October 1, 1967 at Fenway Park
Red Sox 5 (92-70), Twins 3 (91-71)
The Red Sox won the American League pennant outright today as they took care of the Twins in a game that pitted both team’s aces. With the Tigers losing their second game of a doubleheader to the Angels, the Red Sox finished in first place in the American League all by themselves with the Twins and Tigers each just a game back in the most exciting pennant race of all time.
Things didn’t start out well for the Red Sox though. Tony Oliva doubled home Harmon Killebrew in the first inning off of Red Sox starter Jim Lonborg to give the Twins and early lead. The Twins extended their lead to 2-0 in the third when Harmon Killebrew singled home Cesar Tovar. Both innings had an error in them and despite being down 2-0, Jim Lonborg hadn’t given up an earned run yet.
Dean Chance was cruising through the Red Sox lineup but the fifth inning ended up being the pivotal one of for the Red Sox. Jim Lonborg reached first on a lead off bunt single and he moved to second on Jerry Adair’s single. Dalton Jones then loaded up the bases with another single before Carl Yastrzemski tied the game up 2-2 with a two run single. Hawk Harrelson then reached on a fielders choice (Check out the book to see what happened) and Jones scampered home for the go ahead run. Al Worthington replaced Chance but the flood gates remained open as Worthington threw two consecutive wild pitches to push home another run to make it 4-2. Finally, Jose Tartabull scored the fifth run of the inning when Reggie Smith reached base on an error by Harmon Killebrew.
Bob Allison singled home Killebrew in the top of the eighth to make it 5-3 but that was as close as the Twins would get. Jim Lonborg capped off an outstanding season and he improved to 22-9. Chance took the loss for the Twins and he fell to 20-14.
So ends the most exciting pennant race of all time. The World Series didn’t end as well for Red Sox fans but the fact that they got there was a huge boost to the city. And if you want to follow how the Red Sox did in their World Series with the Cardinals, be sure to check out Gas House Gang.