Apr. 22, 1963 - “Let’s give Mickey an Angel food birthday cake,” said Washington pitcher Tom Cheney (pictured) as he took the mound tonight at D.C. Stadium on the occasion of manager Mickey Vernon’s 45th birthday. Less than 2 hours later, the deed was done as tricky Tom tamed the Los Angeles Angels with 4 scattered singles, while Vernon’s men routed Ken McBride for a 4-1 win before 3,343 shivering spectators. The only run off Cheney was unearned, giving him a remarkable personal record of 18 consecutive innings during which he has allowed but five hits and only tonight’s tainted run. On April 11, he blanked the Boston Red Sox, 8-0, while giving up just an infield hit to Eddie Bressoud. Two of tonight’s singles were infield taps by Jim Fregosi, both off Cheney’s glove. Tom did not walk a single man. He faced only 30 Angels and retired the side in order in seven innings. The Nats sent eight men to bat while chasing McBride in the fourth. Larry Osborne singled to center and held second as Minnie Minoso slapped a one-bagger to right. Don Lock forced Minnie at second, Osborne taking third. Ken Retzer’s walk filled the bases. Ed Brinkman lofted a single into short left, scoring Osborne and Lock. Cheney forced Brinkman at second, but Chuck Cottier doubled to left, sending Retzer across with the night’s final run. So, all in all, a happy birthday for Mickey Vernon, complete with Angel food cake.
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