The Pirates, with Joe Burns on the mound faced the ageless Artie Gianakos of the Braves. After 3 innings of a scoreless game, the Pirates posted 5 runs in the 4th helped along by 3 Braves infield errors. Ron Smaka had 3 singles, Carlo Agneta was 2 for 3 with a single and double with Bob Coffey adding a double. Joe Burns took a no hitter into the 6th when it was ended by a hard hit line drive down the left field line by LaBarge that appeared to be foul by several feet, but called fair by the plate umpire. Burns finished the game with a 1 hitter.
Thanks for your confirmation as a player on the Braves. I didn't want to give the details myself, but all witnessed Labarge stop running and our outfielder slow down to retrieve the "foul" ball. The field was not lined in the outfield at West Albany Babe Ruth. However, it has a fence and a very well marked foul pole with the foul line only 290'. I can understand missing a call 6'' to a foot, but this was significantly more than that.
Thanks for your confirmation as a player on the Braves. I didn't want to give the details myself, but all witnessed Labarge stop running and our outfielder slow down to retrieve the "foul" ball. The field was not lined in the outfield at West Albany Babe Ruth. However, it has a fence and a very well marked foul pole with the foul line only 290'. I can understand missing a call 6'' to a foot, but this was significantly more than that.
You know guys, if you're going to credit the Braves player with a questionable hit, the least you could do is get the name right. Like Madonna says, any publicity is good publicity.
Mike LaBarge always runs everything out and hustles, that slacker who hit the foul ball turned hit was that no-good, two-bit hack Rob Currier.
