1967 06-11 Dodgers at Cardinals Game 2

The Thomas Paine Podcast delivers a gripping, play-by-play account of Game 2 of a Sunday doubleheader between the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, capturing the intensity of a marathon nine-inning contest that stretched nearly six hours. The Cardinals, led by pitcher Alvin Jackson, stormed to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on Dodgers errors and poor control, but the Dodgers fought back with four runs in the first three innings to tie the game at 4-4. Despite strong offensive efforts from players like Ron Hunt (four hits in Game 2) and Jimmy Lefevre, who drew a walk and singled in the ninth, the Dodgers could not capitalize on their scoring opportunities, leaving 20 runners on base across the doubleheader. The Cardinals extended their lead in the seventh inning when Roger Maris hit a pivotal two-run home run, and they held on for a 7-5 victory, sweeping the doubleheader and solidifying their position in the NL pennant race. The broadcast captures the emotional toll of the long day, with fans and players alike fatigued, and includes lighthearted moments such as a fan napping under a row of seats, adding a touch of humor to the high-stakes drama. The episode also features promotional segments for Packard Bell TVs and Union Oil Company of California, reflecting the era’s blend of sports and advertising. Throughout the game, the narrative centers on the Dodgers’ frustrating inability to convert hits into runs, a recurring theme during their six-game losing streak and grueling road trip. The Cardinals’ bullpen, though tested early, held firm, and their offensive firepower—highlighted by Maris’s clutch hitting—proved decisive. The broader context of a record-setting day for home runs, with 12 hit in the Cubs-Mets doubleheader alone, underscores a power surge across the National League. Despite the Dodgers’ resilience and individual brilliance, they fell short in the final innings, with Ron Fairley striking out with two outs and the bases loaded, sealing the sweep. The episode concludes with a sense of both triumph for the Cardinals and heartbreak for the Dodgers, as they face a critical stretch against the Reds, Braves, and Giants, needing to break their losing streak and regain momentum in the standings.