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 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.

July 7:

As a result of both a Dodger and Giant win, the Dodger lead stays at 7 games. Here is how the two teams stand as play begins.

Giants 7, Braves 6
For the 2nd day in a row, the Giants beat the Braves in New York. On this day, before 11,307, however, it took 11 innings. Losing 4 to 2 after 5 innings, the Giants rally to get 2 in the 8th, and twice come back in extra innings, after being down by a run. In the 11th, the Giants' Sal Yvars hits his 1st home run of the year. Eddie Stanky triples, and scores the 2nd run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Al Dark. Sheldon Jones starts for the Giants and goes 5 innings, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits. Al Gettel lasts 2 innings for New York, pitching hitless ball. Larry Jansen pitches the final 4 innings for the Giants, and gets the win, his 12th against 7 losses. He gives up 2 runs, 1 earned on 7 hits. Max Surkont starts for Boston, lasting 8 innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits. George Estock pitches 1 1/3 innings, giving up a run on 3 hits. Warren Spahn comes in to relieve Estock and gives up 2 runs on 3 hits in 1 1/3 innings. He loses his 8th game against 8 losses. In addition to Yvars, Willie Mays, Bobby Thomson, and Eddie Stanky also homer for New York. Jones also triples for the Giants. Sam Jethroe triples for Boston, making it 3 triples for both teams. The Giants get 13 hits in the game to the Braves' 11. Despite winning, New York has 3 errrors in the game. Boston has 2. See Game

Dodgers 6, Phillies 2
For the second successive night, the Dodgers beat the Phillies by the same score, this time before 30,695 fans at Shibe Park. Ralph Branca goes all the way for Brooklyn, winning his 7th game against 2 losses. He gives up 2 runs on 7 hits. Robin Roberts starts for Philadelphia and lasts 6 1/3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 12 hits. Jim Konstanty finishes up for the Phils, giving up 1 run on 3 hits in 2 2/3 innings. Carl Furillo is 4 for 5 and Pee Wee Reese 3 for 5. Furillo has 2 doubles in the game, Reese 1. Roy Campanella and Gil Hodges also double for Brooklyn. Duke Snider hits his 5th triple of the year. Dick Sisler and Eddie Waitkus double for Philadelphia. There are no home runs in the game. In all, the Dodgers get 15 hits, the Phillies 7. Brooklyn commits the game's only error. See Game

Tomorrow: Both Dodgers and Giants go extra innings. Robinson hits dramatic home run for Brooklyn.