Nine Edges Tufts 2 to 1 as Repetto Excels

Ken Rossano got credit for his second win in four days, but until late in the top of the eight inning Dom Repetto was the big news at Soldiers Field yesterday. For Repetto, who never completed a game for the Crimson, not only came close to achieving that goal, but did not allow a hit until he had retired 22 men.

The first hit off Repetto was a run-scoring drive by Tufts catcher Bob Weiss in the eighth, a blow that tied the game at 1-all. The Crimson scored again in the last of that inning, and won, 2 to 1.

Repetto had fine stuff all along, mixing his pitches well and keeping the ball low. Although he walked a man in the first and another in the fifth, he faced only 18 batters over the first six innings, as a pickoff erased one runner and a double play the other.

He tired in the seventh, walking one Jumbo and hitting another, but pulled out without damage.

The first run of the cold afternoon was recorded in the home seventh. With one away, Phil Haughey was hit by a pitch. Repetto fouled out, but Stu Levine walked, Haughey advancing to second. Bob Cleary then looped a fly into left, but Sal DeAngelo of the visitors hesitated before starting in, and the ball fell in front of him as Haughey scored. John Simourian ended the frame by grounding out.

Tufts' tying run was unearned as Bob McMahon opened the eighth by reaching first on a low throw of Bob Hastings. He went to second on a sacrifice and to third on a passed ball by Haughey, then scored on Weiss' single. After Hyman reached base on a fielder's choice. Rossano relieved Repetto, and stopped the rally.

An intentional pass failed to pay off for Tufts in the last of the eighth when the Crimson scored its winning run. Bob Hastings walked, and after catcher Weiss made a fine catch of Fisher's foul pop, Hastings went to third on Botsford's line double to left.

Walt Stahura was walked to fill the bases, and Ned Felton fouled out, but Rossano hit an easy ground ball to Jumbo shortstop Bob Gardner, who promptly fell flat on his face as Hastings scored.

Rossano retired the visitors in order in the ninth.

Tomorrow the Crimson travels to Worcester for a 2 p.m. Patriots Day contest against Holy Cross. Always tough opposition, the Crusaders downed the Crimson last year, 6 to 5. The home team figures to use its lone strong pitcher, righthander Ron Cote, in its season opener, while the Crimson will probably counter with Bob Kessler, although Joel Bernstein may start.