The 1978 Yankees held a 3-1 lead in their six game series with the 1950 Yankees, only to drop the final two (including an absurd Game Five shootout) to split the series and remain two games under .500 at 59-61 (much to the delight of Michael!)
The '78 Yankees opened the series with a 10-5 win thanks to a five run rally in the 2nd. The '50 Yankees came back to even the series in Game Two by knocking out Ron Guidry in the 4th on their way to a 5-3 win. The '78 Yankees took Game Three 5-2 after scoring three runs in the 7th to break a 2-2 tie. The '50 Yankees handed the '78 Yankees Game Four with four errors leading to four unearned runs in a 5-3 loss. Then Game Five happened. The '50 Yankees trailed 13-5 after five innings. They chipped away with two runs in the 6th and 8th. Then they began the 9th with four consecutive singles; Johnny Hopp drove in two runs with the bases loaded to cut the lead to 13-11. The bases were reloaded, and after a pop out, Hank Bauer hit a sac fly to cut the lead to 13-12. Then Gene Woodling belted a walk-off two-run triple off Goose Gossage for a 14-13 win. Joe Dimaggio hit two home runs in the furious comeback with four RBI while Woodling also tallied four RBI on three hits. The loss spoiled a big day for Willie Randolph who went 5-6 with three doubles and a home run and drove in six RBI. The '50 Yankees earned the split in the final game with a 7-3 win. Vic Raschi pitched a complete game and had two hits and two runs scored at the plate. Dimaggio went 3-3 with a homer and four RBI.
Dimaggio rebounded from a 2-17 start in the series to get six hits and eight RBI *in his last eight at bats; He is now hitting .347 with 20 home runs, 100 RBI, 79 runs scored, and a 1.023 OPS. Hopp is hitting .335 with 64 runs scored. Yogi Berra is hitting .323 with 14 home runs, 89 RBI, 69 runs scored, and a .906 OPS. Bauer is hitting .309 with 12 home runs and 53 RBI. Phil Rizzuto is hitting .305 with 77 runs scored. Ed Lopat is 13-2 with a 2.95 ERA.
Reggie Jackson raised his average for the '78 Yankees to .321 with 34 home runs, 94 RBI, 83 runs scored, and a .992 OPS. Ed Figueroa picked up his 15th win; he is now 15-6 with a 3.61 ERA. Gossage’s blown save ballooned his ERA to 3.25 with 32 saves. The '78 Yankees will face the 62-40 1937 Yankees in the next series.
