How could this pennant race get more exciting?

The Dodgers beat the Cubs in 11 innings, 5-4, with a home run from one of the remaining Boys of Summer, Gil Hodges, giving them a one-game lead over the Braves, who lost to the Phillies. The Giants, still in third, were rained out in St. Louis.

This game almost didn't end, with the umpires discussing what Frank Finch called "the fast-fading light." But rookie reliever Larry Sherry struck out Dale Long with the tying run on second to ensure the victory.

The Chicago games were shown on television back in L.A. which The Times' Don Page suggested might "perhaps encourage you to visit the Coliseum next year and watch at least a few games in person."

Page also visited with Vin Scully, who talked about enjoying the pennant race: "We've tried to give the fans the best and it'll be even better when we get a new ballpark."

Scully said he was floored by the habit of bringing radios to the Coliseum and compared broadcasting in Los Angeles to other cities in the National League.

"Boy they can be mean in Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh too," Scully told Page. "In Philadelphia … there's no beer sold so they bring their own potions, mostly hard liquor. It's legal to do it there. I remember one game that was nearly called off because the people became so surly.

"In Pittsburgh it's not so bad but I've had some scares there. Pirate fans like to throw rock candy at Jerry and me when their team is losing. Don't ask me why rock candy."

Scully said he received much more positive response in letters from New York fans after the telecast of the second all-star game, which was played in L.A. "I could have cried, " he said. "They were wonderful letters of remembrance."

–Keith Thursby