Sep 20, 2023 2 min read

ON THIS DATE

Sept. 21

1969 – Rookie Warren Bankston scores on a six-yard run with three minutes remaining as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Detroit Lions 16-13 in a season opener. It is the first victory for new Steelers head coach Chuck Noll.

1972 – Steve Blass pitches a complete game and Richie Hebner drives in two runs as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeat the New York Mets 6-2 at Shea Stadium and clinch the National League East Division title.

1978 – Matt Engle scores three goals in Trinity High School’s 13-0 soccer victory over Charleroi and ties John Columbo at the top of the Hillers’ all-time goal-scoring list with 42.

1985 – Michael Spinks wins a 15-round unanimous decision over Larry Holmes in Las Vegas to capture the world heavyweight boxing title.

1991 – Chris Babirad’s one-yard touchdown run with 1:10 remaining gives Washington & Jefferson a 7-0 victory over Widener in a game between nationally ranked NCAA Division III football teams at College Field.

1998 – Peters Township graduate Brian Simmons makes his major league debut as a ninth-inning defensive replacement in the outfield for the Chicago White Sox at Minnesota.

2012 – Avella allows Jefferson-Morgan to score touchdowns on its first two offensive plays, but the Eagles roar back to defeat the Rockets 26-21 and remain undefeated. Zach Thompson catches three passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns, and intercepts a Jefferson-Morgan pass on its final possession, as the Eagles improve to 4-0.

2013 – Tom Savage passes for 424 yards and six touchdowns as Pitt wins its first ACC road game, 58-55, at Duke.