Our Blog: 1951 NL Pennant Race

This is part of a series on the 1951 Dodger/Giant 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 Bobby Thomson home run that wins the pennant for the New York Giants. We are posting a daily blog, exactly one year to the day, on what is now the 60th anniversary of each game.

Monday, September 24th:

With the Dodgers and Giants both winning yesterday, the Dodger lead stays at 3 games before plays begins.

Team	W	L	W-L%	GB
Dodgers	93	54	.633	--
Giants	91	58	.611	3.0

Giants 4, Braves 1.
At the Polo Grounds in New York, before 6,059, the Giants win their 3rd in a row over the Braves, and move to within 2 1/2 games of the idle Dodgers. The winning run is scored in the bottom of the 9th inning on an Eddie Stanky single, driving in Davey Williams with 2 outs. Sheldon Jones starts for the Giants and lasts 5 2/3 innings, giving up 3 runs, 1 earned, on 6 hits. Dave Koslo comes on in relief of Jones and pitches 3 1/3 scoreless innings on 2 hits. He gets the win, moving his record to 10 and 9. Chet Nichols starts for the Braves and completes all 8 2/3 innings, giving up 4 runs, 2 earned, on 7 hits. The loss brings his record to 10 and 8. There are no extra base hits in the game. For New York, Bobby Thomson and Monte Irvin each have 2 hits. For Boston, Sid Gordon has 3 hits and Earl Torgeson and Walker Cooper 2 each. The Giants have 7 hits, 1 error, and leave 7 on base. The Braves have 8 hits, 1 error, and also leave 7. See Game

As a result of today's play, the Dodger lead stays is down to 2 1/2 games over the Giants. The Dodgers have 7 games left to play and the Giants 4.

Tomorrow: Dodgers Braves DH. Giants/Phillies