Damn Yankees by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Damn Yankees

Page 185

shutout, though the game lasted only six innings due to rain. Raschi finished the year with a 21–10 record. He led the AL in strikeouts - 164, finished second in wins, fourth in winning percentage - .677, second in shutouts - 4, and eighth in ERA -3.27. The Yankees again won the AL pennant, and Raschi finished eighth in AL MVP voting.

Facing the New York Giants in Game 3 of the World Series, Raschi lasted just 4+1⁄3 innings, taking the loss in a 6–2 defeat. He allowed all six Giant runs, but only one was earned because of two fifth inning errors. Another error, a passed ball, led to

all the scoring against Raschi in Game 6 as the Giants only picked up one run against him in six innings. Johnny Sain and Kuzava finished the game for the Yankees, and Raschi earned the win in the 4–3 triumph that clinched the series for the Yankees. Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, who played for the Giants, thought

that Raschi was one of the best pitchers he had ever seen.

Raschi's received a $40,000 contract for the 1952 season, making him at the time the highest paid pitcher in Yankee history. On April 16, 1952, Raschi allowed just two hits in an 8–1 victory over the Athletics, though he was removed from the game in the ninth inning after walking three batters. He pitched back to

back shutouts against the Browns and the Indians on June 8 and June 14, striking out 13 against the Browns. The starter in that