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BOSTON BRAVES
...
SPAHN & SAIN and PRAY FOR RAIN ...
The Cubs keep
the Braves down, 4-1
July 17, 1948 ... The
Braves couldn't come through in the clutch today with timely hits in
Chicago and the Cubs ended their six-game winning streak, 4 to 1, as
Ralph Hamner issued eight walks but gave up only four hits to Boston.
The loss, however, did not cut into the Tribe's 6 1/2 game lead over
the Pirates, who were toppled by the Giants. Warren Spahn matched
Hamner for three innings, but the three runs in the fourth gave the Cubs a lead
they would not relinquish. Spahn again was knocked out of the box, as Andy
Pafko's home run in the three-run fourth started his downfall. Pafko came to bat
with two outs and nobody on base and gave the Cubs a life. He lashed a vicious
drive into the left-field section of the bleachers for his 15th home run of the
year. Spahn matched Hamner for three innings, but the three runs in the fourth
gave the Cubs a lead they would not relinquish. Spahn next gave up a single to
Bill Nicholson and walked Hal Jeffcoat. Then Bob Scheffing lofted one into
right-center that fell for a double between Tommy Holmes and Clint Conaster. Two
runners scored to give the Cubs a 3 to 0 lead.
Although the Braves had several scoring opportunities, they couldn't fathom
Hamner's slow assortment of curveballs in the clutches. They managed to score a
run by means of Hamner's generosity, as he walked four in the sixth inning. A
pass to Connie Ryan forced Bob Elliott home with the Braves only run.
The Cubs final run was at the expense of reliever Al Lyons, who made his
first appearance since being recalled from Milwaukee. He pitched well for two
innings and then lost it when Charley Schenz poked a double into right-center.
He scored when Eddie Waitkus drilled a hot shot past Earl Torgeson. Clyde Shoun
then came to the mound and set down the last pair of Cubs batters to prevent any
further scores.
It was only the second Cubs win in 13 complete games with the Braves this
year. Bob Elliott was passed two times today, raising his total of walks by Cubs
pitchers to 25. Elliott is the leader in walks for the Braves team. |
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