Game Four - vs. Pittsburgh Rebels

@ Weegham Park

Clint Rogge started for the Rebels.
Mike Pendergast got the nod for the Whales.

The top of the First Inning was a hard one to swallow for hometown Chicago. Pittsburgh's Jim Kelly grounded out, Steve Yerkes chopped a single up the middle then first baseman Joe Konetchy belted a long drive to centerfield that rattled around long enough to give Konetchy time to round all the bases for an inside-the-park 2-run home run. After one-half inning the Whales found themselves behind, 2-0.

In the bottom of the First Inning, the Whales put together back-to-back hits of their own (one, a bunt single) before center fielder Dutch Zwilling popped a double to left field that scored 1 run and put left fielder Max Flack on third base with one out. Catcher All Wilson then grounded out but Flack came home with the tying run.

Fred Beck (CHI) led off the Fourth Inning with a double, moved to third base on a single by shortstop Jimmy Smith. Pitcher Pendergast then whacked a fly ball deep enough to right field to give Beck time enough to tag up and score. At the end of four innings, the Whales led, 3-2.

Chicago held their lead behind Pendergast's solid effort through the end of the Seventh Inning.

Pittsburgh turned to bunting in an effort to get to Pendergast in the Eighth Inning. Two bunt singles put Al Wickland on second and Mike Mowrey on first with no outs. Pendergast then walked Rebel Oakes to load the bases with no outs. Marty Berghammer nipped a slanting grounder right to Chicago first baseman Beck who booted the ball into foul territory letting the tying run score. The rough inning was not over yet for Beck who, with Rebel pitcher Rogge at the plate next, had a sharply hit ground ball shoot by him into right field; Mowrey and Oakes scored. Kelly flew out next, scoring Berghammer from third base. The Eighth Inning ended with the Rebels ahead, 6-3.

Joe Tinker (CHI) tried to inspire his team by pinch hitting in the Ninth Inning but all he could do was draw a base on balls and end up stranded at first base when the game ended in another Whales loss.

Final Score:
Pittsburgh Rebels: 6   Chicago Whales: 3

(I have to admit, I got away from small-ball for the Whales as the game wore on. I had too much confidence in Pendergast, I guess. This is a great set of teams. Deadball Era Rules and additional rules that come with the set work really well)

Chicago Replay Record: 0 Wins 4 Losses
Chicago Actual Record: 3 Wins 1 Loss