The Philadelphia Phillies weren't tired. Despite a tough five-game playoff with the Houston Astros, the Phillies came out slugging and edged the Kansas City Royals 7-6 in Game One of the 1980 World Series at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium.
The Royals tallied first. Amos Otis, in his first appearance at the plate in a World Series, knocked rookie Bob Walk's offering over the left field fence with none out in the second inning, bringing in catcher Darrell Porter who had walked, and giving Kasas City a 2-0 lead.
Hal McRaeled off the third with a sharp single. George Brett fanned, and Willie Mays Aikens hit a two-run shot to boost the Royals' lead to four runs.
In the third, the Phillies exploded, as Larry Bowa singled, stole second and came home on Bob Boone's double. Boone scored on Lonnie Smith's single.
Bake McBride put the Phils out in front for good with a three-run homer late in the inning.
The Phils continued to roll in the fourth when N.L. Championship Series MVP Manny Trillo singled and advanced on a wild pitch. When Boone tallied his second two-bagger of the night, Trillo crossed the plate with Phils' sixth run.
A Garry Maddox sacrifice fly on a 3-2 count plated Schmidt with the final run in the fifth.
The Royals attempted a eighth inning comeback, but it was too little and too late. George Brett led off with a double and Aikens produced his second two-run shot of the night, but indomitable fireman Tug McGraw came on to retire the rest of the side and held on in the next frame to give Philadelphia its first series game victory since 1915.
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