1951 World Series Game 1: Giants Defeat Yankees 5-1 at Yankee Stadium
The first game of the 1951 World Series, held at Yankee Stadium on October 4, featured the New York Yankees facing the New York Giants. Giants manager Leo Durocher started left-handed pitcher Dave Koslo, while Yankees manager Casey Stengel opted for Allie Reynolds, a seasoned right-hander. The Giants triumphed 5-1, marking the first time the Yankees lost the opening game of a World Series since 1936. Monte Irvin led the Giants offensively, becoming the first player in three decades to steal home during a World Series. Reynolds initially retired the first two batters but struggled thereafter, allowing Irvin to score after a sequence of hits. The Giants extended their lead with additional runs in the sixth inning, notably from Alvin Dark's three-run hit. Koslo effectively limited the Yankees' scoring opportunities, as they managed only one run, driven in by Gil McDougald and Gerry Coleman.