The 1939 Cincinnati Reds destroyed the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates 16-2 to make a statement in Game 1 of the 5-game Play-in Series in the Baseball Maelstrom Best of the 1930s Tournament. The Reds also turned a rare triple-play in the game. Pirates starter Russ Bauers lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing 8 runs on 8 hits, including 3 home runs. The Reds scored 4 runs each off relievers Joe Bowman and Ed Brandt. Five different Reds hitters hit homers, including back-to-back shots in the 8th by Billy Myers and Wally Berger. Frank McCormick led the offense, going 5 for 5 with a double, homer, and 3 RBI. Ival Goodman was 3 for 5 with 3 RBI, and Myers was 2 for 5 with 4 RBI. Bucky Walters went the distance, allowing 7 hits and walking 6, but holding the Pirates to 2 runs. Paul Waner hit a bases-loaded no-out single to drive in both runs. Brother Lloyd followed with a crazy play that ended the inning. Lloyd Waner hit a flyout to center, and Harry Craft gunned down Arky Vaughan at the plate for the 2nd out. Paul Waner tried to advance to 2nd after waiting to make sure the throw wasn’t cut-off, but was nailed by the throw from Ernie Lombardi to complete the 8-2-6 triple-play. The Pirates hope to shake off the embarrassing loss before tomorrow’s game.
