Books and articles about Randy Lerch

Known nearly as well for his hitting as for his pitching, Lerch had a lifetime batting average of .206, with 56 base hits. In 1978 his three home runs led all NL pitchers. Two of those came in a crucial September 30 game against the Pirates to help edge the Phillies past Pittsburgh for the division crown.

RELATED LINKS Ask The Experts » Has any team won a World Series despite having a 4-14 pitcher? Around the Web » Randy Lerch from baseball-reference.com Jump directly to Library content from any website!

He started the fourth and final game of the 1978 LCS, but was tagged for three runs and seven hits in 5-1/3 innings, as the Phillies lost to the Dodgers. The 6'5" lefthander enjoyed three seasons in double-figure wins but was less effective after breaking a bone in his wrist in 1979. (BC)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » September 30, 1978: The Phillies overcome a first-inning grand slam by Willie Stargell to beat the Pirates 10–8 and finally clinch the National League East title. Winning P Randy Lerch contributes two home runs to his cause. The loss snaps the Pirates' streak of 24 straight wins at Three Rivers Stadium. » July 4, 1979: The Phillies Steve Carlton shuts out the Mets 1–0 on a one-hitter, but the Phils manage to lose three other hurlers on the same day: Larry Christenson pulls a groin muscle, Dick Ruthven goes on the disabled list, and Randy Lerch fractures his thumb in a brawl. » June 11, 1980: In a 7–4 win over the Phillies, San Francisco rookie Rich Murray hits his 1st ML home run, off Randy Lerch. Rich will hit three more and, combined with his brother Eddie Murray's career total of 504, will place them number one on the list of brother combos. Five Murray brothers play pro ball. » October 9, 1981: The Brewers, also facing elimination, beat the Yanks in the 8th inning 5–3 on Paul Molitor's solo home run. Ted Simmons clubs a 2-run homer and Randy Lerch pitches six solid innings for the win. » August 11, 1982: The Brewers purchase veteran P Doc Medich from the Rangers. With the addition of Medich, the Brewers will sell Randy Lerch to Montreal on August 14. Doc will win five games for the Brewers. » June 27, 1984: In the 3rd inning against the Reds, Giants OF Dusty Baker swipes second, third, and home, garnering three of his four season steals. Baker swipes 2B, and the next batter walks, then gets caught in a rundown. Dusty steals 3B during the rundown and just keeps running. San Francisco wins 14–9, with Chili Davis adding a pinch grand slam in the 5-run 5th. Randy Lerch wins with a 1/3 inning of relief.