Game 1 in Philadelphia
Robin Roberts (17-10, 2.78) v Mel Parnell (19-6, 2.92)
Some late injury news and Phillies fanatics won’t like it – starting pitcher Karl Drews is done for the year thanks to bone chips in his elbow. Such a cruel game.
The Phils will have to put that behind them immediately here. In what is shaping up as a tight contest, to not win these opening two games at home with Roberts and Simmons up would not bode well for them. But they’ll need to be at their absolute best in this first game facing one of the best in Mel Parnell.
Sadly, they are not, as Roberts gets a touch of stagefright and the Sox pounce, then rip the Phils BP apart to take a wild 8-6 win. Boudreau and Doerr each belt a 2-run homer for the visitors and Williams has a 3-hit game, while Dropo, Jackson and Hamner all do their bit for the home side.
Game 2 in Philadelphia
Curt Simmons (18-8, 2.86) v Lew Burdette (15-9, 2.87)
Red Sox lead series 1-0
Another beauty set up here with two of the league’s top young guns going head-to-head. I’ll be shocked if we see anywhere near 14 runs in this one.
We don’t, but it’s another misfire for the Phillies staff as Simmons gives up 4 in the 1st and the Red Sox cruise from there, with only a 2-run 9th giving this one any semblance of closeness. Pesky powers the Sox bats, going 3-for-4 with 3 RBI and Burdette impresses over 8+ as Boston heads home in total control.
Game 3 in Boston
Ken Raffensberger (9-21, 5.48) v Marv Breuer (5-5, 3.70)
Red Sox lead series 2-0
This is where things might get a little precarious for the Sox, with the bottom half of their rotation struggling for consistency all season and tonight’s starter Ken Raffensberger losing 21. Breuer is handy on his day but has been plagued by injuries. The proverbial “must-win” for the Phillies.
No such luck I’m afraid as Raffensberger goes off-script to deliver a peach, allowing just a run on 6 hits over 8+ as the Sox prevail once again. As was the case in the corresponding game a year earlier, Breuer does all he can but the Phillies bats stay very quiet indeed and this one looks all but over now.
Game 4 in Boston
Walt Masterson (14-12, 3.32) v Steve Gromek (7-10, 4.84)
Red Sox lead series 3-0
Steve Gromek steps into the breach left by Drews’ injury and takes on former Pirate Walt Masterson. A sweep would be the ultimate disappointment for a fan base that sticks by its club in spite of their lack of success.
And their boys seem to sense that, finally waking up and giving the Sox a bit of a touch-up. Gromek is superb, pitching a 3-hitter, with the early 5-0 lead he is gifted undoubtedly allowing him to relax a bit and find his groove. A strong win but still a long, long way back for the Phils.
Game 5 in Boston
Mel Parnell (1-0, 7.71) v Robin Roberts (0-0, 4.50)
Red Sox lead series 3-1
No doubt Phillies skipper Ty Tyson would be exhorting his group to focus all of their attention and energy on the 9 innings scheduled today and not allow their thoughts to drift an inch beyond. It might be clichéd, but one day at a time truly is the only way to approach elimination games. Watch out for some tightening by the Red Sox in the face of the knowledge that to lose here means they have to go back to Philly and face Simmons just to avoid a Game 7. That can play on even the toughest of minds. Best not to tempt fate – this I know from first-hand experience. Parnell v Roberts again and I’m looking for both to reverse their opening game misfortunes.
Nope, the bats prevail again and the Sox get it done with a really dogged and grinding come-from-behind win to lock down the club’s 8th title. Roberts does well but rookie Joe Black’s series from hell continues as he gives up 5 runs in the 8th and the Sox hold on for an 8-4 win. Boston catcher Joe Garagiola goes deep twice and knocks in 4, while teammate Lou Boudreau wins the MVP for his fine performance.
BOSTON WINS SERIES 4-1
SERIES MVP: Lou Boudreau (Boston)