[Nick Soulis]

Series #128



1934 Boston Red Sox
Record: 76-76
Finish: 4th in AL
Manager: Bucky Harris
Ball Park: Fenway Park
WAR Leader: Billy Werber (5.4)
Franchise Record: 7-3
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1934.shtml

1931 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 75-79
Finish: 5th in NL
Manager: Jewel Ens
Ball Park: Forbes Field
WAR Leader: Paul Waner (4.9)
Franchise Record: 7-6
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1931.shtml
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Full Throttle Pirates Rush To Win In 5
After Losing Opener, Pittsburgh Takes 4 Straight



Game 1
At Fenway Park
1931 Pitsburgh Pirates 5
1934 Boston Red Sox 8
WP: L. Grove (1-0) LP: B. Harris (0-1)
HR: C. Reynolds (1)
POG: Roy Johnson (4-5, 3B,2 RbiI, R)
1934 Red Sox Lead Series 1-0

In a thrilling opening game of their best-of-seven series at the Field of Dreams, the 1934 Boston Red Sox triumphed over the 1931 Pittsburgh Pirates with an 8-5 victory on October 1, 1934. The Red Sox, led by a stellar performance from left fielder Roy Johnson, who went 4-for-5 with a triple, three singles, and two RBIs, showcased their offensive prowess. After a quick start by both teams, with the Pirates scoring two runs in the first inning and the Red Sox matching them in the same frame, Boston broke the game open in the fourth inning with a five-run explosion. Carl Reynolds contributed significantly, going 2-for-5 with a two-run double and a solo home run, tallying three RBIs and scoring twice. Despite a persistent effort by the Pirates, who collected 14 hits and saw Pie Traynor and Lloyd Waner each with multi-hit games, they couldn't overcome the Red Sox's offensive surge. Lefty Grove pitched a complete game for Boston, giving up five earned runs on 14 hits while striking out four. With clear skies and a lively crowd of 30,257 at Fenway Park, the Red Sox took an early lead in the series, setting the stage for an exciting matchup to come.

Game 2
At Fenway Park
1931 Pitsburgh Pirates 7
1934 Boston Red Sox 6
WP: L. French (1-0) LP: H. Pennock (0-1) S: R. Kremer (1)
HR: None
POG: Lloyd Waner (3-5, 2 RBI, R)
Series Tied 1-1

In an electrifying Game 2 at the Field of Dreams, the 1931 Pittsburgh Pirates emerged victorious over the 1934 Boston Red Sox, tying the series at 1-1. The game, marked by intense back-and-forth action, saw the Red Sox take an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Pirates clawed back in the fourth and, trailing 3-1 in the eighth, rallied dramatically with a two-run single by Lloyd Waner to tie the game. The contest extended into extra innings, where the Pirates exploded for three runs in the tenth inning, highlighted by a clutch RBI double from Pie Traynor. Boston responded with two runs in the bottom half, but it wasn't enough to overcome Pittsburgh's relentless offense. With a final score of 7-6, the Pirates celebrated their hard-fought win, buoyed by Waner's standout performance and solid pitching from Larry French and Ray Kremer. The series now shifts to Forbes Field, where the Pirates will seek to capitalize on their momentum in Game 3.

Game 3
At Forbes Field
1934 Boston Red Sox 4
1931 Pitsburgh Pirates 16
WP: S. Swetonic (1-0) LP: J. Welch (0-1)
HR: E. Phillips (1), P. Waner (1), G. Suhr (1)
POG: Pie Traynor (4-5, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 4 R)
1931 Pirates Lead Series 2-1

In a thrilling Game 3 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1931 Pittsburgh Pirates dominated the 1934 Boston Red Sox with a commanding 16-4 victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Played at a nostalgic Forbes Field, the Pirates' offensive explosion was led by Pie Traynor, who went 4-for-5, with two doubles and two singles, scoring four times and driving in four runs. The Pirates' 18-hit assault included home runs from Gus Suhr and Earl Phillips, along with a solo shot by Paul Waner. Boston's pitching staff struggled to contain Pittsburgh's relentless lineup, with Johnny Welch, Rube Walberg, and Gordon Rhodes all yielding significant runs. Despite a resilient effort from Boston's Bill Werber, who went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, the Red Sox could not match the Pirates' firepower. The victory pleased Pittsburgh manager Jewel Ens, who praised his team's ability to "put good wood on the ball." The series continues tomorrow at Forbes Field, where the Pirates aim to extend their lead.

Game 4
At Forbes Field
1934 Boston Red Sox 6
1931 Pitsburgh Pirates 7
WP: S. Wood (1-0) LP: B. Walers (0-1) S; R. Kremer (2)
HR: B. Werber (1)
POG: Gus Suhr (2-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB)
1931 Pirates Lead Series 3-1

In a thrilling showdown at the iconic Field of Dreams, the 1931 Pittsburgh Pirates edged the 1934 Boston Red Sox 7-6, seizing a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven series. The game was marked by standout performances and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Gus Suhr, the Pirates' first baseman, shone brightly, going 2-for-3 with two singles, two walks, two runs scored, and two RBIs. Spades Wood also played a crucial role, not just on the mound but at the plate, delivering a pivotal two-run single in the third inning to give Pittsburgh a lead they would not relinquish. Despite a spirited effort from Boston's Billy Werber, who homered and drove in two runs, the Red Sox could not overcome their defensive miscues. As the series shifts back to Forbes Field, the Pirates are just one win away from claiming the championship, with their eyes firmly set on closing out the series in front of their home crowd.

Game 5
At Forbes Field
1934 Boston Red Sox 1
1931 Pitsburgh Pirates 6
WP: B. Harris (1-1) LP: L. Grove (1-1)
HR: None
POG: Bill Harris (7.1 IP, 9 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 106 P)

In an exhilarating conclusion to the Field of Dreams series, the 1931 Pittsburgh Pirates clinched by defeating the 1934 Boston Red Sox 6-1 in Game 5, held on Saturday, October 6, 1934, at Forbes Field. The Pirates’ victory was powered by a four-run third inning, with key hits from Gus Suhr and Eddie Phillips, propelling them to a decisive lead. Suhr, who was named the series MVP, continued his outstanding performance, going 3-for-4 with an RBI in the final game, bringing his series average to an impressive .556. Bill Harris pitched 7.1 solid innings, allowing only one unearned run and striking out three, earning him the Player of the Game honors. The Red Sox struggled to capitalize on their nine hits, leaving several runners in scoring position. The game, played under clear skies with a brisk 52-degree temperature, saw the Pirates wrap up the series 4-1.

1931 Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series 4 Games To 1


Series MVP:

(10/18, 6 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .667 OBP, 1.389 OPS)