One Bunt Too Many
Plus Day in Review, May 21, 1949
One Bunt Too Many
I love bunting. But you can overdo it if you’re not careful.
The Phillies trailed for most of this game, but managed to come back in the later innings. A squeeze bunt by Richie Ashburn in the top of the 7th brought the score to 6-5 Cubs.
Ashburn had another chance in the top of the 9th in a similar situation. And, well, this is what happened:
Chicago’s defense was looking for the squeeze, and they got exactly what they expected.
The Cubs are bad, but the Phillies are almost just as bad. Chicago came in at 9-20 in dead last, and Philadelphia was 13-20, good enough for 7th. Even the cellar has a pennant race this year.
Ashburn’s failure to squeeze the second time will get the headlines, but the Phillies have to ask themselves where the pitching was, or how they were supposed to win while leaving 12 men on base.
Other Action
Indians 4, Red Sox 3 (10): At Boston, Cleveland outlasts the Red Sox in an extremely exciting game. Watch the game here. Read the summary here.
White Sox 14, Yankees 2: At New York, Chicago completely demolishes Yankee pitching. I’m not sure what’s happened to the Yankees, who are in a deep slump. Watch the game here.
Tigers 6, Athletics 5: At Philadelphia, Philadelphia provides a great offensive display in a losing cause. Watch the game here.
Senators 8, Browns 1: At St. Louis, Ray Scarborough throws a 6-hit complete game in a great start for the Senators.
Cardinals 9, Dodgers 4: At Brooklyn, the Cardinals put an end to Brooklyn’s spell of dominance. Stan Musial goes 3 for 5 with two home runs.
Pirates 4, Braves 3: At Pittsburgh, a 7th inning Ralph Kiner home run seals the win for the Pirates. Watch the game here. Read the summary here.
Cubs 6, Phillies 5: At Chicago, see above.
Reds 11, Giants 4: At Cincinnati, the Reds come back from an early 3-0 deficit to demolish New York pitching. Watch the game here.
Standings
The American League is suddenly becoming very interesting.