Reading Eagle - August 24, 1980

Believe It! Phils Lose

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Allen Ripley laughed about his triple that accounted for his first major league RBI.

“The victory definitely was the important thing,” said Ripley, who pitched a seven-hitter for the San Francisco Giants in a 6-2 victory over the Philadelphia Philies Saturday night.

The victory lifted the Giants over the .500 mark for the first time since July 1, 1979, when they were 40-39. They now are 62-61.

Ripley struck out three and walked three as he recorded his seventh victory in 13 decisions. He got help from his teammates with three double plays and some fine catches in the outfield.

Ripley, who joined the Giants May 22 after recording a 5-0 record for Phoenix of the Pacific Coast League, kept the Phillies off balance with a fast ball and slider on which he consistently changed speeds. He stayed ahead in the count and kept the ball away from the long ball hitters.

Both runs off the San Francisco pitcher were unearned because of a fourth inning one-out error by second baseman Rennie Stennett.

Ripley apparently liked to pitch against the Phillies. He is 2-0 with less than a 1.00 ERA in three career appearances versus Philadelphia.

The Giants’ pitcher has won five of his last six and said he gradually is building confidence that he can win in the major leagues.

The important thing is that we’re trying to win the division,” said Ripley. “Maybe this (getting over .500) is a stepping stone. Maybe the others can feel us breathing a little down their necks.”

San Francisco manager Dave Bristol said he just hoped his team could stay over .500.

“That would be the most gratifying thing,” Bristol said. “What we need now is to get a good five over.”

Phillies Manager Dallas Green, of course, didn’t enjoy his postgame meal.