[Nick Soulis]

Series #97



1945 Washington Senators
Record: 87-67
Finish: 2nd in AL
Manager: Ossie Bluege
Ball Park: Griffith Stadium
WAR Leader: Roger Wolf (5.6)
Franchise Record: 2-8
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSH/1945.shtml

1966 Cleveland Indians
Record: 81-81
Finish: 5th in AL
Manager: Birdie Tebbetts
Ball Park: Cleveland Stadium
WAR Leader: Sam McDowell (5.0)
Franchise Record: 4-3
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1966.shtml
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Wartime Baseball Plays Out Well
Senators Foil Indians In Series With Zero HR



Game 1
At Griffith Stadium
1966 Cleveland Indians 2
1945 Wshington Senators 9
WP: D. Leonard (1-0) LP: S. Siebert (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Dutch Leonard (9 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 117 P)
1945 Senators Lead Series 1-0

In the opening game of Series #97, the 1945 Washington Senators made a statement by defeating the 1966 Cleveland Indians 9-2 at Griffith Stadium. Right-hander Dutch Leonard delivered a masterful performance, pitching a complete game and allowing just two runs. The Senators wasted no time, scoring two runs in the first inning and maintaining their lead throughout the game. Joe Kuhel and Gil Binks led the offensive charge for Washington, each contributing two RBIs. Kuhel's run-scoring single in the fifth inning helped extend the Senators' lead, while Leonard himself chipped in with a key RBI. Despite a rain delay in the fifth inning, the Senators remained focused and capitalized on their opportunities, taking a 1-0 series lead. The next game is scheduled to be played tomorrow at Griffith Stadium, where the Senators will look to continue their winning ways.

Game 2
At Griffith Stadium
1966 Cleveland Indians 1
1945 Wshington Senators 2
WP: R. Wolf (1-0) LP: L. Tiant (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Roger Wolff (9 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 131 P)
1945 Senators Lead Series 2-0

In Game 2 of Series #97, the 1945 Washington Senators continued their winning ways, defeating the 1966 Cleveland Indians 2-1 in a thrilling contest at Griffith Stadium. Starter Roger Wolff delivered a stellar performance, pitching a complete game and allowing only one run on eight hits. The game remained tied at 1-1 until the bottom of the ninth inning when Harlond Clift came through with a walk-off single, scoring the winning run and securing the victory for the Senators. The win gives Washington a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, much to the delight of the home crowd. The series now shifts to Cleveland Stadium for Game 3 on Thursday.

Game 3
At Cleveland Stadium
1945 Wshington Senators 3
1966 Cleveland Indians 5
WP: S. Hargan (1-0) LP: J. Niggeling (0-1) S: D. McMahon (1)
HR: None
POG: Max Alvis (2-3, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, R)
1945 Senators Lead Series 2-1

In a pivotal Game 3 clash at Cleveland Stadium, the 1966 Cleveland Indians bounced back with a 5-3 victory over the 1945 Washington Senators, narrowing the series deficit to 2-1 in favor of the Senators. Third baseman Max Alvis led the charge for the Indians, going 2 for 3 with a triple, a double, a walk, 2 RBI, and a run scored. Cleveland capitalized on an error in the bottom of the fourth inning when Dick Howser's 2-run single was misplayed, giving them a decisive 4-1 lead. Manager Jim Smith expressed satisfaction with the win, stating, "We're one game closer to our goal." The next game is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Cleveland Stadium, where the Indians will look to even the series.

Game 4
At Cleveland Stadium
1945 Wshington Senators 1
1966 Cleveland Indians 5
WP: S. McDowell (1-0) LP: M. Haefner (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Sam McDowell (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 100 P)
Series Tied 2-2

In a crucial Game 4 showdown at Cleveland Stadium, the 1966 Cleveland Indians surged to a 5-1 victory over the 1945 Washington Senators, knotting the series at 2-2. Pitcher Sam McDowell was the hero for the Indians, tossing a complete game, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits while striking out one. Cleveland got off to a strong start, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding two more in the fourth. McDowell's dominant performance stifled the Senators' offense, securing the crucial win for the Indians. The series now heads into Game 5 with momentum on Cleveland's side.

Game 5
At Cleveland Stadium
1945 Wshington Senators 4
1966 Cleveland Indians 1
WP: D. Leonard (2-0) LP: S. Siebert (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Dutch Leonard (9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 104 P)
1945 Senators Lead Series 3-2

In a pivotal Game 5 matchup at Cleveland Stadium, the 1945 Washington Senators emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over the 1966 Cleveland Indians, taking a 3-2 series lead. Dutch Leonard delivered a stellar performance on the mound for the Senators, throwing a complete game with only one earned run allowed on five hits. The Senators got off to an early lead and held off the Indians' offense, securing a crucial road victory. With the series now shifting back to Washington, the Senators are just one win away from clinching the series.

Game 6
At Griffith Stadium
1966 Cleveland Indians 3
1945 Wshington Senators 10
WP: R. Wolff (2-0) LP: L. Tiant (0-2)
HR: None
POG: George Binks (5-5, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R)

In a decisive Game 6 of the best-of-seven series between the 1966 Cleveland Indians and the 1945 Washington Senators, it was the '45 Senators who emerged victorious, clinching both the game and the series with a commanding 10-3 win at Griffith Stadium. It was a triumph that showcased their collective strength. Manager Ossie Bluege praised his team's unity, emphasizing the importance of every player contributing to the common goal. Despite falling behind early, the '66 Indians rallied in the sixth inning, highlighted by a clutch triple from pinch hitter Lou Wagner. However, the Senators' offense proved too potent, led by George Binks, who set a playoff game record with five hits. Pitcher Roy Wolff delivered a stellar performance, holding the Indians to just three runs over nine innings. As the final out was recorded, the celebration began in Washington, with plans for a parade and citywide festivities already in motion.

1945 Washington Senators Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(12/23, .522 AVG, 6 R, 1 3B, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 1.172 OPS)