Thursday, April 8, 1976
Boston Strikes Out Against Tribe

Player of the Day
Dennis Eckersley

Cleveland Indians 3, Boston Red Sox 1 
WP: Dennis Eckersley (1-0, 1.08 ERA) / LP: Fergie Jenkins (0-1, 1.13 ERA) / SV: Bob Reynolds (1, 0.00 ERA)

Cleveland starter Dennis Eckersley strikes out 12 batters and Boog Powell drives in three runs on a pair of singles to lead the Tribe to a season opening victory over the Red Sox

CLE CLE CLE BOS BOS

Dennis Eckersley Boog Powell Rick Manning Fergie Jenkins Denny Doyle

8.1 Innings - 7 Hits - 1 Runs - 2 Walks - 12 Strikeouts 2 for 4 (.500) - 3 Runs Batted In (3) 2 for 4 (.500) - Double (1) 8.0 Innings - 11 Hits - 3 Runs (1 Earned) - 1 Walks - 5 Strikeouts Fielding error leads to two unearned runs in the 8th inning

27,855 at Cleveland Stadium

Quote of the Day
"I really am not sure what happened.  It was a routine play.  The ball was coming right at me, I bent down to pick it up like I always do.  Next thing I know, the ball is rolling into right field.  It cost us the game.  I'm embarrassed that I let my team down.  This is something that just does not happen - not in the majors - not to Boston." - Red Sox second baseman Denny Doyle, whose fielding error led to two unearned runs

Around the NL:
Cincinnati Reds 9, San Francisco Giants 2
WP: Fred Norman (1-0, 2.25 ERA) / LP: John Montefusco (0-1, 47.20 ERA)

CIN CIN CIN CIN CIN SF

George Foster Fred Norman Pete Rose Johnny Bench Dave Concepcion John Montefusco

2 for 4 (.500) - 1 Run - 4 Runs Batted In (4) - 2-Run Home Run (1) 8.0 Innings - 3 Hits - 2 Runs - 3 Walks - 10 Strikeouts 4 for 5 (.800) - 2 Runs - 1 Run Batted In (1) - Solo Home Run (1) 1 for 4 (.250) - 1 Run - 3 Runs Batted In (3) - 3-Run Home Run (1) 4 for 5 (.800) - 1 Run 1.1 Innings - 7 Hits - 7 Runs - 2 Walks - 1 Strikeout - 1 Wild Pitch

25,910 at Candlestick Park