Aug. 19, 1963 - Ken Boyer’s second two-run homer of the game tied the score in the ninth inning and, moments later, Julian Javier streaked home when Felipe Alou bobbled Tim McCarver’s single in right field as the Cardinals scored an 8-7 victory over the Giants today in St. Louis. By sweeping the series, the Cards moved past San Francisco into sole possession of second place in the National League. St. Louis trails the first-place Dodgers, who were idle today, by 5½ games. The Redbirds will try to trim that gap tomorrow night at Dodger Stadium, when Lew Burdette will face the Dodgers’ Johnny Podres. Boyer (pictured), who shook off a slump with 12 RBIs and a .440 average on the St. Louis homestand, credited a switch from a 34-ounce to a 36-ounce bat for his recent success. “You can whip the lighter bat with the smaller hitting surface more, but I had been hitting the ball off the end of the light bat and grounding out too much,” Boyer explained. “I also choke the heavier bat about an inch and a half. I don’t get out in front too much swinging the heavier bat.” Ken’s ninth-inning homer came off southpaw Billy Hoeft. “I was looking for a sinker low and away,” Boyer recalled. “I figured if I pulled the ball, they’d get a double play on the ground. So, I tried for the hole between first and second and got the ball in the air. The wind helped it on the roof.” After Boyer’s blast, Julian Javier reached on a single. Then, with two out, McCarver looped a hit to right off right-hander Jack Fisher. Javier, after rounding second, looked up at third base coach Vern Benson, who signaled full speed ahead. Alou had trouble coming up with the ball, and Javier slid home ahead of the throw. “Javier really flew, he didn’t break stride,” Benson said. “His feet didn’t hit the ground from second base until he got home. Willie Davis of the Dodgers is the only other man in the league who can score on that kind of play.”
