Boston Red Sox 1949 During the last week of September the Red Sox moved into the lead for the first time in '49, and were in first place heading into the final weekend - one game ahead of the Yankees with just two games left to play. Just one more win would mean a pennant for Boston.

At Yankee Stadium on Saturday Boston rocked New York's Allie Reynolds for four runs in the first two and 2/3 innings. However, the Yanks fought back, aided by six and 1/3 innings of shutout relief by ace Joe Page, and the scored was tied 4-4 going into the last of the 8th.

Then, outfielder Johnny Lindell cranked a solo homer and the 'Damn Yanks' won 5-4. In the final game of the season, the Yankees, aided by pitcher Vic Rashi, were leading 1-0 after seven innings. Rashi was halting the BoSox big hitters and out-dueling Ellis Kinder.

Boston's manager Joe McCarthy pulled Kinder for a pinch-hitter during the top of the 8th. The Yankee bats pounded relievers Mel Parnell and Tex Hughson for four runs in the bottom of the 8th. (Parnell was 25-7 during the regular season and won more games during the season than any other major league pitcher).

Boston did score three runs in top half of the 9th, but still lost 5-3... And, for the second straight year lost the pennant on the final day of the season.

Boston Red Sox Baseball History Page 113