Looking to even the series, Cleveland skipper Lou Boudreau called on Steve Gromek (9-3, 2.84 ERA) to start Game 4. More often used in relief during the regular season, the right-hander (sorry the "R" is missing from his roster entry in the book) made 9 starts in 1948. Boston manager Billy Southworth returned to his top ace Johnny Sain to start this contest. Because he was working with only two days rest, I gave Sain a -3 modifier to his Effectiveness, Strikeout, and Control ratings for this game.
An error by Boudreau allowed Braves shortstop Alvin Dark to reach base in the top of the first. Earl Torgeson followed with a double to plate the first run of the game. Two batters later Marv Rickert tripled to extend Boston's lead. The game remained 2-0 until the top of the sixth when the Braves loaded the bases with one out against reliever Satchel Paige. Center fielder Mike McCormick then grounded to third but beat the throw to avoid a double play and drive in Boston's third run.
In the bottom of the sixth, Larry Doby singled and advanced to second on a ground out. Joe Gordon then singled to center to plate Cleveland's first run and cut the deficit to 3-1. In the top of the ninth, Rickert led off with a double and advanced to third on a sacrifice fly to right by McCormick. Catcher Phil Masi then delivered a sac fly to center to increase the Braves lead back to three. Sain, showing no ill effects from pitching on short rest, retired the last seven batters in a row to finish off the complete game victory.
In a reversal of how the actual World Series progressed, the Braves now lead the series three games to one.
Boston 4, Cleveland 1
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