Wilmington Morning News - August 19, 1980

Phils come home fresh from sweep

PHILADELPHIA – Fresh from their first sweep of a five-game series in 25 years, the Phillies return to Veterans Stadium tonight and the start of a nine-game homestand against three West Coast clubs.

After starting the just-concluded road trip with four losses in Pittsburgh, the Phillies finished the 12-game journey with five straight victories over the Mets in New York.

The last time the Phillies took all five games in one series was in July of 1955 when they polished off the Cincinnati Reds at Connie Mack Stadium. Murray Dickson, Robin Roberts, Saul Rogovin, Curt Simmons and Jack Meyer picked up the victories. Richie Ashburn, now a Phillies broadcaster, was 10-for-21 in the series.

The Phillies won the final game of the set 5-3 despite three home runs by Cincinnati's Gus Bell.

The present home stand begins tonight against San Diego. The Phils are 4-1 versus the Padres this year, having won all three on San Diego's first visit to the Vet back in June. Those three victories started the Phillies on a six-game winning streak, their longest of the season.

Dallas Green's club will be trying to match that streak tonight and also go 10 games over .500 for the first time this year. Three other times the Phillies got to nine only to be stymied.

San Diego will also be at the Vet tomorrow night and Thursday for a 12:35 p.m. start. Following will be three games each against San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Phillies will then head west for a 10-game trip to the same three California cities starting Aug. 29 at San Diego.

PHIL-INS – Padres come to town with six new faces on the roster since their first visit... Phillies have out-homered San Diego 88-45... Lonnie Smith is five stolen bases away from tying Richie Ashburn's club rookie record (32) set in 1948... While Bob Boone and Garry Maddox have struggled with their batting averages, their RBI production ranks among the top of their respective positions. Only Gary Carter and Ted Simmons have more RBI among catchers. Maddox trails George Hendrick and Andre Dawson among center fielders... Pitching for SD series: tonight, Bob Shirley vs. Dick Ruthven; tomorrow, Juan Eichelberger vs. Nino Espinosa; and Thursday Rick Wise vs. Larry Christenson... Schmidt hit .472 last week, five homers, 13 RBI... NL East since All-Star break: Pirates 26-14, Expos 24-19, Phillies 22-18, Cardinals 17-19, Mets 18-23, Cubs 16-25.