[Nick Soulis]

Series #154



1917 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 78-76
Finish: 4th in NL
Manager: Christy Mathewson
Ball Park: Redland Field
WAR Leader: Heinie Groh
Franchise Record: 11-7
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1917.shtml

1934 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 52-99
Finish: 8th in NL
Manager: Bob O'Farrell
Ball Park: Crosley Field
WAR Leader: Benny Frey (4.5)
Franchise Record: 11-7
Hall of Famers: (4)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1934.shtml
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Classic Reds Series Dominated By Pitching
17 Club Lead By Eller and Toney Have Their Way



Game 1
At Redland Park
1934 Cincinnati Reds 1
1917 Cincinnati Reds 2
WP: H. Eller (1-0) LP: P. Derringer (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Hod Eller (9 IP, 10 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 131 P)
1917 Reds Lead Series 1-0

In the opening game of the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, the 1917 Cincinnati Reds edged out the 1934 Reds 2-1 in a classic pitchers' duel at Crosley Field. Hod Eller was the star, pitching a complete game and scattering ten hits while allowing just one earned run. The 1917 Reds struck early, taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when Dave Shean’s clutch single plated a run, and Tommy Griffith added a two-out RBI double. Paul Derringer was strong for the 1934 squad, surrendering just seven hits over eight innings, but his offense couldn’t break through beyond a single RBI double by Jim Moore in the third. Eller’s resilience on the mound, combined with defensive double plays, staved off a late rally to secure the Game 1 win. The 1917 Reds now lead the series 1-0, with Game 2 set for tomorrow.

Game 2
At Redland Park
1934 Cincinnati Reds 3
1917 Cincinnati Reds 5
WP: F.Toney (1-0) LP: D. Vance (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Edd Roush (3-4, 3B, 2 RBI, R)
1917 Reds Lead Series 2-0

In a thrilling showdown at the Field of Dreams, the 1917 Cincinnati Reds edged out the 1934 Reds 5-3, seizing a 2-0 lead in the series. Edd Roush was the star of the game, going 3-for-4 with a triple and two singles, driving in two key runs, and scoring once. Roush’s fifth-inning single broke a 1-1 tie and ignited a 3-run rally that put 1917 Cincinnati firmly in control. The 1934 Reds attempted a comeback with runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, including doubles by George “Kiddo” Slade and Dazzy Vance, but were stymied by the steady pitching of Fred Toney, who went the distance, allowing 11 hits yet keeping his composure in crucial spots. Despite out-hitting their counterparts, the 1934 Reds’ two fielding errors and stranded runners proved costly. With the win, 1917 Cincinnati edges closer to taking the series, as both teams prepare for Game 3 back in Cincinnati’s Crosley Field.

Game 3
At Crosley Field
1917 Cincinnati Reds 5
1934 Cincinnati Reds 4 (10 inn)
WP: P. Schneider (1-0) LP: K. Kolp (0-1) S: J. Ring (1)
HR: None
POG: Pete Schneider (9 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 5 BB, 2 K, 0 HR)
1917 Reds Lead Series 3-0

In an intense extra-inning showdown at Crosley Field, the 1917 Cincinnati Reds narrowly edged out the 1934 Reds, securing a 5-4 victory and taking a commanding 3-0 lead in this best-of-seven series. The 1917 Reds leaned on the arm of Pete Schneider, who pitched nine gritty innings, allowing four runs on seven hits before yielding to reliever Jimmy Ring, who shut the door in the 10th. Heinie Groh delivered the decisive blow in the top of the 10th, slicing a run-scoring single off Ray Kolp, giving the 1917 squad the edge. Despite late-game heroics from the 1934 Reds, including Jim Bottomley’s two-run triple in the seventh to close the gap, the 1917 team’s resilience proved too strong. Groh’s clutch hit and Schneider’s steadiness earned him Player of the Game honors, as 30,277 fans witnessed this classic Field of Dreams battle under clear October skies.

Game 4
At Crosley Field
1917 Cincinnati Reds 2
1934 Cincinnati Reds 3
WP: P. Derringer (1-1) LP: H. Eller (1-1)
HR: E. Roush (1)
POG: Paul Derringer (9 IP, 10 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 110 P)
1917 Reds Lead Series 3-1

The 1934 Cincinnati Reds held off elimination with a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory over their 1917 counterparts in Game 4 of the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. With a lively crowd of 20,186 at Crosley Field, Paul Derringer proved resilient on the mound, allowing just two runs over nine innings. In the bottom of the ninth, with the score knotted at 2-2, Harlin Pool came through with a clutch double off Hod Eller, sending the game-winning run across the plate and thrilling the fans. Pool’s heroics and Derringer’s steadfast performance kept the 1934 Reds alive, though they still trail 3-1 in the series. The next game will test if this late-game spark can fuel a historic comeback as the two teams meet again tomorrow at Crosley Field.

Game 5
At Crosley Field
1917 Cincinnati Reds 9
1934 Cincinnati Reds 1
WP: F. Toney (2-0) LP: D. Vance (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Fred Toney (9 IP, 9 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 152 P)

In a decisive Game 5 at Crosley Field, the 1917 Cincinnati Reds delivered a resounding 9-1 victory over their 1934 counterparts, clinching the series 4-1. The 1917 Reds dominated from the start, with Fred Toney pitching a complete game, scattering nine hits while allowing only an unearned run in the ninth. Larry Kopf led the offense with two record-setting triples, driving in two runs and showcasing his clutch play. Contributions from nearly every player, including three-hit efforts from Greasy Neale and Kopf, kept the pressure on the 1934 Reds’ pitchers, with Dazzy Vance struggling to find his rhythm early on. Celebrating the all-around team effort, Manager Christy Mathewson praised his squad's unity and resilience, as the 1917 Reds basked in their historic triumph amidst the cheers of over 30,000 fans under the crisp October sky.

1917 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(2-0, 1.50 ERA, 18 IP, 3 BB, 4 K, 1.28 WHIP, 3 ER)