The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-07-01
BoseboII's Tradition Not Always True

balls July tradition means any thing the 1946 World Series will be between the Boston Red Sox and Brooklyn Dodgers since both clubs were certain today of holding their first place positions on the holiday.
 The axiom, which doesn't always work, particularly in the National League. is that the teams leading the pennant races on that mid season holiday go on to win the flag.
 In the past 30 years, the Fourth of July leader went on to win the American League pennant 20 times, whereas the National League lead CT came through 16 times.
 Tigers Best at Rally
 There have been some notable and perhaps significant-exceptions For example in the past five sea- sons the Dodgers have been in front on July four times, last year, 1942, 1941, and 1940, yet they won the flag only in 1941. In the American League, the last two times the Red Sox won the pennant, in 1916 and 1918, they overlook the Yankees who led the race on July f.
 In recent years Detroit has been best in the American League at coming from behind, winning three pennants since 1884 after trailing on July 4. However, the third place Tigers are 12 1-2 games back this year. The National League teams best at finishing strong are the Cubs and Cardinals and significant ly, both are contenders this year Each team has won the pennant four times after being out of the lead July 4
 Both the Dodgers and Red Sox improved their margins yesterday with help from their nearest con- tenders who suffered humiliating defeats from last place teams.
 The Dodgers trimmed the Braves at Brooklyn, to l as young Red Barney pitched fou-hitter Mean while, the runner-up Cardinals dropped 1-2 games off the pace by losing twice at Pittsburgh, 4 to 3 and 1 to 0. Brooklyn put across three first inning runs to clinch it's fifth straight win in a hurry
 Strincevich Shuts Out Cards
 Tight-flsted pitching particularly by Nick Strincevich in the second game, stopped the Cardinals. Strin- cevich, pitching his second straight Shutout, gave up just three hits and
 
 run off Harry Breechep in the ninth inning after George KuroW- skis error put 1t on base A tWo- run homes by Ralph Kiner and a two-run double by Lee Handley gave Fritz OStermeuller the mar gin he needed to win the opener.
 The Phils and Giants divided | Philadelphia. A seven-run spree by New York n the ninth inning turn ed pitching battle into an g to l rout in the opener. Johnny Mize hut grand slam homer in the big inning. The Phils took the second game, 6 to in 10 inning as pitcher Schoolboy Rowe hit a homer and touched off the winning rally with a double. Mize also homered in that game.
 The Reds and Cubs divided al Cincinnati. Chicago taking the opener to 5 as Hi Bithorn pitch ed one-hit relief ball for l-2 in- nings, then singled in the winning run in the tighth In the night cap the Reds put over two runs in the eighth for to 3 victory. Al Libke doubled in one run with his fourth hit, then scored the other on idrx fly, Relief pitcher Harry Gumbcrt was the winner.
 The Red Sox crushed Washing son, IS to 8, then dropped g to ; decision in a pair of free hitting saaSlee at Boston. An eight run first