The Washington Nationals were up by a run in the 10th and just 3 outs away from advancing in the Baseball Maelstrom Best of the 1930s Tournament, but the Boston Red Sox had other plans. Elden Auker and his unique submarine-style kept Washington hitters off-balance into the 7th inning when Luke Sewell hit an RBI single to tie the game at 2. Charlie Wagner had a rough 10th in relief for the Sox, loading the bases with no outs. But a Dave Harris Sac Fly plated the only Washington run. Meanwhile, Monte Weaver allowed just 7 hits and 2 runs in 9 innings for Washington. Jake Russell came in to close out the 10th, but walked Doc Cramer drew a walk to lead off the inning. Jimmie Foxx followed with a double. That’s when Ted Williams hit one back to the mound that Russell couldn’t hold on to, allowing the tying run to score. Two batters later, Lou Finney was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out. Joe Vosmik was 0 for 4, but drew the bases-loaded walk to give the Boston Red Sox the win. After a day off for travel, the two teams will play back at Griffith Stadium to decide which will advance to face the 1939 New York Yankees.

’33 Nationals @ ’39 Red Sox – 9/5/23

Facing elimination in their first game at home, Cy Blanton and Paul Waner gave the Pittsburgh Pirates some hope. Blanton scattered 7 hits and struck out 5 in the 1st shutout of the Best of the Decades Tournament. Paul Waner kicked off the offense with a 2-run triple in the 3rd. Waner hit a double and scored on an RBI single by his brother Lloyd in the 6th. The 3-0 victory keeps Pittsburgh hopes alive. The teams will play again tomorrow. For the 2nd time in as many games, the Cincinnati lineup suffered another injury. In the 4th inning, Reds catcher Ernie Lombardi fell into the stands chasing down a foul ball. He’s expected to miss at least a week. Cincinnati center fielder Harry Craft will be returning to the lineup after missing a game after colliding with the outfield wall.

’39 Reds @ ’38 Pirates – 9/4/23

Facing elimination in their first game at home at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox showed they still had some fight left. Fritz Ostermueller retired the first 13 batters he faced, and allowed just 2 earned runs on 7 hits in 7 innings. Meanwhile, rookie Ted Williams continued to heat up. Williams was 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and his 1st home run of the Tournament. He’s 5 for 8 in the last two games after an 0 for 4 start. Bobby Doerr added more power, hitting two solo shots in the leadoff spot. The Nationals Lefty Stewart struggled to find his rhythm, allowing 13 hits and 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings. The 7-3 win keeps Boston’s hopes alive. The teams will play a final game at Fenway tomorrow. If they Red Sox can win that one, the series will move back to Washington for the decisive 5th game.

’33 Nationals @ ’39 Red Sox – 9/4/23