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.

Tuesday, July 17:

The Dodger lead as of this morning is 7 1/2 games.

Pirates 4, Dodgers 3

Losing 3 to 2 going into the 8th inning, the Pirates score 2 in the 8th and beat the Dodgers 4 to 3 in a night game at Ebbets Field before 18,097. Howie Pollet is the winning pitcher. He's now 3 and 6 on the year. He gives up 3 earned runs on 9 hits in 7 innings pitched. Ted Wilks gets the save, his 1st of the year. He goes 2 innings and gives up no runs on 3 hits. Bud Podbielan goes the distance for Brooklyn in a losing effort. He's now 1 and 2 on the year. He gives up 10 hits in the game. For the Dodgers, Duke Snider hits his 21st home run of the year with nobody aboard. There are no home runs for Pittsburgh. The Pirates have 10 hits, 2 errors, and leave 5 on base. The Dodgers have 12 hits, 1 error, and leave 9. See Game

Cubs 7, Giants 4
Before 8,672 fans in an afternoon game at the Polo Grounds, the Cubs beat the Giants 7 to 4. Hal Jeffcoat steals home for the Cubs in the 8th inning after stealing 3rd base. Cal McLish goes all the way for Chicago, giving up 7 hits and getting the win. He's now 2 and 3 on the year. Sheldon Jones gets the loss, his 7th against 2 wins. He gives up 4 runs on 4 hits in 6 1/3 innings pitched. Al Gettel relieves McLish and finishes the 7th. Monty Kennedy pitches the 8th and 9th and gives up 3 runs on 5 hits. Willie Mays hits his 12th home run with 1 on for New York. Roy Smalley hits his 3rd for Chicago with nobody aboard. The Cubs have 9 hits and no errors and leave 5 on base. The Giants have 7 hits and no errors and leave 10. See Game

Dodgers/Pirates and Giants/Cubs face off again tomorrow.