Phils derail Ryan Express

PHILADELPHIA – Even as the fastball went whistling past his face at better than 90 mph, Dick Ruthven knew that it was not Houston flamethrower Nolan Ryan's intention to do him bodily harm. He didn't think it the second time it happened, either.

But, that still didn't stop the Phillies' righthander from picking himself out of the dirt and angrily ripping a Ryan fastball for a rally-igniting double that sent the Phils on to a 6-4 victory over the Astros last evening.

The four-run uprising in the fifth inning at Veterans Stadium was highlighted by two-run singles by Keith Moreland and Garry Maddox, thus enabling the Phils to win the season series with the West Division leaders. The 9-3 record was the Phils' best against the Astros since they were 11-7 in 1967.

IF THERE was an irony to this year's finale, it was the fact that in contrast to Ryan's blazing fastball, Ruthven was throwing marshmallows. And, he knew it.

"As far as velocity goes, I felt like a girl out there oh the mound," said Ruthven, who has used his pitching adaptability to post a 10-7 record. "I didn't have a thing tonight."

That may be true, but sometimes it's hard to tell with Rufus. He blanked the Astros for three innings before two walks during a momentary loss of control set up Craig Reynolds' two-run single in the fourth inning.

"Yeah, but Ryan didn't have his breaking ball. He couldn't get it over the plate," said Phils' Manager Dallas Green, who watched his team score a pair of runs in its half of the inning to knot the score at 2-2.

BAKE MCBRIDE played the instigator, opening the frame with a single to hike his current hitting streak to nine hits in his last 10 at bats. He's hit in seven straight games and has batted safely in 19 of the last 20.

"The man is playing with bad knees and a bad hip, but he wants to play," said Green. "We've asked him about it, but he hasn't backed off for a second."

Mike Schmidt, who would leave the game the following inning with a pulled groin muscle, followed Bake’s hit with a walk, McBride scoring on a single to center field by Maddox and Schmitty crossing moments later when Manny Trillo doubled down the right field line.

Unfortunately, the rally ended as Maddox was an easy out trying to score from first base on the latest contribution by Trillo's sizzling bat. Should Garry have been sent home?

"WE'VE BEEN having trouble scoring runs. And, you don't score guys by hoiding them up at third," said Green. "That's called the running game."

Such daring was to pay off in the fifth inning. And, none too soon, since the Astros used a single by Jeff Leonard, a two-base throwing error on a pickoff attempt by Ruthven and a single by Joe Morgan to take a 3-2 lead in the fifth.

Ruthven was the leadoff hitter in the Phils' half of the fifth. He'd already been down in the dirt once. He wasn't happy about that even though he knew Ryan wouldn't be throwing at a pitcher without cause. Especially not in a close game.

"Still, it scared the hell out of me. I'm lucky to still have a face," he recalled. "When I went down for the second time in the game, I got up fuming. I do that. It's just reflex with me.

"I FIGURED the only satisfaction I could get was to take him (hit the ball) deep. When I hit that ball to right field, I was hoping it would make it to the wall."

It didn't, but the Phils were rising up again. Pete Rose and Schmidt walked to load the bases and Moreland, starting in place of Bob Boone, lashed a single into right field.

Ruthven and Rose scored, Pete using a slick, wide slide to avoid the tag of catcher Alan Ashby, who had to be physically restrained from going after plate umpire Fred Brocklander when he gave the safe sign.

Schmidt pulled a muscle while running on the play and was replaced by John Vukovich.

"WE DONT know how serious it is," said Green. "Mike jogged off the field, so it might not be that bad. We'll know better tomorrow."

Maddox followed with a two-run single off reliever Bert Roberge and the Phils were ahead to stay as a crowd of 31,342 watched Ruthven hurl two hitless innings before turning the final two frames over to an effective Tug McGraw.

Moreland and Boone helping one another

By Rusty Pray of the Courier-Post

PHILADELPHIA – If he had to wager on which Phillies' catcher is going to make his presence felt in the weeks ahead, Keith Moreland would pick Bob Boone.

"I'd bet my salary on it," said the rookie backstop, who thinks that anyone who believes there is some sort of job competition between the two of them should have his head examined.

"I think that kind of thing is a farce. It's being blown way out of proportion," said Moreland after singling home the tying and winning runs in the Phils 6-4 victory over the Houston Astros at Veterans Stadium last night.

Comparisons are, of course, inevitable. Especially since the youngster is sizzling at the plate with a .333 batting average while Boone, who is coming off knee surgery, has been battling to fatten his .222 average.

Moreland caught righthander Dick Ruthven' for the first time last evening. And, people are wondering if it's just a matter of time before he's behind the plate when Steve Carlton takes the mound.

"I don't want to get into that!" said Manager Dallas Green. "I'm just going with the way I feel. The reason Keith played tonight doesn't need a lot of explaining. What's he hitting? At the moment, one guy is swinging the bat better than the other."

Green has always insisted that if the Phillies hope to win the division, they will need to have Boone behind the plate, with Moreland adding his batting strength to the bench.

But, that thinking was based on the belief that Moreland would have trouble defensively and that Boone's handling of the pitching staff and knowledge of opposing hitters could not be sacrificed.

That may hold true over the long haul, but there is little doubt that Moreland is improving behind the plate and may prove to be a challenge to Boone whether he likes it or not.

"If I'm getting better as a catcher, a lot of the credit has to go to Bob," said the youngster from Dallas. "He helps me with everything I ask him about. Even during the games, he'll explain to me his thinking on certain pitches and situations.

"There's no way I can do the job with the pitchers that Boone does. He's the guy who is going to come on and take us all the way. I'm a backup catcher. And, I'm just fortunate to be playing behind a guy like Bob."

It's entirely possible that an injury, such as the pulled groin muscle Mike Schmidt suffered last evening, might tempt the Phils to get Moreland's bat into the lineup by playing him in the infield. He's been working out at both first and third base.

The truth is, however, that Keith's stock as a defensive catcher is rising sharply.

"We've been in almost every game he's caught. So, I don't think you can fault his defense," said the manager. "And, up until tonight when our number-four hitter (Schmidt) got hurt, I thought we had a guy (Moreland) to fit into the number-five slot."

With Greg Luzinski out of action with knee problems, it's imperative that the Phils keep a strong hitter with longball potential batting behind Schmidt. Otherwise, Mike isn't going to get many good pitches to hit.

But, these are temporary measures. It's no secret that the success of Lonnie Smith in left field and Moreland at the plate have given birth to a feeling that the youngsters may prove to be the salvation of the team.

"No," says Moreland. "The starting eight (veterans) has got to pull the load. The rookies are having a lot of fun aiding the cause. But, to start talking about competition for jobs... that's ridiculous.

"We want to win. We're working together. If the young guys do well, it's a plus for the organization. It helps us establish ourselves like the veterans had to do. We're fortunate Dallas has used us. But, we've made mistakes. I almost cost us a run tonight on a passed ball."

That may be true. But, when Dick Ruthven came off the mound after working with Moreland for the first time he could remember, he praised the rookie for adjusting to a pitching style that he describes as one of the most difficult to comprehend.

"After eight years, Boonie has me down pat," said Ruthven. "The difference between what Bob does for me and what Keith tried to do tonight could have been huge. But, it wasn't. It was minuscule. I think he's a darned good catcher."

Phils sign linebacker

DALLAS – Southern Methodist University linebacker Jerry Kovar has signed a contract to play baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies, school officials said yesterday.

Kovar, who was drafted in the 10th round by the National League club, had two years of eligibility in both baseball and football. The 5-9, 185-pound defensive end is to leave tomorrow for the Phillies' farm team in Helena, Mont.

Kovar led the Mustangs' defensive unit in total plays during the 1979 season and was one of the Southwest Conference team's leading tacklers.

Moreland Triggers Phils Over Astros

By Harry Hoffman, Press Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA – When Dallas Green was director of the Phillies' farm system, he used to get teed off because Danny Ozark, the manager of the big club, would not give his kids ample opportunity to show their wares at the Major League level.

It figured when he took over as field manager, the top players from the farm system would get some playing time. They have and they are paying off Green's confidence.

Wednesday night, rookie catcher Keith Moreland, playing in place of veteran Bob Boone for the second straight night and batting in the key number five slot, singled home two runs in the fifth , inning and propelled the Phils toward a 6-4 triumph over Houston at Veterans Stadium.

"It's simple logic. One guy is hitting about .220 and the other guy is hitting about .320," Green said. "Keith has worked hard to improve his catching and right now he is swinging one of the best bats on the club. He deserves to play some. But that does not mean Boonie won't play. I'll just go from game to game the way I feel about the position.”

Maddox also singled home a pair of runs off loser Nolan Ryan, 5-8, in the fifth inning to make it a 6-3 game at the time and helped starter Dick Ruthven toward a his 10th victory in 17 decisions.

When Jose Cruz and Cesar Cedeno hit back-to-back doubles to start the eighth inning, Green went reliever Tug McGraw, who retired three straight Astros.

He gave up a one-out single to Jeff Leonard in the ninth. But then 1 he induced Enos Cabell to bounce into a game-ending double play.

Thus Tug picked up his second save in as many nights and ninth this season.

"My arm has felt strong since I came off the disabled list," McGraw said. "Tonight, I had good control of all my pitches. I get paid to get people out in tight situations. It really isn't a big deal."

The visitors broke on top in the top of the fourth inning when shortstop Craig Reynolds singled home two runs.

The Phils tied it in the bottom of the inning. Bake McBride started the inning with his second single to give him seven straight hits in two games. He had gone five-for-five Tuesday. Mike Schmidt, who later had to leave the game with a strained groin muscle, walked. Maddox, who had three runs batted in, singled home McBride. A double by Manny, Trillo scored Schmidt. When Maddox tried to score he was thrown out by right fielder Leonard.

The Astros regained the lead in the fifth when Leonard singled, went to third on a throwing error by Ruthven and scored on a single by Joe Morgan.

Ruthven started the decisive four-run bottom of the fifth with a double to right field. Pete Rose and Schmidt walked and loaded the bases. Moreland looped a single to right to score two runs.

Catcher Alan Ashby argued vigorously with plate umpire Fred Brocklander he had tagged Schmidt out, but lost the argument.

Just before Maddox singled home two more runs, first baseman Danny Heep dropped his foul pop fly for an error. After that McGraw took over and the Phils improved their record on the homestand to 5-2.

Today is an off day. Cincinnati comes in for a three-game series Friday.

Lonnie Smith Grades Well

Tales of Hoffman by Harry Hoffman

PHILADELPHIA – Lonnie Smith has earned an 'A' in his first big league course in logical approach to media probing.

The rookie outfielder of the Phillies is willing to discuss quietly and intelligently his boo boos as well as strong points.

When he made a defensive mistake which helped the Phillies lose one game he was sitting on his stool after the tough defeat rather than hiding out in the players' recreation room.

"I just blew the play, that's all," was his immediate comment as the pencils and tape recorders leaned in his direction. "I'm mot going to make an excuse about losing the ball in the lights anything like that. I should have made the play. The next time I'll just have to try a little harder."

Trying hard comes very easily to this 24-yearold outfielder from Compton, Calif. He worked very hard during a six-year apprenticeship in the Phils' farm system. He had to wonder when he hit .315 1978 at Oklahoma City and then followed that by hitting .330 in 1979 just what it took to earn a long look in a Phillie uniform.

"I might have felt a little frustration but not that much," he said before Wednesday night's game with Houston at the Vet. "When I was looking at an outfield that had Greg Luzinski, Garry Maddox and Bake McBride I knew breaking in would not be easy."

Smith was called up late in 1978 and had only four times at bat. Last year the young man was on hand when the major league season started and was fed an immediate Mickey Finn by his own manager Danny Ozark.

Ozark, who has a managerial history of distrusting the ability of rookies, penciled Smith's name opering game lineup in into the right field. Only thing is Smith had zero experience playing right field both in the minor leagues and in pre-season camp.

As it turned out he butchered a couple of tough line drives hit his because of his with way the way the ball came off the bat on its unfamiliarity way to right. Apparently Ozark forgave the young man for helping to lose the opener since he sat him down most of the next month before General Manager Paul Owens decided it would be best for him to play every day back at Oklahoma City.

"That was a tough time in my life and I guess I was upset with Ozark at the time. But I don't hold it him against anymore," Smith said. "Right now I'm just glad to be back here and getting a chance to show the fans up of Philadelphia I can play the game."

The fans have already developed a crush the on the exciting player. They loved it Tuesday night when he got on base four times, twice with hits, and stole second three times to stoke a couple of late inning rallies that carried the Phils from 6-3 down to a 9-6 victory over the Astros.

"I like to run in any situation because I think I can help the team and annoy the enemy,” he said. "I have enough confidence in my legs to feel I can steal against most pitchers. At the same time I have been studying the pitchers and catchers now that I've been playing regularly. I believe this will help me continue to improve my running game.

There actually isn't much room for improvement. Lonnie's three steals Tuesday gave him 17 in 20 attempts. He has scored 40 runs in only 55 games and is hitting a solid .352 while playing against both right and left handed pitchers.

However the rookie is not overwhelmed by his accomplishments so far during his first real shot in the bigs.

"Right now I'm standing in for one of the game's top players, Greg Luzinski. Since I can't hit homers the way he can, I have to help out the team in other ways. As far as I'm concerned I have to keep doing good things each game just to keep myself in the lineup.”

Smith does admit to one burning ambition. He'd like to grab the "Rookie-of-the-Year' Award when 1980 is history.

"That would mean a lot to my father and to me," he pointed out. "But nothing is more important than winning the division title and then playing our way into the World Series. If we do that I won't even think about being the top rookie."

If Phillie fans could stuff the ballot boxes like they are stuffed at All-Star Game time then Smith would be a shooin for Rookie-of-the Year. They have not been excited for a long time by any young player in town the way Lonnie has moved them with his flashing legs and slashing bat.

He's a player.

Richard Has Surgery To Remove Blood Clot  

HOUSTON (AP) – J.R. Richard, hard-throwing Houston Astros pitcher, underwent surgery Wednesday night for removal of a blood clot in his neck in what a hospital spokesperson said could be "a life or death situation."

Richard was rushed into surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital after he collapsed during a workout at the Astrodome earlier Wednesday, the club said in Philadelphia, where the Astros played the Phillies.

A hospital spokesperson, who asked not to be identified, said "it might be a life or death situation" if the clot worked loose.

The hospital said the clot was formed in the subclavian artery behind Richards' right collar bone. "It's the main artery for circulation to the upper limbs," the spokesperson said. "It branches off the aorta underneath the sternum and moves under the collarbone. The surgery is being performed underneath the right collarbone."

The surgery was performed by Drs. George Noon and Charles McCoullum III, the hospital said.

Some family members, including Richards' wife Carolyn, met during surgery with Dr. Michael J. Feltovich, one of team of doctors who examined Richard last week.

"It's alarming because of the danger. We're concerned for his health," Astros Manager Bill Virdon said before the club left Philadelphia for New York. "Right now, it's his health that's important, not the team."

Tal Smith, president and general manager of the Astros, said he had been in constant contact with the hospital by phone. He said he was told by the hospital that Richard went onto the surgeon's table around 10 p.m. EDT. Before the operation began, Richard was "awake, alert and cooperative," Smith said he was told.

Ed Wade, an Astros spokesman, first disclosed an operation was necessary in a brief statement during the Phils-Astros game.

Richard has been on the 21-day disabled list since July 16 with what had been diagnosed as a blockage of an artery in his right shoulder.

Richard was working out in the Astrodome Wednesday morning when he collapsed and was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital. Wade said Richard was admitted to the intensive care unit where the clot was discovered.

Short Stops:  Phillies Sign Kovar

DALLAS – Southern Methodist University linebacker Jerry Kovar has signed a contract to play baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies, school officials said.

Kovar, who was drafted in the 10th round by the National League club, had two years of eligibility in both baseball and football. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound defensive end is to leave Friday for the Phillies' farm team in Helena, Mont.