Dodgers take TL crown in 59
Posted August 23, 2019
Well in a see saw season when we could always expect the unexpected (sic) the Dodgers wasted no time in sending the Southsiders back to Chicago licking their wounds. Having reversed their poor fortunes of 58 and ending the regular season top we were all expecting a close series. Instead the Dodgers dominated all four games for a TL Championship sweep.
Both teams rode a 10-5 second half of the regular season to deny the Yankees a post season spot. The Dodgers made their intentions clear in Game 1 by scoring in the first and then Koufax closing down the White Sox for a 2-1 win.
Game 2 was the crazy game that made us watchers believe the title was heading to the City of Angels. Trailing 5-0 top of the 9th the Dodgers scored 8 only to watch Chicago rally themselves and score 2 to trail by 1 with the bases loaded. When Danny McDevitt enticed Billy Goodman to a weak pop fly to end the game the Dodgers knew they had dodged a volly of bullets that could have turned this series around.
Instead the Dodgers turned the screw and Drysdale won easily 7-1 in Game 3. In Game 4 sure the White Sox had their chances, but you knew it wasn't going to be enough to deter the engraver from continuing his Dodger's inscription on the trophy.
Crushing the Sox in all major categories a convincing win was inevitable - 312/234 BA, 20/10 runs scored, 2.50/5.29 ERA. Norm Larker led Los Angeles charge leading BA 455 and OBP 500. The rotation shared the work and glory around with wins for Churn, Craig, Drysdale and Koufax.
Now eyes turn to PL post season and whoever wins that title will face a stubborn opponent....