Game 1 in Baltimore
Jack Harshman (16-9, 2.70) v Johnny Kucks (12-7, 3.06)
The first World Series game in Baltimore in 54 years sees O’s ace Jack Harshman – 47-25 in his three MLB seasons to this point – take on talented Dodgers rookie Johnny Kucks. Both sides will no doubt be looking to exert some early dominance in what really is a pick-em contest, on paper at least.
And what a way to get proceedings underway, with an instant classic that sees the lead change numerous times before the home side walks it off 5-4 with a Bobby Morgan single, his third hit of the game. Each of the starters goes six and leave with the game tied at 2, having impressed all in attendance.
Game 2 in Baltimore
Billy Loes (15-6, 2.48) v Alex Kellner (15-5, 2.70)
Orioles lead series 1-0
Former Pirate Alex Kellner finds himself in another WS after the best season of his career, but he’ll need to be at the top of his game to see his way past young Billy Loes, briefly also a onetime Pirate, who has also been fantastic this year.
And the young gun shoots them down with a gem, blanking the Dodgers on 3 hits over 8+ as his offence warms to the occasion and Baltimore cruises to a 9-0 laugher. Morgan goes yard for the second straight game and Al Smith drives in three as the Orioles head north with plenty of wind in their sails.
Game 3 in Brooklyn
Don Newcombe (18-12, 3.79) v Dick Donovan (13-9, 3.19)
Orioles lead series 2-0
Don Newcombe has had a chequered post-season experience so far, with three losses against just the one win, and boy does his club need him to turn that around here today. He takes on Dick Donovan, who has come into the rotation this year after spending his rookie season in the BP and done quite well at it.
They don’t get quite the polished performance they are after from Newk, but fortunately the bats find their groove and power the Dodgers to a much-needed 8-4 victory. Don does pick up the slack a bit by going solo deep, while Furillo also homers and drives in 3, and little-known Karl Olson goes 4-for-4.
Game 4 in Brooklyn
Don Larsen (11-10, 3.73) v Bob Buhl (11-13, 3.43)
Orioles lead series 2-1
A late change for the Orioles here as Bob Buhl is announced as the starter instead of Ned Garver. He’ll face Don Larsen, who just came back to earth a bit this year after going 31-9 the previous two seasons.
The Orioles get themselves within one win of the big prize with a fairly controlled front-running 5-3 win. All those missing players just seem to be weighing on the Dodgers as they can only manage 5 hits against a dominant Buhl, who proves an inspired late sub. Jim Rivera doubles, homers, walks twice and drives in two to lead the Baltimore offence.
Game 5 in Brooklyn
Mel Parnell (1-0, 7.71) v Robin Roberts (0-0, 4.50)
Orioles lead series 3-1
Our Game 1 opponents renew acquaintances and it is a long road back from here for the Dodgers, one would think.
In the end they don't even take another step as this disappointing series comes to its finale with the O’s doing it easy, romping home 10-2 to lock down the club’s 4th title and, obviously, first since moving to B-more. Harshman keeps the Dodgers bats quiet yet again over 8 and Smith and Rivera lead the bats, along with catcher Jim Hegan who is named Series MVP.
BALTIMORE WINS SERIES 4-1
SERIES MVP: Jim Hegan (Baltimore)