Game 1 in Philadelphia
Robin Roberts (18-10, 3.69) v Paul Minner (14-11, 3.38)
And so it begins, with Paul Minner – who has somewhat unobtrusively put together a handy enough career including an ERA title a couple years back – given the big Game 1 responsibility against the all-conquering Robin Roberts. As I mentioned in the preview, if the Tigers can come out strongly and even take one of these first two games in Philly then the whole dynamic of the series might also shift in their favour to a certain degree.
And that is precisely what they do, getting in front early and never looking threatened as Minner is excellent over 6+ while Roberts, despite going all 9, struggles. A scrappy affair played on the Tigers terms, and obviously the Phils will need to nip that in the bud as it levels the playing field.
Game 2 in Philadelphia
Curt Simmons (20-5, 3.38) v Hal Brown (11-9, 3.83)
Tigers lead series 1-0
Already you can sense a shift has happened and if Hal Brown and the Tigers can repeat the dose here against 20-game winner Curt Simmons that shift would become seismic.
But Simmons holds his nerve like the best in his trade usually do, allowing just a run on 7 over 8+ and the Tigers earn a split with a fairly comprehensive win reversing the scoreline of the previous game. Doby belts a solo homer and Dropo and Irvin each drive in a pair.
Game 3 in Detroit
Alex Kellner (13-10, 4.02) v Carl Erskine (14-11, 4.06)
Series tied 1-1
Now things start to get really interesting. Detroit at home and no Roberts or Simmons to deal with. In fact, this game features two of our offcuts in Alex Kellner for Detroit and Carl Erskine for Philly, each of who has had a pretty good year. Evenly matched, evenly poised—who blinks first, I wonder?
It is the Tigers, as Philly reasserts its advantage and takes the lead for the first time in the series with another strong performance and relatively straightforward 6-2 win. Oisk gives a nice controlled performance but it is Del Ennis who steals the show with 2 big homers and 4 RBI.
Game 4 in Detroit
Warren Hacker (12-8, 4.85) v Virgil Trucks (11-12, 4.86)
Phillies lead series 2-1
A nice story unfolding here for Virgil Trucks, making his first post-season appearance at age 37 and against his former club, to boot. He faces another ex-Pirate in Warren Hacker, a member of our 1950 Championship squad, and I’m expecting this one to have a fair few runs scored in it.
In fact, it doesn’t, as both pitchers handle themselves well and the Tigers square things up with a gritty one-run win. All the scoring is done early and Jim Mains gets the hosts home with 2+ shutout innings under the most dire pressure. Kudos to the Detroit boys for giving plenty and this series is definitely on the proverbial knife-edge now.
Game 5 in Detroit
Mel Parnell (1-0, 7.71) v Robin Roberts (0-0, 4.50)
Series tied 2-2
Nigh on impossible to preview this game without using the dreaded P-word, so I’m not even gonna try. This game, which pits the Game 1 opponents against each other once more, is just about as pivotal as they come.
For the first 7 innings, things unfold in fairly prosaic fashion as Roberts looks in control and his bats do enough to give the Phils a 3-1 lead.
Then, everything changes as the Detroit bats go ballistic with 6 runs off Closer Gordon Jones and just like that, they are back in front heading back to Philly. I can already hear the second-guessing about taking Roberts out and I’m not sure there’ll be much brotherly love on offer tonight in Philly.
Game 6 in Philadelphia
Mel Parnell (1-0, 7.71) v Robin Roberts (0-0, 4.50)
Tigers lead series 3-2
What a gripping series this has been and like all neutrals I’m hoping for the big finish it deserves. But, should it end today, nobody will be able to accuse the Tigers of getting there the easy way as they have Curt Simmons to deal with in this one.
And the Tigers do finish the job in fine style as Brown pitches the game of his life, outduelling Simmons over 8 as the Detroit bats – led by a 4-RBI game from Twig Terwilliger – pounce in the 6th with a 4-spot that proves the difference. All their runs are unearned, reflective of a really poorly-played series by the Phillies who will be devastated at this loss. That makes Detroit no less deserving winners and takes the Tigers’ Championship tally to three. Tigers shortstop Harvey Kuenn is named MVP.
DETROIT WINS SERIES 4-2
SERIES MVP: Harvey Kuenn (Detroit)