boleziuk also slammed a solo shot in the sixth while catcher Larry Rochholz had the third Redbirds' dinger, a solo blast as well. Regina's Jack Buch picked up three singles off winner Don Krick. Rookie Rick Wagman lit up the Yorkton hurler for a circuit clout and a single while Al Herback singled twice.
Sawa (L) and Logan
Krick (W) and Rochholz
(June 27) The Melville Millionaires solidified their hold on first place in the Southern League when they edged the Swift Current Indians 2 to 1 in the Frontier City. Catcher Fred Raulston's run-scoring single in the seventh inning provided the margin of victory and staked left-hander Ross Stone to his third win of the season. Stone held the Indians to four hits and struck out six. Terry Buck and Raulston paced Melville at the dish with a pair of singles each.
Stone (W) and Raulston
Hemphill (L) and Martin
(June 27) The Yorkton Cardinals won their fourth game of the season when they travelled to Kindersley and took a high-scoring 16 to 12 decision from the Klippers of the N.S.B.L. Don Laube picked up two doubles and two singles for the winners while Ed Stefureak added the game's only home run. Ernie Syrota and losing pitcher Corky Phelps each hit a double and single for the Klippers.
Krick (W) and Rochholz
Phelps (L) and xxx
(June 27) The Moose Jaw Regals handed the North Battleford Beavers and Greg Dvorak their first setback of the season, a 5 to 2 decision at North Battleford. A three-run homer by playing-manager Ned Andreoni in the eighth inning proved to be the deciding blow. Fred Cardwell scattered eight hits and fanned eight in earning the win and preventing Dvorak from getting his sixth victory. Dvorak was looking for his 6th win of the season and 20th in succession since joining the Beavers last year. Cam Sternig of the Beavers had two run-scoring hits, a double and a single.
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
Dvorak and Bunyan
(June 30) The Regina Red Sox ran their won-lost record to five-and-five when they out-slugged the Moose Jaw Regals 9 to 7 at Ross Wells Park. The Reginans pounded two Regal hurlers for a total of 16 hits. Doug Simon led the Regina offense with a double and two singles while Jim Paisley connected for a pair of doubles. Neil Baker drove in three runs with a double and single and winning pitcher Dave Seeley, Al Herback and Danny Fink all singled twice. Ned Andreoni smashed a pair of two-run homers and a single to lead the Regals. Brian Keegan added three singles.
Seeley (W) and Dimen, Logan (4)
Bellegarde, Rowley (7) (L) and Tollefson
(July 4) Murray Flegel made his mound debut for the Regina Red Sox a successful one as he twirled a five-hitter in leading the Red Stockings to an 8 to 3 triumph over the Yorkton Cardinals at Mount Pleasant Park. Utilizing the flawless defensive work of his infield, the big right-hander held the Redbirds to five hits. The Sox had six hits off losing hurler Don Krick with Ron Snell picking up two of them, both singles.
Krick (L) and Rochholz
Flegel (W) and Logan
(July 5) In the first game of a split-venue doubleheader for the Swift Current Indians, the Tribe took the interlocking match from the Unity Cardinals 9 to 6. Wayne Commodore, in relief of Jackie McLeod, gained the mound decision over Larry Haylor. Brian Dickie, Bill Hogaboam, Don McLeod and Commodore all had two hits for Swift Current. Tim Young, a former Moose Jaw Regal, led Unity with a pair of singles.
J. McLeod, Commodore (5) (W) and xxx
Haylor (L) and xxx
(July 5) Travelling to North Battleford following the win in Unity, the Swift Current Indians ran into the powerful Beavers and came out on the short end of a 6 to 2 verdict. Greg Dvorak picked up his sixth win in seven decisions as the Beavers scored three in each of the third and fourth frames to put the game on ice. Mark Perkins, Lorne Bunyan and Cam Sternig had two-baggers for the winners.
Wall (L) and Nybo
Dvorak (W) and Bunyan
(July 7) The Melville Millionaires increased their lead in the Southern League standings with a 4 to 1 victory over the Yorkton Cardinals. Ross Stone handcuffed the Cards on four hits while fanning nine for his fourth win. Newcomer Jim Engdahl started and lost for the Redbirds.
Engdahl (L), Fyfe (5) and Neal
Stone (W) and Johnson
(July 7) The Saskatoon Commodores erupted for six runs in the eighth inning to break a 4 - 4 tie and trounce the Swift Current Indians 10 to 4. Saskatoon's starting pitcher, Ken Haanen, had four singles for the winners while teammate Ian Mitchell picked up a trio of one-baggers. John Anderson, in relief, got the win while Indians' starter Jackie McLeod was the loser.
Haanen, Anderson (6) (W) and Stubbs
J. McLeod (L), Mahaffey (8), Commodore (9) and Nybo
(July 8) The Melville Millionaires managed only four hits off Regina hurler Murray Flegel but they were timely as they posted a 2 to 1 victory over the Red Sox at Mount Pleasant Park. The win for the high-flying Millionaires was their 10th in 13 starts. Terry Buck's third homer of the season in the second inning started the Millionaires on their way to victory. Doubles by Ross Stone and Don Gelowitz in the seventh accounted for the winning run. The Red Sox' downfall, as has been the case on numerous occasions, was leaving runners on base when opportunity knocked. Jim Paisley collected two of Regina's seven hits off winning hurler, import right-hander Tom Keeler.
Keeler (W) and Johnson
Flegel (L) and Logan
(July 9) The Moose Jaw Regals moved into a tie for third place in the Southern League with a 7 to 0 whitewashing of the Swift Current Indians. Fred Cardwell spun a nifty one-hitter to pick up the comfortable win. Loser Jim Birchfield struck out 12 but was rocked for nine hits with Roy Rowley leading the way, smacking two doubles and a pair of singles.
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
Birchfield (L) and Nybo
(July 10) The Southern League's first statistical release of the season, printed in the Regina Leader-Post of this date, shows Bill Hogaboam of the Swift Current Indians as the leader in batting with an impressive .406 average. He has accumulated 13 hits in 32 official trips to the plate and has a 32 percentage point lead over his nearest rival, Ross Stone of the Melville Millionaires. Stone, who is also the league's winningest pitcher, has collected 13 hits in 34 times at bat for a .382 average. Don Laube of the Yorkton Cardinals and Terry Buck of Melville share third spot with .375 averages. Ned Andreoni of the Moose Jaw Regals leads in three categories, runs scored with 16, home runs with five and RBI's with 16.
Stone has chalked up a 4 - 1 won-lost record to lead in pitching victories. Don Krick of Yorkton has 79 strikeouts and 27 walks issued to lead in those categories.
(July 11) The Kindersley Klippers started a southern road trip with a 6 to 3 win over the Regina Red Sox. The Klips slapped two Regina chuckers for eleven hits. Bob Halpenny smashed a two-run homer for the visitors. With the game tied 3 - 3 entering the ninth, Garnet Hannon with a two-run double and Corky Phelps' run-scoring triple won the game for Kindersley.
Miles, Hendershott (8) (W) and O'Sullivan
Seeley, Dimen (7) (L) and Logan
(July 11) The Saskatoon Commodores handed Ross Stone his second pitching defeat as they edged the Melville Millionaires 3 to 2 in the Hub City. Fred Maxemiuk hit a two-run double off Stone in the bottom of the ninth to give the Commodores the win.
Stone (L) and Johnson
Anderson (W) and Stubbs
(July 12) Randy Sawa threw a no-hit, no-run gem as the Regina Red Sox blanked the Unity Cardinals 5 to 0 in an inter-league match in Regina. The Sox scored the only run they needed in the bottom of the first. Sawa used only 100 pitches while fanning nine to record his third win. Outfielder Doug Simon clouted a looping triple and a single for the Reginans while fellow fly-chaser Danny Fink had a pair of line-drive singles.
Ferchuk (L), Dahlseide (8) and Wilkinson
Sawa (W) and Logan
(July 12) The Moose Jaw Regals thumped the Kindersley Klippers 8 to 3 in an interlocking game at Ross Wells Park. The Mill City crew had 12 hits off loser Corky Phelps with Ned Andreoni leading the way with a double and two singles. Gary Erfle and Warren Humphreys singled twice for Moose Jaw.
Phelps (L) and O'Sullivan
Rowley (W) and Tollefson, Samoluk (8)
(July 12) Following their whitewashing in Regina, the Unity Cardinals moved down the trans-Canada highway to the Mill City and rebounded for a 6 to 3 win over the Moose Jaw Regals. Larry Haylor was coasting along with a no-hitter and a six-run lead after eight innings only to see the Regals erupt for three runs on four hits in the bottom of the ninth. However, it was too little, too late as Unity prevailed with Moose Jaw starter Alex Bellegarde being tagged with the loss.
Haylor (W) and Wandler
Bellegarde (L), Andreoni (4) and Tollefson, Samoluk (3)
(July 12) The Melville Millionaires dropped their second game of the weekend as the North Battleford Beavers hung a 3 to 1 defeat on them. Greg Dvorak was a one-man show for the N.S.B.L.-leading Beavers as he not only threw a three-hitter in chalking up his eighth win of the season but also hit a double and two singles, scoring what proved to be the winning run. Terry Buck held the powerful Beavers to four hits but it wasn't enough to overcome Dvorak's efforts.
Buck (L) and Ralston, Johnson (6)
Dvorak (W) and Bunyan
(July 15) The Regina Red Sox rallied for a run in the eighth and another in the ninth to nip the Saskatoon Commodores 3 to 2 in an interlocking game at Mount Pleasant Park. Andy Logan's third single of the night in the ninth sent pinch-runner Jack Buch scampering from first to third where he narrowly beat the throw from the outfield. The ball, however, skipped away from Saskatoon third sacker Bob Brown which allowed Buch to race home with the winner.
J. Anderson (L) and Stubbs
Flegel, Sawa (9) (W) and Logan
(July 15) The Moose Jaw Regals edged the Swift Current Indians 3 to 2. The Regals scored all three of their runs in the third frame, highlighted by Erwin Doerksen's two-run single off loser Les Wall. Roy Rowley fanned five and allowed seven hits in picking up the win. Wall gave up six hits and struck out eight.
Rowley (W) and xxx
Wall (L) and Nybo
(July 15) The cellar-dwelling Yorkton Cardinals crept closer to the fourth place Swift Current Indians when they got past the top-place Melville Millionaires 5 to 3 at Pirie Field. Left-hander Don Krick survived a shaky first inning and went on to propel the Redbirds to their first win of the season against Melville. Krick gave up six hits and struck out five. The Cards managed nine hits off loser Tom Keeler who struck out 12 but ran into problems in the second and third frames when he was lit up for a total of five Yorkton runs.
Krick (W) and Rochholz
Keeler (L) and Johnson
(July 16) The Regina Red Sox took over sole possession of second place in the Southern League by battling the front-running Melville Millionaires to a 3 - 3 tie. A run-scoring double by Don Gelowitz with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning allowed the Moneymen to reach the deadlock. After the side was retired, the game was called because of darkness. Danny Fink and Red Sox' starter Doug Simon had three hits apiece off Ross Stone, who went the distance and fanned eleven. One of Fink's hits went for two bases. Rookie Neil Baker chipped in with a brace of singles for the Reginans. Don Gelowitz hit two doubles to lead the Millionaires' six-hit attack.
Simon, Sawa (7) and Bachiu
Stone and Johnson
Southern League standings (as of end of July 16)
W L T Pts.
Melville Millionaires 10 6 1 21
Regina Red Sox 8 7 1 17
Moose Jaw Regals 8 9 0 16
Swift Current Indians 7 11 0 14
Yorkton Cardinals 6 8 0 12
(July 18) The Moose Jaw Regals clipped the Melville Millionaires 3 to 2 in a 10-inning Southern League encounter in the Mill City. Larry Tollefson's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the tenth frame plated Ned Andreoni with the winning run. Bev Hickie's fourth hit of the game, a run-scoring single in the ninth, had deadlocked the score and sent the contest into extra innings when the Regals failed to score in the bottom of the frame. The Moneymen out-hit their hosts 12 to 5. Fred Cardwell got the win over Terry Buck.
Buck (L) and Johnson
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
(July 18) The Swift Current Indians won the opener of a weekend set with the Yorkton Cardinals in the Frontier City, squeezing past the Redbirds 3 to 2. Wayne Commodore picked up the victory over Bob Beyn. Infielder Don McLeod had a double and single for the Indians while Harvey Nybo and Bill McKetiak both singled twice. Redbirds' catcher Larry Rochholz pasted a double and single and both Don Krick and Gary Syrota had a brace of one-baggers.
Beyn (L) and Rochholz
Commodore (W) and Nybo
(July 19) Getting to left-hander Ross Stone for nine hits, the Moose Jaw Regals pinned a 5 to 3 loss on the Melville Millionaires in the matinee game of a double-dip at Ross Wells Park. The loss for Stone was his third against four victories. Larry Tollefson's three-run homer staked the Regals to an early lead in the contest. They sewed up the tussle by scoring a pair in the sixth. Erwin Doerksen got the win as a fireman, coming to the aid of starter Alex Bellegarde. Tollefson also picked up a pair of singles off Stone.
Stone (L) and Johnson
Bellegarde, Doerksen (3) (W) and Tollefson
(July 19) The Melville Millionaires bounced back from their first-game loss to take the second half of the twin-bill in the Friendly City when they turned back the Moose Jaw Regals 5 to 1. The Millionaires got off to a flying start and never looked back. Playing-manager Gord Johnson gave import right-hander Tom Keeler all the cushion he needed by blasting a two-run homer off loser Roy Rowley to highlight a three-run opening frame.
Keeler (W) and Johnson
Rowley (L) and Tollefson.
(July 19) The Swift Current Indians struck for all eight of their runs in the eighth inning to overcome a 3 to 0 Yorkton lead and hand the Cardinals an 8 to 3 defeat. Shortstop Don McLeod led the Indians' attack with three singles. Losing pitcher Don Krick blasted a round-tripper for the Cards while teammate Gary Syrota had a homer and single.
Krick (L) and Rochholz
Wall (W) and Nybo
(July 21) A run-scoring double by Danny Fink allowed the Regina Red Sox to tie the Yorkton Cardinals 3 - 3 in a Southern league game in Yorkton. The eight-inning game was called early because of darkness. Bob Beyn went the distance for Yorkton, surrendering only the one hit garnered by Fink. Don Laube led the Cardinals' four-hit offense with a double and single.
Sawa and Logan
Beyn and Rochholz
(July 24) With two swings of his bat, hard-hitting outfielder Ron Snell made his presence felt. The Regina rookie drove in three runs and scored a fourth as the Red Sox and Melville Millionaires battled to a 4 - 4 tie before the game was called because of darkness after 12 innings. The tie moved the Sox into third place in the Southern league. Snell tripled his first time up driving in Jim Paisley, who had singled. He later scored on a wild pitch. He again wielded the big stick in the bottom of the eighth, jumping on an offering from Melville chucker Tom Keeler for a sharp single which scored Doug Simon and Danny Fink.
Keeler and Johnson
Ash, B. Wright (9), Flegel (1) and Logan
(July 25) Don Krick held the Kindersley Klippers to four hits as the Yorkton Cardinals blanked the Klips 8 to 0 in an inter-league game played in Yorkton. Krick fanned twelve in going the distance. Losing pitcher Lonnie Miles gave up nine safeties including a solo home run to Vern Neal.
Miles (L) and O'Sullivan
Krick (W) and Rochholz
(July 25) The Moose Jaw Regals maintained their hold on second place in the Southern League with a 4 to 0 win over the Swift Current Indians at Ross Wells Park. Larry Tollefson led the Regals at the plate with two singles. Losing pitcher Tim Cox singled twice.
Cox (L) and Nybo
Doerksen (W) and Tollefson
(July 26) The Melville Millionaires took the first game of a three-team inter-league double-bill when they bounced the Kindersley Klippers 9 to 0 in an afternoon game. Ross Stone gave up four hits and struck out six to earn the win. Don Gelowitz with a three-bagger and Gord Johnson with a double were the extra-base clouters for the Moneymen.
Hendershott (L), Phelps (5) and O'Sullivan
Stone (W) and Johnson
(July 26) The Unity Cardinals won the opener of a two-game Sunday set in different venues when they defeated their namesakes, the Yorkton Cardinals, 7 to 4. Unity out-hit Yorkton 9 to 6. Larry Rochholz, Don Laube, Gary Syrota and Ed Stefureak all connected for solo home runs in a losing cause. Mel Dahlseide hit a two-run dinger for Unity.
Sharpe (W) and Wilkinson
Beyn (L) and Rochholz
(July 26) The Melville Millionaires continued to increase their lead atop the Southern League when they won their second game of the day, edging the Unity Cardinals 4 to 3 in an interlocking tussle. Terry Buck pitched a four-hitter and whiffed ten batters in earning the win. He also hit a three-bagger in the sixth. Loser Al Ferchuk was tagged for 12 hits and had five strikeouts.
Ferchuk (L) and Wilkinson
Buck (W) and Johnson
(July 26) With hurlers from both pitching staffs limiting the opposition to four hits, the Swift Current Indians edged past the Regina Red Sox 2 to 0 in the opener of a twin-bill at Mount Pleasant Park. Both of the Tribe's runs were unearned. Les Wall of the Indians got the complete game win as the Red Sox self-destructed, committing five errors.
Wall (W) and Nybo
Fellner (L), Flegel (9) and Logan
(July 26) The Swift Current Indians scalped the Regina Red Sox for a second time in one day, blanking their Queen City hosts 8 to 0, as crafty veteran Jackie McLeod used a variety of tantalizing curves to entice Red Sox hitters to chase bad pitches. He wound up with a four-hitter as the inept Regina hitters were shutout for 18 consecutive innings on this day. McLeod showed he still had some aptitude with the bat as well, driving in three runs with a bases-loaded double off loser Murray Flegel. The Swift Current playing-manager received strong support from Murray Steeves who had two singles and a double. Bob Martin came through with a double and single while Bill McKetiak and Wayne Commodore both singled twice. Neil Baker had a brace of one-baggers for the Sox.
J. McLeod (W) and Nybo
Flegel (L), B. Wright (4) and Logan
(July 27) The Regina Leader-Post announced in their edition of this date that Clark Gillies, a 16-year old catcher and third baseman with the Moose Jaw Regals, had been signed by the Houston Astros and would be reporting to the Astros' rookie league team in Covington, Virginia.
(July 28) The Yorkton Cardinals knocked off the front-running Melville Millionaires 3 to 1 in a Southern League battle between the Highway #10 rivals. The Cardinals built up a 3 to 0 lead before the Millionaires hit the scoreboard in the sixth inning on the strength of Ross Stone's solo dinger. Ed Stefureak had a home run and double for the Redbirds.
Keeler (L) and Ralston
Krick (W) and Rochholz
(July 29) Doug Simon of the Regina Red Sox made one of his rare mound appearances and spun a nifty three-hitter as the Red Stockings tamed the hometown Swift Current Indians 8 to 1 in a Southern League contest. Simon bested Jackie McLeod in a game that was fairly close until the visitors broke loose for five runs in the sixth. Rick Wagman was the top hitter for the Reginans with three hits including a double.
Simon (W) and Logan
J. McLeod (L), Commodore (3) and Nybo
(July 29) A pair of Yorkton Cardinals' pitchers were pelted for 18 base hits as the Moose Jaw Regals ran roughshod over the visitors 15 to 1. Ned Andreoni had five RBI's on a four-for-six day at the plate, Warren Humphreys and winning chucker Fred Cardwell both rapped three singles. Cardwell whiffed 13 in picking up the easy win.
Beyn (L), Fyfe (4) and Rochholz
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
(August 1) The Moose Jaw Regals opened their weekend schedule with an 8 to 5 win over the northern-leading North Battleford Beavers. Moose Jaw scored three runs in the eighth to scrape by the Beavers. Roy Rowley was the top hitter for the Regals with three singles.
Sallaway (L) and Bunyan
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
(August 1) After polishing off the visitors from North Battleford, the Moose Jaw Regals travelled down the trans-Canada to Mount Pleasant Park where they were jolted 5 to 2 by the Regina Red Sox. Al Herback, making his first Southern League mound start in seven years got the win for the Sox. The Regals took an early lead on Ned Andreoni's two-run homer but the Sox clawed their way back with three in the third and then put the game away on the strength of Jim Paisley's two-run double in the eighth.
Rowley (L) and Tollefson
Herback (W), Sawa (9) and McEachern
(August 1) The home-standing Yorkton Cardinals pummelled the Swift Current Indians 11 to 0 to begin their weekend series. Larry Rochholz, Ed Stefureak and Rollie Wilcox all slammed round-trippers in support of winner Don Krick.
Kambeitz (L), Olheiser (4) and Nybo
Krick (W), Syrota (6) and Rochholz
(August 1) The Melville Millionaires cruised to a 6 to 2 win over the Unity Cardinals behind ace portsider Ross Stone. Bev Hickie had three singles and Terry Buck two doubles for the winners off the slants of loser Tom Sharpe.
Stone (W) and xxx
Sharpe (L) and xxx
(August 2) The Swift Current Indians won the second contest of their three-game weekend set with the Yorkton Cardinals as they dumped their hosts 7 to 4 in the opener of a Sunday doubleheader. Wayne Commodore slugged a homer and two singles to back winner Les Wall and starter Jackie McLeod. Ed Stefureak was the whole story for the Cardinals with two homers and a double.
J. McLeod, Wall (4) (W) and Nybo
Krick (L), Syrota (7) and Rochholz
(August 2) In the second game of the doubleheader, the Yorkton Cardinals pounded out 18 hits in pulverizing the Swift Current Indians 17 to 3. Ed Stefureak had four hits for the Redbirds with five RBI's. Don Laube also had four hits for the winners while Vern Neal had a homer.
Wall (L), Olheiser (2) and Nybo
Beyn (W) and Rochholz
(August 2) Terry Buck tossed a two-hitter as the Melville Millionaires blanked the Kindersley Klippers 3 to 0 at Pirie Field in an inter-league game.
Hendershott (L) and O'Sullivan
Buck (W) and Johnson
(August 2) The Regina Red Sox handed the North Battleford Beavers, runaway leaders of the N.S.B.L., their second setback of the weekend, dropping the Beavers 5 to 4 in a ten-inning game. The Sox were hard-pressed to pull out the win. Tied 4 - 4 in the bottom of the tenth, Larry Bachiu slammed a ball off the outfield fence and Doug Simon followed with a double to drive home the winner. Jim Paisley had a two-run homer and Rick Wagman a solo-shot for the Sox off loser Greg Dvorak. Bachiu was the Sox' top hitter with two doubles.
Dvorak (L) and Bunyan
Fellner, B. Wright (6) (W) and Logan
Southern League standings (as of end of August 2)
W L T Pts.
Melville Millionaires 15 9 2 32
Moose Jaw Regals 13 11 0 26
Regina Red Sox 11 9 3 25
Swift Current Indians 12 15 0 24
Yorkton Cardinals 10 13 1 21
(August 4) The Regina Red Sox jumped into second spot in the Southern League when they thumped the Moose Jaw Regals 7 to 1 at Mount Pleasant Park. Murray Flegel scattered nine hits and breezed after his mates opened with four runs in the first two frames. His battery mate, Andy Logan, drilled three singles in his support. Doug Simon had a triple and single while Jerry Zrymiak came through with a double and single. Doug Gillies rapped three singles for the Regals.
Doerksen (L), Bellegarde (6) and Tollefson
Flegel (W) and Logan
(August 5) One night after taking over second place in the Southern League, the Regina Red Sox were bumped back to third spot when the Moose Jaw Regals ripped them 7 to 1 in Moose Jaw. Fred Cardwell spaced four hits in taking the comfortable win against his former team. Larry Tollefson was three for three for Moose Jaw and teammates Brian Keegan and Ned Andreoni two for four.
Sawa (L) and Bachiu
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
(August 6) The Yorkton Cardinals moved to within a single point of the fifth-place Swift Current Indians when they downed the Regina Red Sox 6 to 4 at Jubilee Park. Vern Neal provided the Cards with the winning margin when he hit a two-run double with the sacks full in the eighth inning. Ron Snell drove in a pair of runs for the Red Sox with a double and single. Teammates Jack Buch and Danny Fink each added two singles. Ed Stefureak had a brace of one-baggers for the Redbirds.
B. Wright (L) and McEachern
Beyn (W) and Rochholz
(August 7) On the warpath in their last regularly scheduled game, the Swift Current Indians ripped Melville starting pitcher Terry Buck for five runs in the first two innings and went on to scalp the Millionaires 8 to 3. Jack McLeod earned the win as the Tribe moved three points ahead of last-place Yorkton in the chase for a playoff berth. Wayne Commodore was the top hitter for the Indians, slamming two doubles. Melville catcher Gord Johnson slugged a homer and a single.
Buck (L), Keeler (2) and Johnson
J. McLeod (W) and Nybo
(August 8) The Yorkton Cardinals remained in contention for a Southern League playoff spot when they whipped the Saskatoon Commodores 8 to 5 in an interlocking match in the Hub City. The Cards roared back from a 4 to 0 deficit to get the victory on the strength of the hitting heroics of Ed Stefureak and Vern Neal.
Fyfe (W) and xxx
xxx (L) and xxx
(August 9) The Southern League pennant-winners, the Melville Millionaires, relegated the Regina Red Sox to a third-place finish when they disposed of the visiting Redlegs 5 to 1 in the Rail Town. The Reginans were never really in this game Melville's Terry Buck completely stifled the Sox,
Flegel (L) and Logan
Buck (W) and Johnson
(August 9) The Unity Cardinals bombed their namesakes from the Southern League, the Yorkton Cardinals, 19 to 9 to put the pressure on Yorkton to win their last game of the season against North Battleford or else face elimination. Unity's Tom Sharpe knocked in five runs with a double and single and handled the pitching chores for seven innings, long enough to pick up the mound triumph. Vern Neal had a double and three singles for Yorkton while Ed Stefureak homered and doubled.
Krick (L), Syrota (5), Krick (5), Neal (5) and xxx
Sharpe (W), xxx (8) and xxx
(August 9) The Kindersley Klippers won a slugfest from the Moose Jaw Regals 11 to 10 in ten innings. The Regals had a six-run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth but blew the margin and allowed the Klips to tie the game. Regals' outfielder Brian Keegan separated his shoulder during the early action and had to leave the game. Jim Booth picked up four hits for Moose Jaw.
xxx (L) and xxx
xxx (W) and xxx
(August 9) Needing a win to make the playoffs, the Yorkton Cardinals dropped a heart-breaking 4 to 3 decision to the North Battleford Beavers in their last game of the season. The Cards lost in the bottom of the 11th after the Beavers' Hugh McIvor walked, reached second and third on a sacrifice and scored on a wild pitch by losing hurler Gary Syrota. Mark Perkins of North Battleford went all the way for the mound win. Yorkton's Ed Stefureak had three doubles in a losing cause.
Beyn, Fyfe (9), Syrota (11) (L) and Rochholz
Perkins (W) and Bunyan
(August 9) The Saskatoon Commodores bombed a tired group of Moose Jaw Regals 9 to 1 after the Mill City crew arrived in Saskatoon following their extra-inning loss in Kindersley. John Anderson limited Moose Jaw to seven hits. The Commodores got their nine runs on nine hits and seven Moose Jaw errors. Ian Mitchell and Bob Brown provided the power at the plate for Saskatoon as each had a double and single.
xxx (L) and xxx
Anderson (W) and xxx
Southern League final standings
W L T Pts.
Melville Millionaires 16 10 2 34
Moose Jaw Regals 14 13 0 28
Regina Red Sox 12 12 3 27
Swift Current Indians 13 13 0 26
Yorkton Cardinals 12 16 1 25
(August 11) Players from the Moose Jaw Regals swept six of the ten positions as well as the manager of the Southern League's first all-star team which was selected by players and coaching personnel. Regals named to the first team were Erwin Doerksen at first base, Roy Rowley at third base, Ned Andreoni at shortstop, Larry Tollefson as catcher, Brian Keegan in right field and Fred Cardwell as the right-handed pitcher. Andreoni was also voted the first team field manager. Others named to the first squad were Bev Hicke of the Melville Millionaires as the centre fielder, his teammate Ross Stone as the left-handed pitcher, Don Laube of the Yorkton Cardinals as the left fielder and Jim Paisley of the Regina Red Sox as the second baseman.
Voted to the second team were first baseman Jack Buch, third baseman Jerry Zrymiak and outfielders Danny Fink and Ken Simon of the Regina Red Sox. Melville's Gord Johnson was named to the team as manager along with two of his pitchers, left-hander Terry Buck and right-hander Tom Keeler, as well as shortstop Nelson Bryksa. Others on the runner-up team were Wayne Commodore, the only member of the Swift Current Indians selected to either team, catcher Larry Rochholz of Yorkton and Moose Jaw's Warren Humphreys at second base.
LEAGUE SEMI - FINALS
The pennant-winning Melville Millionaires were matched with the Swift Current Indians in one semi-final while the Moose Jaw Regals and Regina Red Sox locked horns in the other. Both series will be best-of -five with the two winners advancing to play another best-of-five showdown.
(August 13) The Moose Jaw Regals drew first blood in their Southern League semi-final series when they came from behind to knock off the Regina Red Sox 10 to 5. A three-run circuit blast in the fifth by playing-manager Ned Andreoni put the Regals ahead to stay and a two-run clout by catcher Larry Tollefson in the sixth helped to cement the final result. Andreoni and Tollefson also had a single each to go along with their home runs. Larry Bachiu led Regina's ten-hit attack off the slants of winning hurler Fred Cardwell, stroking two doubles and a single. Catcher Andy Logan added a pair of two-baggers.
Fellner (L), B. Wright (5), Herback (8) and Logan
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
(August 13) A two-run homer by Murray Steeves pulled the Swift Current Indians from behind a 2 to 1 deficit and sparked them to a 4 to 2 win over the pennant-winning Melville Millionaires in the first game of their playoff semi-final. Back to back doubles by Bob Martin and winning pitcher Les Wall sealed the deal for the Tribe in providing an insurance run in the seventh. Harvey Nybo led the Indians at the plate with three hits, one being a double. Losing hurler Ross Stone had two hits for the Moneymen.
Stone (L) and Johnson
Wall (W) and Nybo
(August 15) The Melville Millionaires had their bats steaming when they went into the second game of their playoff series with the Swift Current Indians. Swift Current's Jackie McLeod felt the wrath of the Melville bats and lasted but an inning and a third as the Moneymen blasted the Tribe 12 to 4 to even the series at a game apiece. Melville's Ross Stone ripped a double and triple to drive in six runs while winning pitcher Tom Keeler was coasting along with an eight-hitter.
J. McLeod (L), Cox (2) and Nybo
Keeler (W) and Johnson
(August 16) In a game that produced a total of 33 base hits, 27 of which were garnered by the homesters, the Melville Millionaires continued their torrid offensive onslaught by destroying the Swift Current Indians 21 to 3 at Pirie Field. The win moves the Moneymen into a two games to one series lead. Winner Terry Buck had an easy time of it, fanning 13 for the victory. Shortstop Nelson Bryksa had five safeties including two doubles and a triple. Bev Hickie drilled two doubles plus a pair of singles while Ross Stone, Gord Johnson, Don Hrycyshen and Mal Stelmak all ripped a trio of base knocks. Starter and loser Wayne Commodore of the Tribe slammed a two-run homer in the seventh.
Commodore, J. McLeod (3), Commodore (4) (L), Kambeitz (5), Olheiser (5), Martin (8) and Nybo
Buck (W) and Johnson
(August 18) The defending Southern League champion Regina Red Sox dropped a close 4 to 3 decision to the Moose Jaw Regals in the second game of the best-of-five playoff series. The Regals now hold a two game advantage as the Reginans face elimination. The victory for the Regals was an uphill struggle as they bounced back from a 3 to 1 deficit with a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game and didn't score the winner until two were out in the ninth. Ned Andreoni, who had singled twice, drew a base on balls after loser Randy Sawa had retired the first two batters in the ninth. Then, catcher Larry Tollefson lined a clutch double to right field as Andreoni shifted into overdrive to cross the plate with the lead run which turned out to be the winner. Winning chucker Roy Rowley went all the way for the victory, fanning 11 while throwing a seven-hitter. Loser Randy Sawa gave up ten hits to the Regals and whiffed six batters.
Rowley (W) and Tollefson
Sawa (L) and Logan
(August 18) The Swift Current Indians staved off elimination by dropping the Melville Millionaires 4 to 2 in the Frontier City. The win for the Speedy Creekers knotted their series at two games apiece. The Indians did all their scoring in the fourth inning and it was a three-run homer by Murray Steeves that did the trick. Bob Martin had plated Swift Current's first counter when, after doubling to lead off the fourth, he was driven home on Harvey Nybo's single. Steeves followed with his circuit blast that scored Wayne Commodore, who had been hit by a pitch, and Nybo ahead of him. Les Wall picked up his second win of the series in going the route.
Stone (L) and Johnson
Wall (W) and Nybo
(August 19) The Regina Red Sox dropped their third straight playoff game as the Moose Jaw Regals eliminated them from further play with a 3 to 0 blanking behind the five-hit pitching of Fred Cardwell. The Sox' pitching tandem of Doug Simon and Murray Flegel pitched well, allowing a combined total of six hits, but Simon, in particular, was thwarted by shaky defensive play in the early innings by his mates. Jim Booth of the Regals was the only player on the diamond to get more than one hit as he produced two singles.
Simon (L), Flegel (8) and Logan
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
(August 21) Riding the two-hit relief pitching and hitting of Terry Buck, the Melville Millionaires advanced to the Southern League's final series. Buck took over from starter Tom Keeler in the second inning and guided the Millionaires to a 4 to 1 victory over the Swift Current Indians in the deciding game of their best-of-five set. Keeler was forced to relinquish mound duties after developing arm trouble. Buck gave up a run-scoring single to Harvey Nybo in the second and it was the last time the Indians threatened. Buck fanned 11 the rest of the way and also had a run-scoring triple and three singles from the batters' box.
Wall (L) and Nybo
Keeler, Buck (2) (W) and Johnson
LEAGUE FINAL SERIES
(August 23) The Moose Jaw Regals took advantage of eight Melville errors to trounce the Millionaires 6 to 1 in the opening game of the best-of-five Southern League final series played at Pirie Field in the Rail Town. Winner Roy Rowley allowed the Moneymen nine hits but they were well spaced. Losing pitcher Ross Stone, who has seemed to have lost his winning touch of late, was tagged with his third playoff defeat. The Regals managed six hits, two by infielder Gary Erfle, off the veteran left-hander but a shaky Melville defense gave them all the help they needed. The game was called after eight innings because of darkness.
Rowley (W) and Tollefson
Stone (L) and Johnson
(August 24) Terry Buck fashioned a brilliant three-hitter to lead the Melville Millionaires to a 6 to 0 victory over the Moose Jaw Regals at Ross Wells Park. The win for the Moneymen evened the best-of-five Southern League final at one game each. Buck wound up with 13 strikeouts to his credit. Only Roy Rowley, who stroked a double and single, and Erwin Doerksen with a single, were able to solve the offerings presented by the Melville chucker. Ross Stone collected three of Melville's seven hits, a double and two singles, off a pair of Moose Jaw pitchers. Outfielder Bev Hickie pitched in with a double and single.
Buck (W) and Johnson
Andreoni (L), Bellegarde (3), Andreoni (8) and Tollefson
(August 25) Fred Cardwell put together a five-hit mound performance and smashed a two-run homer to lead the Moose Jaw Regals to a 4 to 2 victory over the Melville Millionaires and a two games to one lead in the best-of-five Southern League final series. Ross Stone, pitching with only one day's rest went the distance for the Millionaires, giving up eight hits and fanning an equal number. Stone's single gave the Moneymen an early 1 to 0 lead but that margin was wiped out with Cardwell's blast. From then on, Moose Jaw maintained the upper hand. Outfielder Doug Gillies had a brace of singles for the winners.
Cardwell (W) and Tollefson
Stone (L) and Johnson
(August 26) The Melville Millionaires, with their backs to the wall, kept their Southern League championship hopes alive when they battled the Moose Jaw Regals to a 3 - 3 tie. The game was called after ten innings because of darkness. Terry Buck went the distance for the Millionaires, giving up five hits while fanning nine. Roy Rowley worked the entire game for the Regals, scattering six hits and striking out seven. Both clubs had threats in the 10th inning snuffed out after getting their lead-off man on base. Melville's Ross Stone was the only player in the game to collect more than one hit.
Buck and Johnson
Rowley and Tollefson
(August 27) Moose Jaw can now wear a crown in Regal fashion. The Southern League second-place finishers pounced on the pennant-winning Melville Millionaires 4 to 1 to capture the best-of-five series in convincing fashion, three games to one with one game tied. The visitors knocked Tom Keeler from the mound in the fourth and continued to hit strongly against arm-weary Terry Buck. Erwin Doerksen, almost the forgotten man in the Regals' pitching rotation, pitched superbly for the win. Larry Tollefson knocked in the first two Moose Jaw runs, one in the opening frame with a long blast to the outfield and the other in the third on a ground out. Ned Andreoni had two hits for the winners including one which plated the Regals' fourth counter.
Doerksen (W) and Tollefson
Keeler (L), Buck (4) and Johnson
Ned Andreoni of Moose Jaw won the Dave Dryburgh memorial trophy in 1970 for the second consecutive year after compiling a .417 batting average. He led the league in hits, 48, runs scored, 35, and RBI - a league record 31. His six homers trailed, by one, the league leader, Ed Stefureak of Yorkton.
Fred Cardwell of Moose Jaw had the best pitching mark, 7-1, and won the ERA title with an average of 1.57. Terry Buck of Melville was the runnerup with a 1.93 ERA.
Bev Hickie of Melville was the theft king with 10 stolen bases.
Ron Snell, Regina Red Sox outfielder, won the Father Athol Murray trophy as the league's outstanding rookie for 1970.