June 18, 1976
Cincy, Philly set to begin crucial series
On this date in 1976 the Cincinnati Reds were set to begin a three-game series “against the Eastern division leading Philadelphia Phillies” at Philadelphia. After that the Reds were scheduled to host “their arch-rival,” Los Angeles Dodgers at home.
According to Cincinnati Reds second baseman, Joe Morgan, the former was the more important series for the Reds. “’The Philadelphia series is probably more important,’ Morgan told the press. ‘They’re hailed as a super team and it’s up to us to establish who’s best.’”
“’We want them to know that come playoff time we can beat them,’ Morgan added. ‘They can build teams up all they want. No one is better than us.’”
The Phils had taken two of three from the Reds earlier in the season.
“The Phillies will be greeted by the best the Reds have to offer. Johnny Bench, who missed several stretches this year with minor injuries, has rested for two days and will play. Ken Griffey, who hurt his hand in the Chicago series just concluded, also will be in action.”
“Red manager Sparky Anderson…isn’t taking lightly a team the Reds could face in the National League playoffs.”
“’In four of our last seven games, we’ve had to come back from five or more runs down,’ Anderson noted. ‘We’ve hit .322 over our last 15 games. You can’t keep up a pace like that forever.’”
“That is not to say the Reds’ manager is pessimistic. ‘This club,’ he said, ‘looks only at victories.’”
The scheduled starters for the first game were Jack Billingham (5-4, 4.66 ERA) for the Reds and Jim Lonborg (8-3, 2.80 ERA) for the Phillies.