St. Louis’ Oquendo Pitches 4 Innings, Takes Loss in 19th

Jose Oquendo became the first non-pitcher in 20 seasons to get a decision, taking the loss in the 19th inning Saturday night when Ken Griffey’s two-out, two-run double gave the Atlanta Braves a 7-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Oquendo, an all-purpose utility player, was forced to pitch four innings in the 5-hour 40-minute game when the Cardinals ran out of pitchers. He shut out the Braves for three innings until the 19th. Oquendo allowed four hits, walked six and struck out one.

Rocky Colavito, an outfielder, was the last non-pitcher with a decision. He was the winner for the New York Yankees Aug. 25, 1968, when he beat Detroit with 2 shutout innings of relief.

Rick Mahler (2-4) shut out St. Louis for the last eight innings, giving up three hits. Mahler committed a balk in the 12th, the 357th in the majors in 41 days, breaking the single-season record.

The Cardinals used 23 players--all except Larry McWilliams, who is today’s starting pitcher. Pitcher Luis DeLeon played the outfield for the final four innings.