On Tuesday, September 26, 1939, the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field. The starting pitchers for the day were Davis for the Cardinals and Thompson for the Reds. The 1939 season was a significant one, with the Reds sitting atop the National League and the Cardinals not far behind. The Reds were looking to clinify their first pennant since 1919, while the Cardinals were hoping to repeat their World Series success from just a few years prior in 1934. The game was also set against the backdrop of an eventful season for Major League Baseball, with the first televised baseball game taking place earlier that year, and the onset of World War II casting uncertainty over future seasons.
The game started off with both teams holding their own, with the first inning ending scoreless. The second inning, however, saw a shift in momentum when the Reds' shortstop Myers hit a home run, sending Lombardi and Craft home and giving the Reds a 3-0 lead. This was a significant moment in the game, as Myers' home run was only his ninth of the season. Despite the Cardinals' best efforts, they were unable to score in the second inning, leaving the Reds with a comfortable lead.
In the following innings, the Cardinals made several attempts to close the gap. Their most significant scoring opportunity came in the third inning when Medwick hit a double, his second of the game, allowing the Cardinals to score their only run. Despite this, the Reds' defense, led by Thompson, managed to hold the Cardinals at bay. The Cardinals' pitching staff also worked hard to prevent the Reds from extending their lead, with Davis, Shoun, Bowman, Warneke, and Weiland all taking the mound throughout the game. However, the Reds' early lead proved insurmountable, and the game ended with a 3-1 victory for the Reds.
After this game, the Cincinnati Reds went on to win the National League pennant, their first in 20 years, and advanced to the World Series. However, they were defeated by the New York Yankees in a four-game sweep. Despite their loss in this particular game, the Cardinals had a strong season, finishing second in the National League. The 1939 season also saw several individual accomplishments, with Johnny Mize of the Cardinals leading the league in home runs and RBIs, and Lombardi of the Reds winning the National League MVP award.
