Our Blog: 1951 NL Pennant Race

The 1951 National League pennant race was perhaps the most famous one of all, and culminated with the Shot Heard 'Round the World, the famous Bobby Thomson home run. We are posting a daily blog, exactly one year to the day, on what is now the 60th anniversary of each game.

June 27:

After winning their first game against the team they are chasing for first place, the Giants host the Dodgers again at the Polo Grounds before 23,767 fans, a smaller crowd than yesterday, on this Wednesday afternoon. As a result of the Dodger loss yesterday, their lead has been trimmed to 4 1/2 games as play begins.

Dodgers 10, Giants 4
The Dodgers send Don Newcombe, with record of 9 and 4 against the Giants' Jim Hearn, who's 6 and 4. Newcombe pitches a complete game, as he gives up 4 runs on 8 hits. The Dodgers score 4 runs in the 4th and 6 in the 6th. Hearn lasts only 5 1/3 innings, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits. Al Gettel relieves Hearn and gives up 2 runs on 2 hits without getting an out. He's relieved by George Spencer, who finishes the 6th, giving up 2 runs on 1 hit. Monty Kennedy finishes up for the Giants, pitching a scoreless 3 innings. Duke Snider (15th) and Andy Pafko (16th) each hit 3 run home runs. Snider now has 50 RBI's on the year. Pafko has 44. Newcombe knocks in 3 himself to help his cause. For the Giants, Willie Mays hits his 7th homer in the 4th, with one man on. Wes Westrum has 2 passed balls in the game. Neither team commits an error. See Game