Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )

[PotatoOfCouch13]

APRIL 2, 1945
PHILLIES’ OPENING DAY

The flag was raised today: “1944 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS”. It certainly looks nice flying in centerfield. Hopefully it’ll look that good when we move into our new home.

In a bizarre scheduling coincidence, the Cubs would help us open our home schedule, in what appears to be the last Phillies season in Shibe Park. Of course, last season, the Phillies rallied for 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th against Cubs closer Whitey Miller for the walk-off win, and in 1943, the Phillies rallied for 3 runs against Giants closer Hoyt Wilhelm to win their home opener. Hopefully, we wouldn’t have to come from behind again this year, and with Red Ruffing on the hill, it didn’t look like we’d have to. The Cubs would counter with their ace and former Phillies starter, Claude Passeau.

Ruffing got off to a rough start. He allowed hits to the first two Cubs batters, setting up first and second with nobody out. Fortunately, he reached back into his 39-year-old arm and got the next three hitters in order. That would become a recurring theme.

The Phillies got a one-out double from Johnny Blatnik, but were unable to advance him.

The Cubs were set down in order in the second, while the Phillies wasted a leadoff single by Vern Stephens.

Both teams were retired in the third on less than 10 pitches.

While the Cubs went 1-2-3 in their fourth, the Phillies mounted a mini-rally. Singles by Ron Northey and Stephens put runners at first and third with two out. However, a groundout left the runners stranded, and the score deadlocked at zero.

The Cubs went in order in the 5th. Ruffing has retired 15 men in a row.

Danny Murtaugh led off the fifth with a walk, advanced to second on Ruffing’s sacrifice, and advanced to third on a sac fly by Phil Rizzuto. He scored on a single by Blatnik, and the Phillies drew first blood. Phillies 1, Cubs 0.

Ruffing went back to the mound and retired the first 3 Cubs batters, extending his streak to 18 straight.

The Phillies spoil another single by Vern Stephens, and they can’t extend their lead.

Both teams go down 1-2-3 in the 7th. Ruffing has set down 21 straight Cubs.

The top of the 8th inning is where the trouble started. Ruffing got Joe Cronin to line out for the first out, but gave up a single to Cy Block, ending his streak at 22 straight batters. Impressive, but he still needed to get out of the inning. A sacrifice by the catcher Ferrell made it two outs with a runner on second, but a walk to the pinch-hitting Reggie Otero brought up the top of the order. A non-scoring base hit later, Garth Mann delivered a bases-clearing double, giving the Cubs the lead. Cubs 3, Phillies 1. Ruffing retired the next man to end the inning, but the damage was done. Imagine dominating a team for 7.1 innings, and still being on the hook?

With one out in the bottom of the 8th, Ron Northey smashed a double against reliever Dale Alderson. Gil Hodges followed with an RBI single, and the deficit was cut in half. Cubs 3, Phillies 2. However, the offense couldn’t get any more runs, leaving the Phillies down a run entering the 9th.

Red Ruffing came out for the ninth inning, and retired the middle third of the Cubs lineup in order. Red was perfect for 7 innings, but it was that 8th inning collapse that cost him today.

It was a weird feeling of déjà vu at the ballpark, as Whitey Miller came in from the bullpen. Last year, the Cubs led 4-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, but a ferocious 2-out rally game the hometown team a come-from-behind win. The losing pitcher of that game? Whitey Miller.

Larry Doby was first up for the Phillies. Larry struggled all last season, but the 21-year-old definitely belongs in the big leagues. He proved his worth by smashing a triple into the right field corner. The tying run was 90 feet away! Ray Hamrick, a late-game defensive sub, stepped up the plate, but got under a fastball and popped out. Nick Goulish stepped up as a pinch-hitter for Ruffing, and drilled a 1-0 fastball into left-centerfield for a game-tying double! Phillies 3, Cubs 3! The fans were screaming as Harry Marnie, another late-game defensive replacement, and the catalyst for last season’s opening day comeback, stepped up to the dish. He worked a 1-1 count, then lined the ball…PAST THE DIVING SECOND BASEMAN! Goulish raced around third and slid home ahead of the throw, and the Phillies walk off with an Opening Day win AGAIN!

Phillies 4, Cubs 3
W: Red Ruffing (1-0, #299) L: Whitey Miller (0-1)
2B: Ron Northey (1), Johnny Blatnik (1), Nick Goulish (1)
3B: Larry Doby (1)

[RedsoxRockies]

the Cubs should just try not to take the lead, they seem to lose when they do

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Yeah, that sounds like a great strategy...

APRIL-MAY 1945
PART I

April 2-4: Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia Phillies

2 – See above
Phillies 4, Cubs 3
W: Red Ruffing (1-0) L: Whitey Miller (0-1)
2B: Ron Northey (1), Johnny Blatnik (1), Nick Goulish (1)
3B: Larry Doby (1)

3 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 5 over 7.2 IP, as he outduels Philly-killer Johnny Podgajny. The Phillies offense smacks 5 doubles to support their starter.
Phillies 4, Cubs 2
W: Charlie Ripple (1-0) L: Johnny Podgajny (0-1) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (1)
2B: Ron Northey (2), Johnny Blatnik (2), Gil Hodges (1), Vern Stephens (1), Larry Doby (1)

*

Gil Hodges will miss the next 3 games with a sore shoulder. Ed Murphy will get the starts at first base.

*

4 – Shaun Hale shuts down the Phillies offense, allowing just 1 run on 7 hits, and the Cubs manage to leave Philadelphia with a win.
Cubs 2, Phillies 1
W: Shaun Hale (1-0) L: Tommy Hughes (0-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (1)
SB: Larry Doby (1)

*

Today was a special day. We broke ground on Franklin Stadium today (completely funded by the city, thank you very much!), setting in motion the plan to have 40,000 seats and a brand new grass field in place by next season. Adventurous, I know, but it can be done.

*

April 5-7: Brooklyn Dodgers (3-0) at Philadelphia Phillies (2-1)

5 – Robin Roberts was magnificent in his season debut, going 8 innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits, but it took a pinch-hit double by Mickey Livingston in the bottom of the 8th inning to give the youngster his first Major League victory and the Phillies a share of first place.
Phillies 2, Dodgers 1
W: Robin Roberts (1-0) L: Cy Buker (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (1)
2B: Mickey Livingston (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto 2 (2)

6 - Would today be the day? All the conditions were set to perfection, the fans were eager with anticipation. The only thing that could stop history from happening would be those pesky Brooklyn Dodgers, for today, Red Ruffing would attempt to be the 8th man all-time to record 300 wins.

Well, you certainly can’t fault Red for not trying. He put forth a superhuman effort, going 10 innings, throwing 164 pitches, while striking out 5 Dodgers. Unfortunately, the Dodgers push a run across in the top of the 10th inning, and poor Red gets saddled with a loss.
Dodgers 3, Phillies 2 (10)
W: Cy Buker (1-1) L: Red Ruffing (1-1)
2B: Andy Seminick (1)
3B: Larry Doby (2)

*

Free agent RF Augie Bergamo has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Reds. He will join former Cardinals teammate Stan Musial in the Reds outfield. Stan the Man, meanwhile is 7-15 with 2 RBI to start the season.

*

The first trade of the new season.

Boston Red Sox receive:
3B Billy Johnson (85)

St. Louis Browns receive:
SP Leon Taragowski (66/80)
RP Cot Deal (67/80)

Panic move by Zimmerman brought on by the fact that Johnson is struggling at the plate (4-18).
WINNER: Red Sox

*

7 – After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, a Vern Stephens homer in the bottom of the 9th forces extra innings, where an RBI single by Gil Hodges in the bottom of the 10th wins the game for the Phillies. John Fick makes his ML debut, going 2 scoreless innings to pick up the win.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 5 (10)
W: John Fick (1-0) L: Cy Buker (1-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (2), Andy Seminick (2)
HR: Vern Stephens (1)

April 8-10: Philadelphia Phillies (4-2) at New York Giants (2-4)

8 – Tommy Hughes gets roughed up for 10 hits, as the Phillies’ offense has no answer for Larry Jansen (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER).
Giants 3, Phillies 1
W: Larry Jansen (1-1) L: Tommy Hughes (0-2) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (1)
2B: Ron Northey (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (2)

9 – Today’s pitching match-up was one of epic proportions: the NL ERA co-leaders (0.00). Despite giving up 10 hits and 3 walks, Robin Roberts only allows 2 runs over 8 innings, giving the offense time to put up just enough for the win.
Phillies 3, Giants 2
W: Robin Roberts (2-0) L: Bill Voiselle (1-1) SV: Ike Pearson (2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (3), Andy Seminick (3)

*

Free agent 3B Ellis Clary signed today with the Detroit Tigers.

*

10 – Perhaps today will be the day that Red Ruffing joins the 300 Win club. Alas, the Giants were not willing to assist Red today, as they put up 5 runs against him and take the series.
Giants 5, Phillies 3
W: Adrian Zabala (1-0) L: Red Ruffing (1-2)

April 11: Day Off

*

While our pitching has been fantastic (2.56 team ERA – 2nd in NL), our offense has been pathetic (2.88 R/G – 7th in NL). To solve this problem, we’re going to switch up the batting order a little bit.

SS Phil Rizzuto
C Andy Seminick
CF Larry Doby
1B Gil Hodges
3B Vern Stephens
RF Ron Northey
2B Danny Murtaugh
LF Johnny Blatnik

*

April 12-14: Philadelphia Phillies (5-4) at Boston Braves (7-2)

12 – Well, the changes worked, thank goodness. Charlie Ripple gave up 5 runs, but the offense exploded for 7, thanks to Andy Seminick (3-5, 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI) and Larry Doby (game-winning 2-run home run in the top of the 9th).
Phillies 7, Braves 5
W: Hugh Casey (1-0) L: Elmer Singleton (1-2)
2B: Andy Seminick (4)
HR: Andy Seminick 2 (2), Larry Doby (1)

*

The Yankees will have to cope without Joe DiMaggio for three weeks. He suffered a stress fracture in his left (catching) hand while making a diving grab on a soft liner. Tommy Henrich slides over to center, while Chet Ross will get the starts in right.

*

[filihok]

6 - Would today be the day? All the conditions were set to perfection, the fans were eager with anticipation. The only thing that could stop history from happening would be those pesky Brooklyn Dodgers, for today, Red Ruffing would attempt to be the 8th man all-time to record 300 wins.

Well, you certainly can’t fault Red for not trying. He put forth a superhuman effort, going 10 innings, throwing 164 pitches, while striking out 5 Dodgers. Unfortunately, the Dodgers push a run across in the top of the 10th inning, and poor Red gets saddled with a loss.
Dodgers 3, Phillies 2 (10)
W: Cy Buker (1-1) L: Red Ruffing (1-1)
2B: Andy Seminick (1)
3B: Larry Doby (2)

Sorry to make your feel BLUE Red. Better luck next time

[PotatoOfCouch13]

filihok: Just wait until you see who Red gets his 300th against...

APRIL 13, 1945

Unfortunately, the season hasn’t quite gotten into full swing yet, and international events force baseball to grind to a halt. This morning, the team woke in Boston to find out that the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, had passed away last night.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945)

I had grown somewhat close to the President. I first met him back in 1942 on a trip to Pittsburgh, and we’ve stayed in contact ever since. He was instrumental in keeping ballplayers home to entertain the home front. Most notably, he suggested to the owners of baseball that we insert Happy Chandler as commissioner

Commissioner Chandler has cancelled all games scheduled for today. Fortunately, every team has an off day scheduled over the next week, so the schedule will be pushed back 1 day until we can get all square again on the 19th.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

APRIL-MAY 1945
PART I continued

14 – Maybe I ought to keep those lineup changes. Every starter collects a hit, as Tommy Hughes tosses a complete game to pick up his first win of the season. The win creates a three-way tie atop the National League, with the Dodgers, Braves and Phillies sporting matching 7-4 records.
Phillies 9, Braves 1
W: Tommy Hughes (1-2) L: Rob Kelley (0-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (4), Larry Doby (2), Danny Murtaugh (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (3)

15 – In a match-up that will certainly occur many times over the next decade, the bullpens decide the final outcome. Robin Roberts and Warren Spahn dueled for 8 innings, but the Phillies rallied against the Braves bullpen to tie the game, and eventually win it in 12 innings.
Phillies 7, Braves 5 (12)
W: Ike Pearson (1-0) L: Elmer Singleton (1-3) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (2)
2B: Andy Seminick (5), Vern Stephens (2), Nick Goulish (2)
3B: Larry Doby (3), Johnny Blatnik (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (2)

April 16-18: St. Louis Cardinals (4-9) at Philadelphia Phillies (8-4)

16 – The third time was the charm for Red Ruffing. On this day, he tosses a complete game, allowing only 1 run on 8 hits, as the Phillies offense gives him a big lead to work with.

Congratulations to Red Ruffing, who becomes the 8th member of the 300 Win Club with his victory today!

300-Game winner Red Ruffing

Phillies 7, Cardinals 2
W: Red Ruffing (2-2) L: Max Lanier (0-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (5), Larry Doby (3), Gil Hodges (2), Red Ruffing (1)
3B: Ron Northey (1)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (1)

17 – A pinch-hit single by Ed Murphy in the bottom of the 9th breaks a 1-1 tie and give the Phillies (and Charlie Ripple, who tossed a complete game) the victory.
Phillies 2, Cardinals 1
W: Charlie Ripple (2-0) L: Art Lopatka (0-1)

18 – Tommy Hughes is again the beneficiary of an offensive explosion, as the Phillies score 8 runs and cruise to a comfortable victory to sweep the Cardinals.
Phillies 8, Cardinals 1
W: Tommy Hughes (2-2) L: Harry Gumbert (1-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (6), Larry Doby (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (3), Larry Doby (2), Ron Northey (1)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (2)

*

Another trade between the Red Sox and Browns.

Boston Red Sox receive:
RP Stan Ferens (80) – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 SV in 13.2 IP
RF Willard Brown (79/80) - .211, 7 RBI, 6 2B in 57 AB
3B Bill Sommers (63/77) - .250, 4 RBI (R)

St. Louis Browns receive:
RP James Atkins (76/78) – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 SV in 1.1 IP
SP Randy Heflin (80/82) – 1-1, 5.40 ERA in 15 IP (AAA)

I don’t understand this trade, but the Browns win.
WINNER: Browns

*

STANDINGS (after games on April 18, 1945)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	11-4	---
New York	11-5	0.5
Cincinnati	10-5	1.0
Brooklyn	9-6	2.0
Boston		7-8	4.0
Chicago		6-9	5.0
St. Louis	4-12	7.5
Pittsburgh	3-12	8.0
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
New York	10-5	---
Cleveland	9-6	1.0
Washington	8-7	2.0
Boston		8-7	2.0
Chicago		8-7	2.0
Detroit		7-8	3.0
Philadelphia	6-9	4.0
St. Louis	4-11	6.0

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Potato, will you support the AL party?

[filihok]

Congrats RED!!!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

I have officially announced my candidacy for Sports Mogul President!

Please support the Players League aka Da Playas Party in our effort to win the most prestigious figurehead position in the Sports Mogul forums!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

APRIL 18, 1945

Well, I didn’t get to see Nick, but he dropped off his yearly scouting report at the office today. For someone that doesn’t even have his own office, he certainly does nice work. Here’s Nick’s Top 10 Prospects from the upcoming 1945 Amateur Draft:

SP Billy Pierce – Detroit, MI (18)
The lefty from the Motor City has got three decent pitches, but control is an issue. If he can learn to harness his pitches, he’ll lead the league in strikeouts someday.
80 END, 57 CON, 85, POW, 68 MOV, 81 HEA
FASTBALL 78, CURVE 70, CHANGE 64

RP Dick Weik – Waterloo, IA (17)
He’s got a big league fastball, but a sub par curve. His pitches have great movement on them, and if he can learn the art of control, he’ll have a long, successful career.
48 END, 52 CON, 78 POW, 94 MOV, 76 HEA
FASTBALL 93, SLOW CURVE 67

CF Richie Ashburn – Tilden, NE (18)
With a little more speed, he’d be the perfect leadoff batter. Brings a good arm to centerfield, but glove work is a question. Not much power, but will make contact and draw walks.
71 CON, 60 POW, 78 SPD, 87 EYE, 86 ARM, 73 RNG, 66 FLD, 93 HEA
CURVE +20, PALM -5

SP Bill Miller – Minersville, PA (17)
A powerful lefty that can hit 95 MPH, he already has two great pitches. If he can develop that curveball from poor to above average, just to keep hitters honest, he’s a potential Cy Young winner.
64 END, 53 CON, 80 POW, 56 MOV, 75 HEA
FASTBALL 73, CURVE 47, FORKBALL 71

1B Joe Adcock – Coushatta, LA (17)
Big (6’4”, 220) and powerful (42 high school HR, including 16 this year), Adcock is also athletic enough to play in the corners of the outfield. However, he is slow afoot, so keeping this future slugger at first would probably be wisest.
64 CON, 78 POW, 57 SPD, 69 EYE, 70 ARM, 59 RNG, 71 FLD, 80 HEA

RP Dick Welteroth – Williamsport, PA (17)
Prototypical relief prospect: solid power, good movement, poor control. Will become a great closer if he develops a third pitch.
32 END, 54 CON, 65 POW, 77 MOV, 73 HEA
FASTBALL 72, SLOW CURVE 65

C Smoky Burgess – Caroleen, NC (18)
Already adept at game calling. The hitting (especially power) will come with time, as will the fielding. The speed however, will not. Loves the ball low in the zone.
67 CON, 69 POW, 59 SPD, 77 EYE, 69 ARM, 86 HND, 64, FLD, 74 HEA
FORKBALL +10, SINKER +5, EEPHUS -15

SP Jim McDonald – Grants Pass, OR (18)
His low sidearm delivery allows him to keep his pitches low in the zone. Again, though, unless he develops a fastball, he’s not going to have much success at this level.
50 END, 54 CON, 61 POW, 67 MOV, 77 HEA
SINKER 62, FORKBALL 63

SP Dick Donovan – Boston, MA (17)
Without a fastball in his arsenal, Donovan gets by with location and guts. He has two great breaking pitches, but I just don’t see him getting anywhere at the next level without a fastball.
75 END, 61 CON, 69 POW, 59 MOV, 69 HEA
CHANGE 55, SLIDER 67, CURVE 61

RF Jackie Jensen – San Francisco, CA (18)
Really developed his power stroke his senior year, hitting 14 home runs. Plays average defense in the outfield, with a solid throwing arm. His strength is hitting, and he should become a major power threat in any lineup.
63 CON, 70 POW, 69 SPD, 79 EYE, 75 ARM, 64 RNG, 64 FLD, 82 HEA

*

[Coach Owens]

Well, better not pick Donovan!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Coach: Hopefully, he'll be gone by the time I pick 16th! Although I honestly don't know if I have room for another talented young player. I mean, I have so many right now...

APRIL-MAY 1945
PART II

April 19-21: Philadelphia Phillies (11-4, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (3-12, 8th, 8 GB)

19 – Robin Roberts keeps his hot start rolling, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) over 8 innings, and the offense keeps on swinging (16 hits).
Phillies 9, Pirates 2
W: Robin Roberts (3-0) L: Ed Bahr (0-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (7), Johnny Blatnik (3)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (1)

*

Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson had his 21-game hitting streak stopped today. Jackie is hitting .281 with 2 HR and 12 RBI in the young season.

*

20 – It was purely a case to too little, too late, as a ninth-inning rally falls short, ending the Phillies’ winning streak at 7 games, and knocking them out of first place.
Pirates 5, Phillies 3
W: Paul Troughton (1-2) L: Red Ruffing (2-3) SV: Ace Adams (1)

21 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 6 over 8 innings, and the offense pounds out 14 hits to get the Phillies back in the win column.
Phillies 9, Pirates 1
W: Charlie Ripple (3-0) L: Ken Heintzelman (1-1)
2B: Ron Northey (4), Nick Goulish (3), Gil Hodges (3)

*

After going 2-4 with 3 runs scored today, Johnny Blatnik crumpled to the ground chasing Hank Camelli’s triple in the 9th inning. While he finished the game, the news is not good. Johnny Blatnik has a broken fibula. The injury will keep the 2nd year player out until mid-August. Nick Goulish will get the starts in left field, while Ed Sanicki will return from the minor leagues to be the 4th outfielder.

*

After being released by the Yankees today, RF Paul Waner announced his retirement.

For years, Paul and little brother Lloyd (now a reserve outfielder for the Dodgers) patrolled 2/3rds of the Pirates outfield. He led the Pirates to the 1927 National League Pennant, and was rewarded with MVP honors for his efforts. He appeared in 5 All-Star games (1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, and 1942), and was one of the most feared hitters in the National League throughout the 1930’s.

He was a noted alcoholic, and had the ability to hit quite well when hung over. He was also nearsighted, but overcame both of these afflictions to be one of the greatest hitters in history.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
.332 AVG (18th)
121 HR
1375 RBI (20th)

644 2B (4th)
204 3B (8th)
1700 R (13th)

2668 GP (6th)
10187 AB (4th)

3378 Hits (4th)
One of 7 men in the 3000 Hit Club.

Future HOFer Paul Waner

*

[Coach Owens]

Wow, just 5 days before he actually retired in real life!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Coach: Freaky, huh? I sometimes marvel at the similarities between reality and the game. This is one of those instances where it's head-scratchingly weird (and yes, I think I just made up the word 'head-scratchingly').

APRIL - MAY 1945
PART II continued

April 22: Day Off

April 23-25: Philadelphia Phillies (13-5, 2nd, 0.5 GB) at St. Louis Cardinals (4-15, 8th, 10 GB)

23 – Don Bollweg smashed 2 home runs, as Tommy Hughes continues to make life difficult for himself, giving up 5 runs, as the Cardinals snap their 11-game losing streak.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 2
W: Harry Gumbert (2-2) L: Tommy Hughes (2-3) SV: Art Lopatka (1)

24 – Robin Roberts overcomes 3 errors by allowing only 2 hits and 1 unearned run in 8 innings. The Phillies manage to break a 1-1 tie in the top of the 9th, thanks to a Vern Stephens home run.
Phillies 2, Cardinals 1
W: Robin Roberts (4-0) L: Al Lyons (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (3)
2B: Ron Northey 2 (6), Larry Doby (5)
HR: Vern Stephens (3)

25 – Red Ruffing gets destroyed, giving up 14 hits in 5.2 IP, as the offense can only muster a late Larry Doby home run to avoid the shutout.
Cardinals 13, Phillies 2
W: Lon Warneke (1-1) L: Red Ruffing (2-4)
HR: Larry Doby (3)

April 26-28: New York Giants (15-7, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Philadelphia Phillies (14-7, 2nd, 0.5 GB)

26 – A 6-run 6th inning propels the Phillies to victory. Larry Doby goes 2-5 with 3 RBI, as Charlie Ripple strikes out 6 in 6 IP.
Phillies 9, Giants 7
W: Charlie Ripple (4-0) L: Hal Schumacher (2-2) SV: Ike Pearson (4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (8), Larry Doby (6), Ray Hamrick (1)

27 – Tommy Hughes leaves with a 4-3 lead, but a tired Ed Hanyzewski gives up 3 runs in the 8th inning for the loss.
Giants 6, Phillies 4
W: Slim Emmerich (1-0) L: Ed Hanyzewski (0-1) SV: Ken Trinkle (2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto 2 (10), Andy Seminick 2 (7)
3B: Gil Hodges (1), Nick Goulish (1)

28 – Robin Roberts goes 3-4 with 2 triples, and Larry Doby drives in 4 runs, as the Phillies take first place from the Giants on the weight of Roberts’ first career CG.
Phillies 8, Giants 2
W: Robin Roberts (5-0) L: Van Mungo (3-3)
2B: Danny Murtaugh 2 (3)
3B: Larry Doby (4), Robin Roberts 2 (2)

April 29 – May 2: Philadelphia Phillies (16-8, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (6-18, 8th, 10 GB)

29 – Example #2,704,586,601 on how life is unfair: we tie the game in the top of the 9th on a home run by Gil Hodges, then lose the game on the first pitch of the bottom of the 9th thanks to Johnny Wyrostek’s walk-off home run.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2
W: Harry Shuman (1-1) L: Hugh Casey (1-1)
HR: Gil Hodges (5)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (4)

*

The war has taken one giant step towards its conclusion.

Today, just 2 days after the death of Benito Mussolini, the Italian forces officially surrendered.

The Axis powers of Germany and Japan have vowed to fight on, but I’m not sure how much longer they can last, especially with Allied forces closing in on Berlin and Tokyo.

*

30 – Example #2,704,586,602 on how life is unfair: an error by Vern Stephens in the bottom of the 9th opens the floodgates, allowing the Pirates to force extra innings, where they win in the bottom of the 10th.
Pirates 9, Phillies 8 (10)
W: Harry Shuman (2-1) L: Ike Pearson (1-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (11)
HR: Andy Seminick (3), Nick Goulish (1)

1 – Example #2,704,586,603 on how life is unfair: Tommy Hughes allows 1 hit over 7 innings. Hugh Casey allows 1 hit in his relief stint. That’s 2 hits total. The hit off of Casey? A game-winning home run.
Pirates 1, Phillies 0
W: Emil Kush (1-0) L: Hugh Casey (1-2) SV: Ace Adams (2)

*

Honestly, is it too much to ask Tommy Hughes to stay healthy? Tommy will be out until the end of the month with a chipped knee cap. Dick Mauney will fill his role as the #3 starter, and Al Gerheauser will get the call-up from AAA Utica.

*

2 – Well, it wasn’t pretty, but Robin Roberts prevented an embarrassing 4-game sweep at the hands of the worst team in the National League. Robin himself went 2-3 with a double and 2 runs scored, as he improves his record to 6-0.
Phillies 10, Pirates 7
W: Robin Roberts (6-0) L: Bob Chesnes (1-6) SV: Hugh Casey (1)

*

Hitler is dead. The German dictator has killed himself. The Ruskies have taken Berlin. The war in Europe is on its last legs.

*

May 3-5: Cincinnati Reds (19-9, 1st, 2 GA) at Philadelphia Phillies (17-11, T-2nd, 2 GB)

3 – A 2-run 8th inning rally rescues victory from the jaws of defeat, and the Phillies pull to 1 game behind the Reds.
Phillies 2, Reds 1
W: Hugh Casey (2-2) L: Joe Krakauskas (0-1)
3B: Larry Doby (5)

4 – Ron Northey drives in 3, including the game-winner in the bottom of the 12th inning, as the Phillies help create a three-way tie atop the National League standings (the Giants are also involved).
Phillies 6, Reds 5 (12)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (1-1) L: Clayton Lambert (2-2)
2B: Larry Doby (8), Ron Northey (7)
HR: Vern Stephens (5)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (5)

5 – Leon Culberson’s bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 12th inning plates the winning run, and allows the Phillies to sweep the Reds.
Phillies 5, Reds 4 (12)
W: Hugh Casey (3-2) L: Joe Krakauskas (0-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (12), Vern Stephens (3), Leon Culberson (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (4)

STANDINGS (after games on May 5, 1945)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	20-11	---
New York	20-11	---
Brooklyn	19-11	0.5
Cincinnati	19-12	1.0
Chicago		14-16	5.5
St. Louis	12-19	8.0
Boston		10-21	10.0
Pittsburgh	9-22	11.0
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Boston		18-12	---
New York	17-13	1.0
Washington	17-13	1.0
Cleveland	16-14	2.0
Chicago		15-15	3.0
Philadelphia	15-15	3.0
Detroit		13-17	5.0
St. Louis	9-21	9.0

[Coach Owens]

Go A's!