Scully Calls the Fernando Valenzuela Game | May 8, 1981 | Shea Stadium
Scully Conclusion to the Fernando Valenzuela Game | May 8, 1981 | Shea Stadium
"The large crowd here at Shea Stadium, I think experiencing the feeling that is growing with all of us watching Valenzuela every fifth game, we see it, we understand it, and believe it, but we can't imagine how he can keep doing it, and particularly tonight because a lot of people are leaving the stadium I am sure still thinking of his troubles in the first three innings, and thinking he didn't look that good. No. And he wound up pitching a shutout and striking out eleven."
Okay. Davie Lopes the batter. Davie grabbing down on a good play by Doug Flinn, his first time up. Here's the windup with the pitch on the way. Scott delivers high, ball 1. One ball and no strike. One-oh, the count. Shea Stadium all dressed up. Fences are painted, the grass is green. Good shape. Lopes flies one at shortstop. Short hop by Bailor up with it. He throws in time so Lopes tonight could be two for two. He's hit the ball hard, one to Flynn and now at Bailor. One hop to the shortstop.
Here is the pitch on the way to Fernando. Loops along the left field line. Foul ball. Though Freddy was trying to do it but he was a little late with it. He has struck out twice tonight. So Valenzuela backing out. 0 and 1 the count. Valenzuela back in there again. Runners on at second and third. Scott ready to go with it, the arm stretched from the look. Here's the pitch and its tapped. Foul ball.
Ball and no strike. Seven hits allowed by Fernando. Seven is the most he has allowed in any game this year and he has done that twice against the Astros and the Giants. Now the pitch. In the dirt. Ball two. Two balls and no strike. He has had three five-hitters and a four-hitter. Oh Fernando taking a little walk back up on top. Valenzuela looking at Brookss is off first base. Short lead on the pitch. Travino swings a screw ball. Strike one. 2 and 1, though, Alex.