The Week (july 28-aug. 3)

The Red Sox received an encouraging performance from Juan Marichal. Pitching for the first time in almost 10 weeks, he retired 18 of the last 19 Baltimore batters he faced—and picked off the one Oriole who reached first base in that stretch. As Baltimore slumped, Manager Earl Weaver locked the clubhouse doors and warned the Orioles, "It's too early to throw in the towel."

Even National Leaguers are beginning to take the Indians seriously. The Dodgers dispatched Regie Otero to scout the Tribe just in case the Dodgers and Indians happen to meet in the World Series.

Milwaukee slipped to last place, prompting this shrewd analysis from Manager Del Crandall: "I have found it increasingly difficult to explain why this happens and that happens. I just don't know. All I know is that it winds up as another loss. I know that happens." Speaking of losses, New York dropped seven of eight on the road before returning home to beat the Red Sox.

BOS 57-48 CLEV 55-49 BALT 53-52 NY 52-54 DET 51-54 MIL 51-55