 His first major league win came in his first start, hurling a 7–0 shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second game of a home doubleheader on August 15, 1945.Gardner's season and career totals for 17 games pitched include a 3–1 record, 4 starts, 2 complete games, 1 shutout, 4 games finished, 1 save, and an ERA of 3.29 in 54.2 innings pitched.Gardner was an all-around talented player, as he hit and fielded extremely well.