Game Three - vs. Pittsburgh Rebels

@ Weegham Park

Elmer Knetzer took the hill for the visiting Rebels.
Claude Hendrix got the start for the Whales.

Knetzer (PIT) got through the first two innings with no problems before pulling something in his right shoulder that caused him to leave the game. Cy Barger entered the game in relief. Knetzer should be fully ready for his next start.

Hendrix (CHI) allowed two base runners in each of the first two innings but got out of those situations unscathed. In the Third Inning Hendrix walked Pittsburgh first baseman Ed Konetchy with one out and then gave up a long, curving drive to left fielder Al Wickland that got by Chicago right fielder Les Mann for a triple. Konetchy easily scored the game's first run. Hendrix then plunked Rebels player/manager Rebel Oakes but was able to get out of the inning without taking further damage.

The Whales were their own worse enemies on the base paths, getting picked off of first base in the Fifth Inning, caught in a pop-out double play in the Seventh Inning and finishing with shortstop Jimmy Smith getting thrown out at second base in the Eighth Inning by Pittsburgh catcher, Claude Berry.

Pittsburgh managed back-to-back bunt singles in the Seventh Inning, but nothing came of them.

Left fielder, Max Flack (CHI) led of the bottom of the Ninth Inning with a single past Rebel third baseman, Mike Mowery and reached second base with no out. Flack then was gunned down trying to get to third base on center fielder Dutch Zwilling's ground ball. Whales catcher Art Wilson then skied a double down the line in right that put Zwilling on third base and himself on second base with only one out.

Barger (PIT) convinced Oakes to let him stay on the mound for the next Whales batter, right fielder Les Mann. Barger coaxed Mann to pop up to Rebels second baseman, Steve Yerkes. From his spot in centerfield, Oakes nodded at Barger to face the next batter, Chicago first baseman Fred Beck. Barger worked his magic again and Beck popped up weakly to shortstop Marty Berghammer to end the game.

Final Score: Pittsburgh Rebels: 1 Chicago Whales: 0

Whales Replay Record: 0 Wins 3 Losses
Whales Actual Record: 2 Wins 1 Loss

(I used the bunt a lot more this game – for both teams. I was surprised at how much another layer of strategy came in to play. Most of these players on these teams are Fine Bunters, as are the pitchers. The encouragement I received from Downey Games to play small-ball more with this season set bore out as great advice. I had loads of fun with it. I will keep with the small-ball....the Whales need some help.)