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ZapMast · 04-15-2025, 01:59 AM

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⚾Baseball Guide

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TPL - Sunday, April 21, 1946

AL Round-up

PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS @ BOSTON RED SOX
On April 21, 1946, the Philadelphia Athletics beat the Boston Red Sox 6–1 at Fenway. The game was a low-scoring, methodical affair in the early innings. Boston’s Red Munger kept the Athletics off the board through the first three innings, and Tex Hughson’s pitching in the second helped limit Boston’s own scoring, as the Red Sox managed only two hits in the bottom of the first. In the top of the fourth, Philadelphia broke the deadlock when Hank Edwards singled and Billy Cox followed with a double that drove Edwards home.

The Athletics then took command. In the top of the sixth, Hank Edwards hit a solo home run to extend the lead to 2–0. The Athletics piled on more damage in the top of the seventh when Paul Richards hit a key single—after a sacrifice bunt by Tex Hughson—followed by Dain Clay’s single that pushed Richards home. Sid Gordon then delivered a 2-run home run, making the score 5–0. The Athletics added one more run in the top of the eighth on a sequence that saw Hank Edwards and Billy Cox extend a hit rally, eventually scoring a runner who tagged up on a fly out. Boston’s only run came in the bottom of the eighth when Charlie Keller hit a triple, and a subsequent error allowed a run to score. The Athletics held the advantage through the top of the ninth as Tommy Bridges replaced Red Munger for Boston, and in the final frame, the Red Sox could not generate any further offense.

The Athletics’ success was a product of timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. They capitalized on opportunities, such as converting a sacrifice bunt into a baserunner advance and benefiting from fielding miscues. Boston’s pitchers, while generally effective early, couldn’t contain Philadelphia’s burst of offense in the mid-innings. The Athletics’ ability to string together extra-base hits proved to be the difference, overcoming Boston’s few defensive lapses and tightly managed bullpen.

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CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ ST. LOUIS BROWNS
On April 21, 1946, the Chicago White Sox defeated the St. Louis Browns 9–1 in a game marked by timely offense and solid pitching adjustments. The White Sox got on track early when, in the top of the third, a combination of walks, a sacrifice bunt, and Dom DiMaggio’s single produced two runs. Despite a brief scoring appearance by the Browns in the bottom of the third, the White Sox gradually assumed control of the game.

In the top of the fourth, Ron Northey’s double drove in a run after a passed ball allowed a baserunner to score. The White Sox offense continued to build in the top of the sixth, with Andy Seminick’s single, a fielding error on Lonny Frey’s at-bat, and a double by Jimmy Brown that drove in a run. A solo home run by Stan Musial in the top of the seventh added insurance to a growing lead. In the eighth inning, a sequence of hits—including Dom DiMaggio’s single, Stan Musial’s double, and Ron Northey’s single—produced two more runs. The inning was capped off in the top of the ninth when a Dom DiMaggio single, aided by a throwing error, resulted in an insurance run. The Browns managed a late rally in the bottom of the ninth with a Jake Jones single, but their effort fell short as Chicago’s pitching and timely hitting sealed a 9–1 win.

From start to finish, the White Sox capitalized on offensive opportunities, while adjustments on the mound—such as Emil Kush coming in during the eighth—helped maintain the lead. Chicago’s ability to string together key hits at critical junctures ultimately proved too much for a Browns lineup that could not keep pace with the continuous pressure.

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DETROIT TIGERS @ CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
The Detroit Tigers jumped to an early lead against the Cleveland Guardians on April 21, 1946, ultimately winning 5–0. In the top of the first, Luke Appling’s single opened the scoring, quickly followed by Chet Laabs’ two-run home run that gave Detroit an immediate advantage. The Tigers’ offense remained effective as they continued to manufacture baserunners, while Cleveland’s pitchers, led by Hal Newhouser, managed to keep their opponents hitless in parts of the contest.

Although the Guardians tried to respond in the bottom half of the first and again in the third, their efforts were stifled by solid pitching from Hal Gregg and timely defensive plays by the Tigers. In the later innings, Detroit’s hitters kept the pressure on. In the top of the ninth, a combination of key singles and a throwing error allowed additional runs to score, sealing the Tigers’ shutout. Despite a brief rally in the final frame by Cleveland, Detroit’s early offensive explosion and consistent play ensured a comprehensive 5–0 victory.

The Tigers’ ability to capitalize on early opportunities—from a two-run blast in the first inning to productive at-bats in the later frames—proved decisive. A blend of timely hitting, error-induced extra baserunners, and disciplined pitching combined to put Cleveland on the run for most of the game. The result was a complete shutout that highlighted the Tigers’ strong performance on both offense and defense.

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WASHINGTON SENATORS @ NEW YORK YANKEES
On April 21, 1946, the New York Yankees edged the Washington Senators by a final score of 2–1 in a tightly contested, low-scoring game that extended into extra innings. The game began slowly with both teams struggling for production. In the top of the first, Washington’s plate appearances did not generate any scoring, while Yankees starter Dutch Leonard kept the Senators off the board. In the bottom of the first, New York’s hitters worked the count and drew a couple of walks before a double play ended the inning, leaving the score still 0–0.

As the game wore on, the Yankees began to build momentum. In the bottom of the fourth, a double by Ralph Kiner and a single by Dick Culler put runners in scoring position, but the inning did not produce a run. The only run of regulation came in the fifth inning when a series of productive at-bats—including a single by Bill Rigney, a sacrifice bunt, and a base hit by Mickey Witek—scored a run to give New York a 1–0 advantage.

Washington answered in the later innings. In the top of the sixth, however, Senators’ hitters struggled, managing only errors and groundouts. The game remained tied at 1–1 through the eighth and into extra innings. In the 11th inning, Washington’s Carden Gillenwater provided a spark with a single and a steal, but New York’s timely execution in the bottom of the 11th—starting with a Bill Rigney single and bolstered by an effective sacrifice bunt from Dutch Leonard—allowed Hank Greenberg’s key single to bring in the go-ahead run. The Senators were unable to mount a comeback in their final half inning, leaving the Yankees with a hard-fought 2–1 victory.

The contest was defined by its close pitching battles, with Dutch Leonard and Hank Borowy limiting early scoring and Washington’s offense finding only occasional life through errors and opportunistic hits. The Yankees, meanwhile, capitalized on timely hits and smart baserunning, ultimately seizing the win in extra innings in a game where every play carried significant weight.

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PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS @ BOSTON RED SOX (2)
On April 21, 1946, the Boston Red Sox edged the Philadelphia Athletics by a final score of 9–8 in an extra-inning battle. The game got off to a rocky start for the Athletics in the top of the first, as RHP Bill Lee kept them off the board until Hank Edwards’ single provided their only hit in that frame. However, the Red Sox quickly capitalized in the bottom of the first when a series of well-timed hits and productive baserunning by Stan Hack, Phil Cavarretta, and Pete Suder put them on top, giving Boston a 5–0 lead by the end of the second inning.

Philadelphia responded in the following innings; a solo home run by Don Ross in the top of the third cut Boston’s lead to 5–1. Despite continued efforts by the Athletics to generate offense in the subsequent frames, Boston’s pitching kept them at bay until the top of the eighth when a massive rally—catalyzed by a three-run home run from Sid Gordon and several key singles, including pinch hits by Vance Dinges and Mickey Rocco—narrowed the deficit to 8–6. The Red Sox answered in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 8–8, and the score remained locked through the ninth and tenth innings.

In the 11th inning, the decisive moment came for Boston. After a scoreless top half, Red Sox reliever Russ Bauers and then RHP Terry Moore delivered a clutch performance in the bottom of the inning. Moore’s solo home run, off a well-constructed pitch, provided the go-ahead run and sealed a 9–8 victory for Boston. Both teams battled hard all night, but timely hitting and effective bullpen management by the Red Sox made the difference in a tight, extra-inning contest.

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CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ ST. LOUIS BROWNS (2)
In a game played on April 21, 1946, the St. Louis Browns edged a slim victory over the Chicago White Sox by a score of 2–1. The contest opened quietly as the White Sox’s lineup struggled in the top of the first against RHP Joe Haynes, with Dom DiMaggio’s early plate appearance ending in a groundout and George Kell and Stan Musial unable to muster a hit. St. Louis answered in the bottom of the frame when Buddy Lewis produced a single, setting the stage for later success.

The Browns built momentum early in the game. In the bottom of the third, after a mix of strikeouts and solid defensive plays by the White Sox, Buddy Lewis’s double and Grady Hatton’s timely single put St. Louis on the board, with a run eventually scoring on a safe advance from the action. The Browns further extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth when Grady Hatton slammed a solo home run from 434 feet out, giving St. Louis a 2–1 advantage. Although the White Sox made a brief push in the top of the ninth—thanks to a pinch-hit double from Bill Nicholson and a big triple by Stan Musial that put Nicholson on base—the inning closed with St. Louis maintaining their narrow lead.

The game remained a defensive battle through the first eight innings, with both teams’ pitchers keeping hits to a minimum. Ultimately, the Browns’ timely hitting and their ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities proved decisive, as they held a slim 2–1 lead when the contest’s play-by-play ended.

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NL Round-up

BOSTON BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
On April 21, 1946, the Philadelphia Phillies used dominant pitching and timely hitting to put the Boston Braves to sleep, cruising to a 4–0 lead. Phillies’ starter Ewell Blackwell delivered a masterful performance from the mound, keeping the Braves hitless through the top of the first and then mixing his pitches well over the subsequent innings. The Braves’ offense couldn’t build any momentum against his command; even Joe DiMaggio’s efforts in the first and third innings led only to outs.

Philadelphia’s offense, meanwhile, was poised to capitalize when it mattered. In the bottom of the third, Cass Michaels got on base with a line-drive single and then advanced a step further with a stolen base, eventually scoring on Aaron Robinson’s hit. The Phillies added their only run of the game in that frame, and despite a quiet top half of the fourth and a further lack of offensive production by the Braves in the top of the fifth and sixth, the Phillies maintained control. By the 8th inning, with Braves’ batters struggling to generate any response against a mix of starting and relief pitching, Philadelphia had steadily built a 4–0 cushion that the Braves never could overcome.

The log shows that in every inning the Phillies managed to stifle the Braves’ attempts at scoring—whether through sharp groundouts, effective strikeouts, or timely double plays—ultimately forcing the Braves to remain scoreless through the ninth. The result was a shutout performance by the Phillies, a game that highlighted their ability to dominate through a combination of strong pitching, disciplined at-bats, and effective baserunning.

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CINCINNATI REDS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES
In a game played on April 21, 1946, the Pittsburgh Pirates proved too much for the Cincinnati Reds, establishing a commanding lead early and maintaining control through the top of the ninth. Reds’ starter Johnny Schmitz held Cincinnati hitless in the first frame, and although the Reds’ bats showed some life in the second inning with a single by Babe Young, the Pirates’ offense exploded in the bottom of the first. The Pirates charged ahead with productive contact from Johnny Wyrostek, Walker Cooper, and especially with baserunning that allowed runners to score on errors and smart advances, as Vern Stephens’ play of fielders’ choice brought in key runs to make it 6–0 early.

The Reds tried to claw back in the third inning, but Schmitz and his pitching staff kept the Pirates at bay, allowing only a single by Augie Galan. In the fourth inning, Cincinnati’s offense sparkled briefly as Danny Litwhiler drew a walk and Babe Young blasted a two-run home run—a 504‑foot shot—that made it 2–7. However, subsequent at-bats by Elmer Valo and Frankie Hayes could not muster additional support. Further solid work from the Pirates in the lower half of the inning and continuing dominant pitching kept the score at 2–8. The Pirates added another run in the later innings via a combination of timely hits, including a double from Vern Stephens in the top of the ninth that brought in runners.

By the time the top of the ninth arrived, the score was 4–9, with the Pirates firmly in control. Cincinnati’s late rally efforts fell short, as a pinch-hit appearance by Joe Garagiola and subsequent doubles and singles from Frankie Gustine and Whitey Kurowski could not overcome the deficit. The final log entry shows Pittsburgh holding a 9–4 advantage as the inning began, underscoring the Pirates’ overall dominance in pitching and timely hitting throughout the contest.

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NEW YORK GIANTS @ BROOKLYN DODGERS
On April 21, 1946, the New York Giants edged the Brooklyn Dodgers by a score of 3–2 in a contest that saw timely hits and solid pitching define the outcome. The Giants jumped on the board early in the top of the first when Billy Herman’s well-timed triple, followed by Dick Wakefield’s single, drove in a run. Although the Dodgers’ offense remained quiet in the top half, their bats came to life in the bottom of the third. A series of productive at-bats helped the Dodgers tie the game, with key plays by Bruce Edwards and a groundout sacrifice that eventually turned a baserunning play into a run.

In the top of the fourth, the Giants responded with a run of their own when Goody Rosen’s single and Eddie Yost’s productive play – including a sac bunt by Fred Martin – helped maintain their slender 1–0 lead. The middle innings saw both teams trading outs, with neither side able to build a sizeable advantage. By the top of the eighth, the Giants managed a small rally thanks to a combination of singles and an error that allowed Taffy Wright to reach base. A subsequent single by Eddie Yost tied the game at 3–2, a lead the Giants would hold heading into the ninth.

The Dodgers’ final inning effort in the bottom of the ninth proved insufficient as the Giants’ pitching – led by Max Lanier – stifled further production. With the game ending 3–2, the Giants’ early scoring and timely hits ultimately provided the margin needed for a hard-fought victory over the Dodgers.

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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS @ CHICAGO CUBS
In a game played on April 21, 1946, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Chicago Cubs 5–3 in a contest defined by timely baserunning and a balanced offensive performance. The Cardinals set the tone in the top of the first when Snuffy Stirnweiss opened the scoring with a line-drive single that later turned into a run after advancing on subsequent baserunning plays. In the 2nd inning, a leadoff single by Bobby Sturgeon combined with Bill Dickey’s work at the plate helped maintain the Cardinals’ one-run lead as the Cubs’ starter Bill Bevens kept them off the scoreboard early.

The Cardinals built a commanding 4–0 lead in the 3rd inning. Frank McCormick, who contributed both at the plate and as a baserunner, drew a walk and later stole second base, setting the stage for a 2-run home run by Ken Keltner that extended the margin to 4–0. Although the Cubs managed to get on track in the later frames—with Chicago scoring two runs in the 5th and 9th innings on hits and errors—the Cardinals’ early surge ultimately proved decisive. A pivotal moment came in the 9th when a base hit by Lou Boudreau, followed by a productive outfield play and subsequent baserunning by Roy Cullenbine, put another run on the board to seal the 5–3 victory.

Overall, the Cardinals’ aggressive baserunning and timely offensive production, along with precise pitching from Bill Bevens, allowed them to build and maintain a lead that the Cubs could only partially overcome. Despite a late rally from Chicago, the Cardinals’ early run and sustained performance ensured they emerged victorious in this classic April 21 contest.

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BOSTON BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (2)
On April 21, 1946, the Boston Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7–4 in a game that featured early offensive sparks and key baserunning plays. The Braves got on the board in the top of the first when Johnny Hopp’s steady approach produced a single that ignited an early rally; later, Joe DiMaggio’s timely groundball single put him in scoring position, and Hopp eventually advanced to score. Despite a quiet first half, the Phillies answered in the bottom of the first when a mix of plate discipline and baserunning—highlighted by a pair of walks from Pee Wee Reese and Dixie Walker and a wild pitch that advanced runners—enabled them to take a 3–1 lead.

However, the Braves fought back in the third inning, stringing together a five-run rally. Key contributions came from the likes of Jeff Heath, whose single moved runners along, and a series of smart baserunning plays that saw Joe DiMaggio advance and eventually score after a throwing error. The Braves’ offense carried into the fourth when a sac bunt from Fred Hutchinson and timely singles kept their momentum intact, even though the Phillies’ defense held firm for most of the inning. In the fifth, additional hits kept the Braves in striking position while the Phillies’ attack sputtered.

A decisive moment came in the top of the ninth when a combination of solid hitting by Lou Boudreau and effective baserunning—supported by a crucial fielders’ choice that allowed runners to advance—produced two additional runs, turning the tide to a 7–4 lead. Despite a late attempt by the Phillies in the bottom of the ninth, including a single by Pee Wee Reese, they could not overcome the deficit. The Braves’ ability to rally early and then maintain the lead with timely offensive production and sound pitching ultimately secured their victory in this classic contest.

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CINCINNATI REDS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES (2)
In a matchup on April 21, 1946, the Pittsburgh Pirates built an early lead over the Cincinnati Reds and held it throughout the contest for a final score of 3–1. Schoolboy Rowe, pitching for the Pirates, kept the Reds off the board in the first inning despite an infield hit by Frankie Gustine and an additional single from Augie Galan. The Pirates’ offense made their presence felt in the bottom of the first when Johnny Wyrostek’s walk, followed by a two‐out double from Bob Elliott that drove in a run, put Pittsburgh ahead 1–0.

The Reds attempted to answer in the second inning but could not generate any extra-base hits against Rowe’s steady work. Then, in the bottom of the second, the Pirates exploded for their second and third runs. Jerry Priddy’s fly-ball home run and a combination of baserunning plays—highlighted by a line drive single from Schoolboy Rowe that scored Al Evans—pushed Pittsburgh’s lead to 3–0. Though the Reds continued to show some life in the third and later innings, with sporadic singles from the likes of Joe Garagiola and Elmer Valo, the Pirates’ pitching and timely defense, including several double plays, stifled Cincinnati’s comeback attempts.

By the top of the ninth, the Reds managed only one hit (a single by Elmer Valo that came after an error), and they could not overcome the early lead as the Pirates’ pitchers held firm. Ultimately, the Pirates’ ability to manufacture extra-base hits and capitalize on baserunning opportunities resulted in a hard-fought 3–1 win.

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04-15-2025, 01:59 AM	#31
ZapMast Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 454	Film Access \| ⚾Baseball Guide TPL - Sunday, April 21, 1946 AL Round-up PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS @ BOSTON RED SOX On April 21, 1946, the Philadelphia Athletics beat the Boston Red Sox 6–1 at Fenway. The game was a low-scoring, methodical affair in the early innings. Boston’s Red Munger kept the Athletics off the board through the first three innings, and Tex Hughson’s pitching in the second helped limit Boston’s own scoring, as the Red Sox managed only two hits in the bottom of the first. In the top of the fourth, Philadelphia broke the deadlock when Hank Edwards singled and Billy Cox followed with a double that drove Edwards home. The Athletics then took command. In the top of the sixth, Hank Edwards hit a solo home run to extend the lead to 2–0. The Athletics piled on more damage in the top of the seventh when Paul Richards hit a key single—after a sacrifice bunt by Tex Hughson—followed by Dain Clay’s single that pushed Richards home. Sid Gordon then delivered a 2-run home run, making the score 5–0. The Athletics added one more run in the top of the eighth on a sequence that saw Hank Edwards and Billy Cox extend a hit rally, eventually scoring a runner who tagged up on a fly out. Boston’s only run came in the bottom of the eighth when Charlie Keller hit a triple, and a subsequent error allowed a run to score. The Athletics held the advantage through the top of the ninth as Tommy Bridges replaced Red Munger for Boston, and in the final frame, the Red Sox could not generate any further offense. The Athletics’ success was a product of timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. They capitalized on opportunities, such as converting a sacrifice bunt into a baserunner advance and benefiting from fielding miscues. Boston’s pitchers, while generally effective early, couldn’t contain Philadelphia’s burst of offense in the mid-innings. The Athletics’ ability to string together extra-base hits proved to be the difference, overcoming Boston’s few defensive lapses and tightly managed bullpen. ⚾ CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ ST. LOUIS BROWNS On April 21, 1946, the Chicago White Sox defeated the St. Louis Browns 9–1 in a game marked by timely offense and solid pitching adjustments. The White Sox got on track early when, in the top of the third, a combination of walks, a sacrifice bunt, and Dom DiMaggio’s single produced two runs. Despite a brief scoring appearance by the Browns in the bottom of the third, the White Sox gradually assumed control of the game. In the top of the fourth, Ron Northey’s double drove in a run after a passed ball allowed a baserunner to score. The White Sox offense continued to build in the top of the sixth, with Andy Seminick’s single, a fielding error on Lonny Frey’s at-bat, and a double by Jimmy Brown that drove in a run. A solo home run by Stan Musial in the top of the seventh added insurance to a growing lead. In the eighth inning, a sequence of hits—including Dom DiMaggio’s single, Stan Musial’s double, and Ron Northey’s single—produced two more runs. The inning was capped off in the top of the ninth when a Dom DiMaggio single, aided by a throwing error, resulted in an insurance run. The Browns managed a late rally in the bottom of the ninth with a Jake Jones single, but their effort fell short as Chicago’s pitching and timely hitting sealed a 9–1 win. From start to finish, the White Sox capitalized on offensive opportunities, while adjustments on the mound—such as Emil Kush coming in during the eighth—helped maintain the lead. Chicago’s ability to string together key hits at critical junctures ultimately proved too much for a Browns lineup that could not keep pace with the continuous pressure. ⚾ DETROIT TIGERS @ CLEVELAND GUARDIANS The Detroit Tigers jumped to an early lead against the Cleveland Guardians on April 21, 1946, ultimately winning 5–0. In the top of the first, Luke Appling’s single opened the scoring, quickly followed by Chet Laabs’ two-run home run that gave Detroit an immediate advantage. The Tigers’ offense remained effective as they continued to manufacture baserunners, while Cleveland’s pitchers, led by Hal Newhouser, managed to keep their opponents hitless in parts of the contest. Although the Guardians tried to respond in the bottom half of the first and again in the third, their efforts were stifled by solid pitching from Hal Gregg and timely defensive plays by the Tigers. In the later innings, Detroit’s hitters kept the pressure on. In the top of the ninth, a combination of key singles and a throwing error allowed additional runs to score, sealing the Tigers’ shutout. Despite a brief rally in the final frame by Cleveland, Detroit’s early offensive explosion and consistent play ensured a comprehensive 5–0 victory. The Tigers’ ability to capitalize on early opportunities—from a two-run blast in the first inning to productive at-bats in the later frames—proved decisive. A blend of timely hitting, error-induced extra baserunners, and disciplined pitching combined to put Cleveland on the run for most of the game. The result was a complete shutout that highlighted the Tigers’ strong performance on both offense and defense. ⚾ WASHINGTON SENATORS @ NEW YORK YANKEES On April 21, 1946, the New York Yankees edged the Washington Senators by a final score of 2–1 in a tightly contested, low-scoring game that extended into extra innings. The game began slowly with both teams struggling for production. In the top of the first, Washington’s plate appearances did not generate any scoring, while Yankees starter Dutch Leonard kept the Senators off the board. In the bottom of the first, New York’s hitters worked the count and drew a couple of walks before a double play ended the inning, leaving the score still 0–0. As the game wore on, the Yankees began to build momentum. In the bottom of the fourth, a double by Ralph Kiner and a single by Dick Culler put runners in scoring position, but the inning did not produce a run. The only run of regulation came in the fifth inning when a series of productive at-bats—including a single by Bill Rigney, a sacrifice bunt, and a base hit by Mickey Witek—scored a run to give New York a 1–0 advantage. Washington answered in the later innings. In the top of the sixth, however, Senators’ hitters struggled, managing only errors and groundouts. The game remained tied at 1–1 through the eighth and into extra innings. In the 11th inning, Washington’s Carden Gillenwater provided a spark with a single and a steal, but New York’s timely execution in the bottom of the 11th—starting with a Bill Rigney single and bolstered by an effective sacrifice bunt from Dutch Leonard—allowed Hank Greenberg’s key single to bring in the go-ahead run. The Senators were unable to mount a comeback in their final half inning, leaving the Yankees with a hard-fought 2–1 victory. The contest was defined by its close pitching battles, with Dutch Leonard and Hank Borowy limiting early scoring and Washington’s offense finding only occasional life through errors and opportunistic hits. The Yankees, meanwhile, capitalized on timely hits and smart baserunning, ultimately seizing the win in extra innings in a game where every play carried significant weight. ⚾ PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS @ BOSTON RED SOX (2) On April 21, 1946, the Boston Red Sox edged the Philadelphia Athletics by a final score of 9–8 in an extra-inning battle. The game got off to a rocky start for the Athletics in the top of the first, as RHP Bill Lee kept them off the board until Hank Edwards’ single provided their only hit in that frame. However, the Red Sox quickly capitalized in the bottom of the first when a series of well-timed hits and productive baserunning by Stan Hack, Phil Cavarretta, and Pete Suder put them on top, giving Boston a 5–0 lead by the end of the second inning. Philadelphia responded in the following innings; a solo home run by Don Ross in the top of the third cut Boston’s lead to 5–1. Despite continued efforts by the Athletics to generate offense in the subsequent frames, Boston’s pitching kept them at bay until the top of the eighth when a massive rally—catalyzed by a three-run home run from Sid Gordon and several key singles, including pinch hits by Vance Dinges and Mickey Rocco—narrowed the deficit to 8–6. The Red Sox answered in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 8–8, and the score remained locked through the ninth and tenth innings. In the 11th inning, the decisive moment came for Boston. After a scoreless top half, Red Sox reliever Russ Bauers and then RHP Terry Moore delivered a clutch performance in the bottom of the inning. Moore’s solo home run, off a well-constructed pitch, provided the go-ahead run and sealed a 9–8 victory for Boston. Both teams battled hard all night, but timely hitting and effective bullpen management by the Red Sox made the difference in a tight, extra-inning contest. ⚾ CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ ST. LOUIS BROWNS (2) In a game played on April 21, 1946, the St. Louis Browns edged a slim victory over the Chicago White Sox by a score of 2–1. The contest opened quietly as the White Sox’s lineup struggled in the top of the first against RHP Joe Haynes, with Dom DiMaggio’s early plate appearance ending in a groundout and George Kell and Stan Musial unable to muster a hit. St. Louis answered in the bottom of the frame when Buddy Lewis produced a single, setting the stage for later success. The Browns built momentum early in the game. In the bottom of the third, after a mix of strikeouts and solid defensive plays by the White Sox, Buddy Lewis’s double and Grady Hatton’s timely single put St. Louis on the board, with a run eventually scoring on a safe advance from the action. The Browns further extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth when Grady Hatton slammed a solo home run from 434 feet out, giving St. Louis a 2–1 advantage. Although the White Sox made a brief push in the top of the ninth—thanks to a pinch-hit double from Bill Nicholson and a big triple by Stan Musial that put Nicholson on base—the inning closed with St. Louis maintaining their narrow lead. The game remained a defensive battle through the first eight innings, with both teams’ pitchers keeping hits to a minimum. Ultimately, the Browns’ timely hitting and their ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities proved decisive, as they held a slim 2–1 lead when the contest’s play-by-play ended. ⚾⚾ NL Round-up BOSTON BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES On April 21, 1946, the Philadelphia Phillies used dominant pitching and timely hitting to put the Boston Braves to sleep, cruising to a 4–0 lead. Phillies’ starter Ewell Blackwell delivered a masterful performance from the mound, keeping the Braves hitless through the top of the first and then mixing his pitches well over the subsequent innings. The Braves’ offense couldn’t build any momentum against his command; even Joe DiMaggio’s efforts in the first and third innings led only to outs. Philadelphia’s offense, meanwhile, was poised to capitalize when it mattered. In the bottom of the third, Cass Michaels got on base with a line-drive single and then advanced a step further with a stolen base, eventually scoring on Aaron Robinson’s hit. The Phillies added their only run of the game in that frame, and despite a quiet top half of the fourth and a further lack of offensive production by the Braves in the top of the fifth and sixth, the Phillies maintained control. By the 8th inning, with Braves’ batters struggling to generate any response against a mix of starting and relief pitching, Philadelphia had steadily built a 4–0 cushion that the Braves never could overcome. The log shows that in every inning the Phillies managed to stifle the Braves’ attempts at scoring—whether through sharp groundouts, effective strikeouts, or timely double plays—ultimately forcing the Braves to remain scoreless through the ninth. The result was a shutout performance by the Phillies, a game that highlighted their ability to dominate through a combination of strong pitching, disciplined at-bats, and effective baserunning. ⚾ CINCINNATI REDS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES In a game played on April 21, 1946, the Pittsburgh Pirates proved too much for the Cincinnati Reds, establishing a commanding lead early and maintaining control through the top of the ninth. Reds’ starter Johnny Schmitz held Cincinnati hitless in the first frame, and although the Reds’ bats showed some life in the second inning with a single by Babe Young, the Pirates’ offense exploded in the bottom of the first. The Pirates charged ahead with productive contact from Johnny Wyrostek, Walker Cooper, and especially with baserunning that allowed runners to score on errors and smart advances, as Vern Stephens’ play of fielders’ choice brought in key runs to make it 6–0 early. The Reds tried to claw back in the third inning, but Schmitz and his pitching staff kept the Pirates at bay, allowing only a single by Augie Galan. In the fourth inning, Cincinnati’s offense sparkled briefly as Danny Litwhiler drew a walk and Babe Young blasted a two-run home run—a 504‑foot shot—that made it 2–7. However, subsequent at-bats by Elmer Valo and Frankie Hayes could not muster additional support. Further solid work from the Pirates in the lower half of the inning and continuing dominant pitching kept the score at 2–8. The Pirates added another run in the later innings via a combination of timely hits, including a double from Vern Stephens in the top of the ninth that brought in runners. By the time the top of the ninth arrived, the score was 4–9, with the Pirates firmly in control. Cincinnati’s late rally efforts fell short, as a pinch-hit appearance by Joe Garagiola and subsequent doubles and singles from Frankie Gustine and Whitey Kurowski could not overcome the deficit. The final log entry shows Pittsburgh holding a 9–4 advantage as the inning began, underscoring the Pirates’ overall dominance in pitching and timely hitting throughout the contest. ⚾ NEW YORK GIANTS @ BROOKLYN DODGERS On April 21, 1946, the New York Giants edged the Brooklyn Dodgers by a score of 3–2 in a contest that saw timely hits and solid pitching define the outcome. The Giants jumped on the board early in the top of the first when Billy Herman’s well-timed triple, followed by Dick Wakefield’s single, drove in a run. Although the Dodgers’ offense remained quiet in the top half, their bats came to life in the bottom of the third. A series of productive at-bats helped the Dodgers tie the game, with key plays by Bruce Edwards and a groundout sacrifice that eventually turned a baserunning play into a run. In the top of the fourth, the Giants responded with a run of their own when Goody Rosen’s single and Eddie Yost’s productive play – including a sac bunt by Fred Martin – helped maintain their slender 1–0 lead. The middle innings saw both teams trading outs, with neither side able to build a sizeable advantage. By the top of the eighth, the Giants managed a small rally thanks to a combination of singles and an error that allowed Taffy Wright to reach base. A subsequent single by Eddie Yost tied the game at 3–2, a lead the Giants would hold heading into the ninth. The Dodgers’ final inning effort in the bottom of the ninth proved insufficient as the Giants’ pitching – led by Max Lanier – stifled further production. With the game ending 3–2, the Giants’ early scoring and timely hits ultimately provided the margin needed for a hard-fought victory over the Dodgers. ⚾ ST. LOUIS CARDINALS @ CHICAGO CUBS In a game played on April 21, 1946, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Chicago Cubs 5–3 in a contest defined by timely baserunning and a balanced offensive performance. The Cardinals set the tone in the top of the first when Snuffy Stirnweiss opened the scoring with a line-drive single that later turned into a run after advancing on subsequent baserunning plays. In the 2nd inning, a leadoff single by Bobby Sturgeon combined with Bill Dickey’s work at the plate helped maintain the Cardinals’ one-run lead as the Cubs’ starter Bill Bevens kept them off the scoreboard early. The Cardinals built a commanding 4–0 lead in the 3rd inning. Frank McCormick, who contributed both at the plate and as a baserunner, drew a walk and later stole second base, setting the stage for a 2-run home run by Ken Keltner that extended the margin to 4–0. Although the Cubs managed to get on track in the later frames—with Chicago scoring two runs in the 5th and 9th innings on hits and errors—the Cardinals’ early surge ultimately proved decisive. A pivotal moment came in the 9th when a base hit by Lou Boudreau, followed by a productive outfield play and subsequent baserunning by Roy Cullenbine, put another run on the board to seal the 5–3 victory. Overall, the Cardinals’ aggressive baserunning and timely offensive production, along with precise pitching from Bill Bevens, allowed them to build and maintain a lead that the Cubs could only partially overcome. Despite a late rally from Chicago, the Cardinals’ early run and sustained performance ensured they emerged victorious in this classic April 21 contest. ⚾ BOSTON BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (2) On April 21, 1946, the Boston Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7–4 in a game that featured early offensive sparks and key baserunning plays. The Braves got on the board in the top of the first when Johnny Hopp’s steady approach produced a single that ignited an early rally; later, Joe DiMaggio’s timely groundball single put him in scoring position, and Hopp eventually advanced to score. Despite a quiet first half, the Phillies answered in the bottom of the first when a mix of plate discipline and baserunning—highlighted by a pair of walks from Pee Wee Reese and Dixie Walker and a wild pitch that advanced runners—enabled them to take a 3–1 lead. However, the Braves fought back in the third inning, stringing together a five-run rally. Key contributions came from the likes of Jeff Heath, whose single moved runners along, and a series of smart baserunning plays that saw Joe DiMaggio advance and eventually score after a throwing error. The Braves’ offense carried into the fourth when a sac bunt from Fred Hutchinson and timely singles kept their momentum intact, even though the Phillies’ defense held firm for most of the inning. In the fifth, additional hits kept the Braves in striking position while the Phillies’ attack sputtered. A decisive moment came in the top of the ninth when a combination of solid hitting by Lou Boudreau and effective baserunning—supported by a crucial fielders’ choice that allowed runners to advance—produced two additional runs, turning the tide to a 7–4 lead. Despite a late attempt by the Phillies in the bottom of the ninth, including a single by Pee Wee Reese, they could not overcome the deficit. The Braves’ ability to rally early and then maintain the lead with timely offensive production and sound pitching ultimately secured their victory in this classic contest. ⚾ CINCINNATI REDS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES (2) In a matchup on April 21, 1946, the Pittsburgh Pirates built an early lead over the Cincinnati Reds and held it throughout the contest for a final score of 3–1. Schoolboy Rowe, pitching for the Pirates, kept the Reds off the board in the first inning despite an infield hit by Frankie Gustine and an additional single from Augie Galan. The Pirates’ offense made their presence felt in the bottom of the first when Johnny Wyrostek’s walk, followed by a two‐out double from Bob Elliott that drove in a run, put Pittsburgh ahead 1–0. The Reds attempted to answer in the second inning but could not generate any extra-base hits against Rowe’s steady work. Then, in the bottom of the second, the Pirates exploded for their second and third runs. Jerry Priddy’s fly-ball home run and a combination of baserunning plays—highlighted by a line drive single from Schoolboy Rowe that scored Al Evans—pushed Pittsburgh’s lead to 3–0. Though the Reds continued to show some life in the third and later innings, with sporadic singles from the likes of Joe Garagiola and Elmer Valo, the Pirates’ pitching and timely defense, including several double plays, stifled Cincinnati’s comeback attempts. By the top of the ninth, the Reds managed only one hit (a single by Elmer Valo that came after an error), and they could not overcome the early lead as the Pirates’ pitchers held firm. Ultimately, the Pirates’ ability to manufacture extra-base hits and capitalize on baserunning opportunities resulted in a hard-fought 3–1 win. ⚾⚾ ⚾⚾⚾ Last edited by ZapMast; 04-15-2025 at 05:42 PM.