Spud Chandler vs. Max Lanier, Game 1, 1943, 376 ERA+
Because it was contested during the midst of World War II, by teams somewhat devoid of stars, the 1943 Series is often overlooked today. Yet its first game pitted two pitchers having spectacular seasons.
Chandler was the ace of that Yankee team, a 35-year-old veteran enjoying by far his best season. Chandler went 20-4 with a 1.64 ERA and 198 ERA+, making him nearly twice as good as the average American League pitcher. They earned him a selection to that season’s All-Star team and, at season’s end, they also earned him the American League’s Most Valuable Player award.
Lanier was a 27-year-old right-hander who went 17-12 with a 1.90 ERA for the defending World Series champions. His 178 ERA+ was both a personal and league-best.
Naturally, Cardinal manager Billy Southworth selected Lanier to oppose Chandler in Game 1 of that year’s World Series.
Joe Gordon’s two-run fourth-inning home run gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead. But Lanier evened the score one inning later with a base hit that scored Ray Sanders. Then in the sixth, Lanier wild pitched the go-ahead run across, and Yankee catcher Bill Dickey drove home an insurance run to give Chandler a 4-2 decision.
Lanier earned a no-decision in the Series’ fourth game, a 2-1 Yankee victory. One day later, Chandler shut out the Cardinals to clinch the World Series win for the Yankees in five games.