Living On The Edge
The 1949 Washington Senators sure know how to live dangerously.
Nobody’s ever going to accuse this team of being any good. However, they really strutted their stuff in this game.
They gave the hometown St. Louis Browns an early 3-1 advantage before finally deciding to try.
A run in the 6th and another in the 7th tied the score, setting the stage for Eddie Robinson in the top of the 9th:
Easy, isn’t it? It was now 4-3 Washington, and the Senators only needed to get 3 more outs.
And, of course, that was easier said than done.
A single and a bunt led to a runner on second with nobody out. Up came Roy Seivers:
You know you’re playing with fire when the play by play says that you’re going “against the book.” The computer manager decided to intentionally walk Sievers; I claim no responsibility for this decision.
Up next was pinch hitter Whitey Platt, and you knew I was going to bunt with him:
Now there were two men on with two men out. Up next came utility infielder John Sullivan to pinch hit:
And now it was exciting. The crowd was roaring, the people were up, and Stan Spence had glory in his sights. The bases were loaded, there were two men out, and there was nothing left to do but hit:
Told you the Senators liked living on the edge!
I’m surprised that the computer manager didn’t call for a single bunt.
Other Action
Indians 12, Red Sox 4: At Cleveland, the Indians demolish Red Sox pitching. Watch the game here.
White Sox 6, Yankees 2: At Chicago, Billy Pierce overcomes 5 walks to throw a masterful complete game. Watch the game here.
Athletics 6, Tigers 4: At Detroit, the Athletics turn a big double play with one out and the potential winning run at the plate in the bottom of the 9th. Alex Kellner overcomes a 37 pitch first inning to pitch a complete game.
Senators 4, Browns 3: At St. Louis, see above.
Dodgers 7, Cardinals 0: At Brooklyn, Ralph Branca throws a 4-hit shutout and the Dodgers get back to winning ways.
Pirates 8, Braves 3: At Boston, Ralph Kiner homers twice and the Pirates blow out the Braves.
Giants 5, Cubs 2: At New York, the Giants make short work of the Cubs. Watch the game here.
Reds 6, Phillies 1: At Philadelphia, Johnny Vander Meer throws a complete game victory as the Reds make short work of the Phillies.
Standings
You know what? A New York Giants - Philadelphia Athletics World Series might not be out of the question.