Finding A Way To Win
Dodgers at Cubs, May 17, 1949
Finding A Way To Win
Brooklyn almost blew this game.
The Dodgers have had a hard replay so far. They’ve been up and down, fighting against adversity along the way.
I gave up hope at the beginning of the season. However, Brooklyn started to make a comeback before Don Newcombe came on. With Don now on the roster, it’s time for the Dodgers to make their move.
Of course, you can’t make much of a move when you give up 3 runs in the first inning to the Cubs, of all teams.
The Dodgers fought their way back, though, and managed to tie the game before the bottom of the 8th.
Hank Edwards walked to lead off the inning. After Phil Cavarretta struck out, up came the infamous Peanuts Lowrey:
The Cubs were now up 4-3 with only 3 outs to go.
Comeback Time
Pinch hitter Gene Hermanski led things off for the Dodgers in the top of the 9th:
That brought up Jackie Robinson, and we all know what he can do:
I decided to stick Emil Kush into the ballgame for the Cubs. Kush faced Gil Hodges first:
That tied the game at 4.
Brooklyn didn’t manage to score any more runs, however, and the Cubs had their chance in the bottom of the 9th.
Up first came Frankie Gustine:
That brought up Bob Ramazzotti:
Pee Wee Reese’s play saved a base hit, but now the Cubs had the potential winning run in scoring position.
Rube Walker popped out, bringing up Jim Kirby, who pinch hit for Kush:
Another good play by Reese, and we were headed for extra innings.
Small Ball and Big Innings
Eddie Miksis led things off for Brooklyn in the top of the 11th:
Up next came Robinson. The computer manager surprised me here:
I would have swung away with Robinson. Sure, this put the go-ahead run within 90 feet — but Robinson is the best hitter in the National League. Why sacrifice him?
Up next was Gil Hodges:
That’s exactly what I would have been afraid of if I were managing the Dodgers. Hodges is a good hitter, but he’s no Jackie Robinson.
That set things up for Duke Snider:
Well, I guess all is forgiven now.
Ralph Branca managed to go 9 innings despite being absolutely shelled in the first. The Dodgers can afford to mess around like this with the Cubs, but they’re going to need better pitching if they really want a chance at this pennant.