The Dead Ball Era - KOD 18

 

Thursday, December 26, 2013 - World Series Series

'16 Robins win Championship in 6 over '19 Black Sox - Click here to view composite stats

GAME 1 - Comiskey Park
Pfeffer vs Cicotte
White Sox 5, Robins 4 (11 inn)
"Lend them a Gand(il)"

Respective aces Pfeffer and Cicotte were not dominant at all today. Brooklyn, up 3-1 after 7, looked to be in the driver's seat until the Pale Hose exploded for 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th to take a 4-3 lead. Future HOF'er Eddie Collins singled home two. Hurler Cicotte himself knocked in one. Brooklyn tied it up in the 9th with a double by 3rd baseman Mike Lowrey, who was bunted to third by Ivy Olson and plated by pinch hitter Lew McCarty. The Chisox went down in order in the bottom of the 9th and the game headed for extra innings. Both teams had a spotless 10th inning. Brooklyn threatened to score in the 11th when Mowrey and Olson earned back to back walks. Reliever Roy Wilkinson erased his folly by fanning the next two batters to end the inning. Wheezer Dell, who pitched a perfect 10th, was not destined to get an out in the 11th. Buck Weaver led off with a single and wound up on 3rd when Shoeless Joe singled and Robin centerfielder Jimmy Johnston booted the ball for Brooklyn's 3rd and most costly error of the day. After Hap Felsch was walked intentionally to load the bases and setup a force everywhere, Chick Gandil grounded a seeing eyed single just past the drawn in infield to end he game in grand style for Comiskey's boys.
White Sox lead series 1-0

GAME 2
Marquard vs Faber
Robins 7, White Sox 5
"Lew-ed Behavior"

Bucky Weaver's two out double in the bottom of the 7th broke a 2-2 tie and put the hometown Southsiders up 3-2. Brooklyn answered right back courtesy of a Swede Risberg error at short and a little bit of small ball. With the game tied 3-3 after 8, most fans were expecting to see another extra inning contest. Brooklyn spoiled those expectations with 4 huge runs off of Chicago starter Red Faber. Pinch hitter Lew McCarty doubled home Mowrey to break the tie. Jake Daubert singled home Ivey Olson. McCarty then scored on a ground out by George Cutshaw and Daubert came across for the 4th run of the inning when Hy Myers launched one to deep left. With Marquard lifted for a pinch hitter, Sherry Smith was brought on in relief with a 4 run lead. Turns out Smith would need that cushion as the Chisox scored 2 runs on a Bucky Weaver single. After Hap Felsch doubled with 2 outs Chick Gandil stepped to the plate with the tying run on 2nd. On an 0-1 count Gandil hit a one hop bullet back to Smith, who tossed it over to Daubert at first to record the final out and even the series.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - Ebbets Field
L.Williams vs Cheney
Robins 3, White Sox 0
"Chan-ey Reaction"

Game 3 belonged solely to the Larry Cheney, the author of a 4 hit complete game shutout. Cheney dueled Lefty Williams to a scoreless tie for 5 1/2 innings. Brooklyn broke the ice in the bottom of the 6th when Hy Myers tripled and Mike Mowrey singled him home. Brooklyn would get two un-needed insurance runs in the the bottom of the 8th when catcher Otto Miller singled home Zach Wheat and Jimmy Johnston. After Eddie Collins singled to lead off the 9th Cheney retired Weaver on a comebacker. Shoeless Joe hit a line drive to deep center that had too much topspin to clear the fence and instead fell into Myers glove for out number two. Hap Felsh struck out looking on a 2-2 change of pace to end it.
Robins lead series 2-1

GAME 4
Kerr vs S.Smith
Robins 6, White Sox 4
"Poison Ivy"

Brooklyn jumped out to a 4-0 lead with a huge bottom of the 2nd. Ivy Olson singled home two. Jake Daubert doubled home one and when Zach Wheat walked with the bases jammed the 4th run scored. Thanks to 2 errors on comebackers the Pale Hose cut the lead to 4-1. Zach Wheat led off the home half of the 5th with a triple and scored on a ground out. Mowrey walked and moved to third on a single by Johnston and an error by Felsch. Otto Miller's grounder would score Mowrey easily and put Brooklyn up 6-2, which is how the game would finish. Despite making 2 errors in the field, Brooklyn hurler Sherry Smith (I wonder if he has a brother named Sue?), went the distance and gave up just 2 runs on 6 hits. Righfielder Jimmy Johnston (3-4) led an 11 hit Brooklyn attack. Shoeless Joe would knock out 2 hits and score a run in defeat.
Robins lead series 3-1

GAME 5
Cicotte vs Pfeffer
White Sox 5, Robins 2
"Byrd Sanctuary"

For much of the afternoon it looked like Jeff Pfeffer (9 IP / 5 R) would outduel Knuckleball ace Eddie Cicotte. After 6 innings of play the Robins held a slim 2-1 lead in hopes of closing out the series in front of the hometown throng. Disaster struck in the top of the 7th when shortstop Ivey Olson booted a Bucky Weaver grounder, which opened up the floodgates. With 2 outs the Blacksox scored 2 huge runs to take the lead. Cicotte, who walked scored on Olson's error and Weaver scored on Hap Felsch's single. Chicago would score 2 more in the 9th on a bases loaded walk to Risberg and a grounder by back up catcher Byrd Lynn (2-5). Brooklyn would make 5 errors on the day and have to duck the tomatoes hurled by their rabid fans. Shoeless Joe would go 2-4 and raise his series average to .313. Byrd Lynn, today's surprise starter behind the plate, had the big day at bat as he replace starter Ray Schalk who found his way into manager Joey Scigliano's dog house. With this win the series heads back to Chi-town.
Robins lead series 3-2

GAME 6 - Comiskey Park
Marquard vs Lowdermilk
Robins 6, White Sox 3
"Robins fly Away with crown, Sox Suspect Shenanigans"

In the surprise of all surprises Grover Lowdermilk was tapped to start ahead of Lefty Williams. Rumors had been swirling around the press box that some sort of fix might be in for this series. For the most part nobody thought anything was up until someone noted that "every Chicago runner who tried to score from 2nd got thrown out at the plate". What were these "Blacksox" doing ? Why were they slowing up and getting pegged at the dish when they obviously should have slid or hurried up ? How could Lefty Williams, who didn't lose but once all year, allow 2 Robins runs in he bottom of the 8th and lose in game 3 ? All the pieces began to come together and "the (B)Old Roman", manager Scigliano bumped Williams out of the rotation and instead took his chances with the less heralded Lowdermilk, because he knew 'ole Grover was not on the take. Early on it looked like pure genius as Lowdermilk gave up just one measly run in the first 6 innings. Chicago got to Brooklyn starter Rube Marquard early with 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd. Making his second start in a row, backup catcher Byrd Lynn made the most of it by leading off the 3rd with a double and scoring on Shano Collins' single. After Eddie Collins singled to put runners on the corners, Bucky Weaver doubled home Shano to make it 2-0. Brooklyn stole a run in the 4th when Hy Myers singled, stole second, went to third on a ground out and scored on a Mike Mowrey (series MVP) bunt. In the top of the 6th everyone became convinced that the fix was in. With two out and a runner on second Risberg lined what should have been a run scoring single up the middle. Instead the ball mysteriously hit runner Hap Felsch who somehow got a late jump in a situation where he should have been running on the pitch. Manger Scigliano was livid, but he still had a 2-1 lead. The following inning Zach Wheat singled home Jake Daubert to tie the game up at 2-2. The Chisox went silently in the bottom of the inning.

Brooklyn scored the go ahead run in the top of the 8th when Mowrey singled and stole second, then went to third on Otto Miller's infield single that mysteriously Gandil couldn't get to. Ivey Olson bunted home Mowrey and Brooklyn had it's first lead of the day. The top of the 9th saw the Robins add two more runs to their "suspect" lead when Casey Stengel Singled to center and Olson doubled into the gap between a mysteriously slow footed Felsch and part time Shano Collins. Up by 3 runs it looked like Marquard should easily be able to seal the deal and complete the circuit. Gandil led off with a walk and moved to second when Risberg lined one up the middle. Byrd Lynn, who's magic now seemed to run out struk out swinging on a 1-2 hummer. Pinch hitter Fred McMullin strode to the plate as the potential tying run. McMullin hit a bullet up the middle that hit Risberg right in the foot for the second out of the inning. What would be the odds that not one, but two Chisox runners could be hit with a batted ball while running the basepaths ? Incomprehensible. This base path gaffe would be the final straw and prove that these White Sox were really Black Sox. Eddie Collins, who is honest as the day is long lined a single up the middle to score Gandhil and make it a 6-3 game. Without Swede Risberg and Hap Felsch's baserunning Tom-foolery this game could be tied. Instead it was all for naught as Eddie Collins popped up to short to end the game and end the series. Fans in Brooklyn were ecstatic. A man named Arnold Rothstein, who also lived in NYC was ecstatic as well, but for a much different reason. Immediately following the game Kenesaw Mountain Landis was appointed special KOD investigator to try and figure out what happened in this series and to help regain the integrity of the game. Manager Scigliano lamented, "I should have paid these boys their bonus for having the best record in baseball...heck I should have just bought the 2014 new release of the game and I would have another series to play today instead of waiting until Februrary for KOD19."

Wednesday, December 23, 2013 - AL Championship Series

'19 Blacksox defeat '12 Red Sox for AL Flag in 6 - Click link to view boxscores

Chicago, Game 1,
Boston held a narrow 4-3 going into the ninth inning of the first game. However, Hap Felsch ripped a fastball off the left field wall to plate Leibold and Eddie Collins to win it in the ninth inning for the Whitesox. Eddie Cicotte started for the Chicago men but was not around when the Sox scored the winning runs. Shellenback earned the win for the Sox. Whitesox 5....Redsox 4.

Game 2,
It was the Redsox turn for late game heroics. Boston plated three runs in the top of the ninth to steal a victory from the Whitesox. Lefty Williams went the distance for Chicago but was the loser when he coughed up the three runs in the ninth inning. This was Lefty Williams first loss of the year. Third baseman, Larry Gardner knocked three runs with a bases clearing triple in the final frame to help make a victor of reliever Ray Collins. Red Sox 5...Whitesox 4.

Boston, Game 3,
Red Faber salvaged the third game of the series for the Whitesox as he pitched 8.1 innings of solid work. Red was relieved by Eddie Cicotte in the ninth inning to preserve the victory and give the Chicago men a 2 games to 1 lead in the best of seven series. Shoeless Joe drove in both runs for Chicago with a double and single.  Whitesox 2....Redsox 1.

 

Game 4,
The Boston bats came to life and knocked out young Dickie Kerr. Kerr exited early after he gave up 9 runs in only 1.2 innings of work. Chicago batters made the game closer but it was not enough as Smokey Joe Wood held on for the win to improve to 5-3. Series evened up at 2.  Jake Stahl led Boston's onslaught going 3 for 5 with 2 RBI's.  Red Sox shortstop Krug made 3 errors, which thankfully for the Boys from Beantown, did not affect the outcome.  Redsox 10....Whitesox 7.

Game 5,
Bill James and Dickie Kerr combined to take the third game of the series. Kerr, coming off a rough start in game 4, put it out of his mind, as he pitched 4 innings of solid relief work to earn the victory. The game was not decided within 9 innings and needed an extra frame to decide. Jackson and Felsch led off the tenth frame as they connected for back to back singles to place runners on first and third. Chick Gandil beat out a potential double play ball as Felsch crossed the plate to give Chicago the lead. The Redsox got a couple runners on base during the bottom of the inning however, Kerr got Heinie Wagner to pop out to shallow right center to end the game and give the Whitesox a 3 games to 2 edge. Whitesox 4....Redsox 3 (10 innings)

Chicago, Game 6,
Lefty Williams went the distance and contributed a hit and a run scored to lift the Whitesox over the Redsox. Williams seemed to be headed for trouble as he surrendered three straight singles to begin the game. However, no Boston runner touched paydirt as Lefty buckled down. He got Harry Hooper to ground back to the mound and a quick throw to Ray Schalk at out, easily put out Tris Speaker. The next batter Larry Gardner popped out to first basemen Chick Gandil for out number two. Jake Stahl then struck out to end the threat. The Whitesox took advantage of their opportunities when the had them. Felsch doubled to right to plate Jackson in the fourth for an early 1-0 lead. Williams led off the 5th with an infield hit and came around to score when Eddie Collins hit a sacrifice fly. Weaver then lined a single to plate another run for the Sox in the 5th. Chicago's final run was credited during the sixth inning when Ray Schalk scored on an error by Boston shortstop Heinie Wagner. Lefty Williams improves to 8-1 while Hugh Bedient was tagged with the loss to finish his tourny at 5-3. Whitesox 4....Redsox 2............... Whitesox move to play Brooklyn in the World Series.
--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

'16 Robins fly past '14 Bees in 5 to capture NL Flag - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Ebbets Field
G.Davis vs Pfeffer
Braves 3, Robins 1
"Davis Cup"

Manager Ron Burnette went to his "secret weapon" George Davis, who marely rewarded his manager with a dominating performance. Davis (3-0, 1.14) allowed just 1 unearned run on 4 safeties by the favored Brooks. His opposing number, Jeff Pfeffer (5-3, 2.54) did not have his best day on the hill, but managed to survive to the finish. Pfeffer gave up 3 runs (2 earned) and allowed 10 Brave hits. Boston struck first with an unearned run in the top of the 1st thanks to an Ivy Olson error at short. With 2 out Connolly singled home Johnny Evers to make it 1-0. A R.Smith error in the bottom of the 2nd led to Brooklyn's lone run of the game. Connolly singled home another run in the 3rd and Mann scored from second on back to back wild pitches from Pfeffer to make it 3-1, which is how it finished.
Braves lead series 1-0

GAME 2
L.Tyler vs Marquard
Robins 4, Braves 3
"Casey at the Bat"

Rube Marquard gave up just 1 earned run over 8 before handing the ball over to Wheezer Dell, who proceeded to almost blow the contest. Brooklyn had a comfortable 4-1 lead heading into the top of the 9th, but Dell was quite philanthropic and allowed 2 runs and almost gave it all away. With the bases loaded and the tying run just 90 feet away Dell made the one big pitch he needed to make and got R.Smith to pop out to left to end the game. Looming large in this game was Casey Stengel's pinch hit 2 run homer in the bottom of the 8th, which at the time didn't seem like it would be a deal breaker. In the end it wound up providing the slimmest margin for victory. After the game Stengel was quoted as saying, "You sit on the bench for 8 innings and you know what a man needs to do when he has to do it. I did what I needed to do and since I done did good all worked out especially since Mr Dell was not at his finest." Bottom line here is Brooklyn got the win and did not go 0-2 in a series.
Series tied 1-1

GAME 3 - Braves Field
Cheney vs B.James
Robins 6, Braves 2
"Jake and the Bat, man"

A two run double by Ivy Olson started off the scoring in a 3 run top of the 2nd. Brooklyn would get their 3rd run on a squeeze play by Getz. The Bee's would answer back with 2 runs of their own in the 3rd off a two run triple courtesy of Mann. It would remain a tight 3-2 ball game until the top of the 9th, when MVP candidate Jake Daubert doubled home Hy Myers and Mowrey. George Cutshaw chipped in with an RBI single as the Robins extended their lead to 6-2 and won easily.
Robins lead series 2-1

GAME 4
Pfeffer vs Rudolph
Robins 6, Braves 2
"Jazzy Jeff"

Seven costly errors defeated the Bee's today. Surehanded shortstop Rabbit Maranville made 3 of them. Catcher Hank Gowdy had two himself. Brooklyn capitalized time and time again on Boston's malaprops. Hurler Jeff Pfeffer (6-3, 2.48) gave up just 2 runs in a complete game effort that saw him equally as valuable at the bat (2-4, with 3 RBI).
Robins lead series 3-1

GAME 5
Marquard vs G.Davis
Robins 5, Braves 3
"Rube-ix Cube"

Manager Burnette had a premonition about this series. He predicted that the Braves would win the opener and then more than likely drop the next three. His forecast was based on the regular season series between these two squads along with the fact that his team had a lot of momentum coming out of the Phillie series. Now down 3-1 the "Miracle Braves" needed themselves 3 straight miracles. To help get them those miracles the "secret weapon", George Davis, was given the ball once again. Brooklyn added with lefty strikeout artist Rube Marquard. The secret weapon wasn't much of a secret as the streaking Brooks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first off a two run double from Casey Stengel. Boston would cut the lead in half with a solo run in the 5th. In the top of the 6th the Brooks would score 3 to go up 5-1. Marquard (2-3) delivered and RBI single off reliever Hughes, who replaced an injured Davis who came up lame in the 5th. The Braves rallied for 2 in the bottom of the frame to make it 5-3, but the stingy Marquard, who fanned 7 and walked none, closed the door and clinched the NL Pennant for the Robins.
Robins win series 4-1

Saturday, December 21, 2013 - AL Wild Card Series

'12 Sahx sweep '09 Tigers in 3 straight - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Bennett Park
Wood vs Mullin
Red Sox 5, Tigers 2

With the help of an error by Bradley at 1st and some small ball the Tigers tied the game up at 2-2 in the bottom of the 7th. The euphoria in Detroit wouldn't last long as the Red Sox pushed across 3 runs in the top of the 8th and never looked back. With 2 outs the Sahx got an RBI singles from Tris Speaker and Larry Gardner. Smokey Joe Wood completed the circuit for the win.
Red Sox lead series 1-0

GAME 2
O'Brien vs Willett
Red Sox 15, Tigers 5

A lively brand of Deadball era ball was played today as the hitters dominated the hurlers. Boston, who missed scoring in just 2 of 9 innings scored 14 runs on 17 hits and didn't seem to worry at all about the 5 errors that they made in the field. Hitting stars from game 1: Speaker (3-5) and Larry Gardner (3-6) were to top of the order catalyst. Duffy Lewis (4-6) plated and scored 2 runs. Catcher Hick Cady (3-5) had 3 RBI's as did Harry Hooper.
Red Sox lead series 2-0

GAME 3 - Fenway Park
Summers vs Bedient
Red Sox 5, Tigers 3

The series shifted to Beantown and the Tigers were not in an enviable position having to win 3 of 3 games to keep their season alive. The Georgia Peach, Ty Cobb, led off the game with a double. He scored two batters later on a Sam Crawford single. Germany Schaefer's single with 1 out plated Donie Bush to make it 2-0 Detroit. Then came the rally killer in the form of a 6-4-3 DP off the bat of catcher Oscar Stanage to end what could have been a huge inning for the Tigers. Typically this type of bad luck will come back to haunt you and it did in the form of a 4 run 3rd inning by the hometown Sahx. After scoring a solo run in the bottom of the 1st to halve the Tigers lead to 2-1 the Sahx went wild with 2 outs in the bottom of the 3rd. Harry Hooper slammed a bases clearing double to make it 4-2. An error by Schaefer at 2nd allowed Hopper to score the Sahx their 5th tally of the game. With Hugh Bedient now firmly in cruise control on the hill the zeros kept mounting on the scoreboard. Detroit put up one last ditch effort in the top of the 9th by scoring on a Davy Jones sac fly off reliever Charley Hall. Eventually the Tigers, who were in no position to trade outs for runs, ran out of outs and the Red Sox concluded the 3 game sweep in front of the home town throng.
Red Sox win series 3-0

Friday, December 20, 2013 - NL Wild Card Series

Miracle Braves outlast Phightin's in epic 5 game series - Click link to view boxscores

Another Miracle happened as the Boston Braves outlasted the Fightin’ Phils in a epic best of 5 game series.

Game 1 – Philadelphia 4 – Boston 3

Game 1 was a portend of things to come. Ace’s Bill James of Boston and Grover Cleveland ‘Pete’ Alexander matched up in quite a duel. It was Boston that struck first scoring in the opening frame on Les Mann base knock. They scored two more in the 4th to lead 3-0. It would stay that until the 8th when the Phillies finally got on the board to make it 3-1.

Alexander led off the ninth with a grounder to Rabbit Maranville who couldn’t come up with it and Alexander was safe at 1st. After giving up a base hit to Milt Stock, Manager Burnette brought in Paul Strand to close the game out. Strand had been 4 for 4 in the regular season. Unfortunately this is the post season. Dode Paskert lined a single to center to load the bases. Possum Whitted lined a shot to left that got past the LF Joe Connolly and rolled all the way to the fence clearing the bases and giving the Phillies a win in game 1.  Phillies lead series 1-0.

Game 2 – Boston 9 – Philadelphia 4

This was only lopsided game of this exciting series. Boston got to Phillies starter Eppa Rixey early and often building a 7-0 lead after 3 and 1/2 innings. Boston’s Possum Whitted had 4 RBIs including a 3 run over the fence home run to earn MVP honors. That’s two games in a row for Whitted.  Series tied 1-1.

Game 3 – Boston 1 – Philadelphia 0 (11 Innings)

As the series shifted to Braves Field, the pitching finally showed up. Brave’s Lefty Tyler and the Phillies Al Demaree traded pitch for pitch. Tyler went the distance in gaining the victory. He allowed only 7 hits and 1 walk in shutting down the hot Phillies batsmen.

That man Possum Whitted led off the 11th for the Braves. His grounder to short could not be handled by Dave Bancroft. Maranville, ever the team player, sacrificed Whitted to 2nd. Demaree issued a IW to Butch Schmidt but then unintentionally walked Les Mann to load the bases. Joe Oeschger was brought in to face Joe Connolly. He hit a ‘yakker’ (yes that is word directly from the official PBP) to Dode Paskert. Paskert’s throw was not in time and the Brave’s left the field as if nothing had happened. So different from today’s players who go crazy sometimes for no apparent reason.

Braves lead the series 2-1.

Game 4 – Philadelphia 6 – Boston 5 (12 Innings)

Another instant classic. Boston took a 5-2 lead into the top of the 9th. Butch Schmidt and Hank Gowdy had a pair of RBIs and Otto Hess was doing just enough to keep the Phillies off the scoreboard for the most part.

Then we come to the top of the 9th. Hess retired Bert Niehoff on a grounder back to the mound. Bancroft then lined a single to left. Light hitting catcher Ed Burns hits a double play ball right to Maranville. Maranville who only committed 4 errors all season, ( he would commit 6 in this series) bobbled it and the Phils had runners at 1st and 2nd. Erskine Mayer batted for himself and hit a grounder up the middle that looked like a sure hit. But Maranville trying to redeem himself for his error, made a diving stop and threw out Mayer at 1st. Phillies now have runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. Milt Stock hit a broken bat blooper (later to be called a Texas Leaguer) and 2 runs scored. Braves still lead 5-4. Paskert lined a single to left and now there are runners at the corner. That man again Possum Whitted hit a grounder up the middle that Maranville fielded but could not make the throw in time. Stock scores and the game is tied.

It would stay that way until the 12th. While both teams had numerous chances to score great managing by both teams kept the score tied. Paul Strand came on the pitch the 12th for Boston. Possum Whitted, yes the one and only, started it off with a line shot to left. Strand tried to pick Whitted off 1st and threw into the grandstand allowing Whitted to move to 2nd. A Gavvy Cravath single puts runners at 1st and 3rd with one out. With the infield drawn in, Niehoff smacked a grounder to 3rd and Red Smith’s throw was in time to nail Whitted at the plate. Dave Bancroft’s floater to center was just out of reach of Johnny Evers and Cravath scored the go ahead run. Eppa Rixey who came on in relieve walked Smith to start the bottom of the 12th, his 6th of the game, but settled down to get the next 3 in order.

We are going back to Philadelphia with the series all tied at 2.

Game 5 – Boston 3 – Philadelphia 2

In a rematch of game 1 starters, the Braves were able to get to Old Pete early scoring 3 times in the 1st 3 innings. Alexander had some bad luck as only 1 of those runs were earned. Bill James on the other hand was cruising. Heading into the bottom half of the 8th, James’ had shut out the Fightin’s on only 2 hits. But as was the case in both of the Phillies wins they would score late and make this a close one.

With 2 runners on Possum Whitted, yes yes yes him again, lined a one out triple to the wall making it a 3-2 game. With one out and the infield drawn in, Fred Luderus hit a hard grounder to Evers who threw Luderus out while holding Whitted at 3rd. Cravath was intentionally walked and Bert Niefhoff hit a grounder to 3rd to end the inning. But the Phillies fans were in a frenzy as they sensed another come from behind win.

Joe Connolly walked with 1 out and stole 2nd trying to get the Braves an insurance run. But Alexander retired the next two batters. As the Phillies came to bat in the 9th you could not hear yourself think. Insults were flying and I think I heard them booing Santa Claus. Manager Ryan sends up back-to-back pinch hitters that James successfully retires. But in a somewhat surprising move Alexander bats for himself and hits a comebacker to James. Third out and series win for the Braves, right? Not so fast my friend. James stumbles over the pitching rubber and Alexander is safe at first. With Milt Stock at the plate, the Phillies try to execute a hit and run. Stock couldn’t hit the ball and Alexander was a dead duck at 2nd.  Braves win series 3-2.

Another Brave’s Miracle as they advance to the NLCS to face the Brooklyn Robins who beat them 3-1 in the regular season.

Thanks to Justin Ryan for one of the most exciting series I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of.

--submitted by Ron Burnette--

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Phightins drop final 2 to STL to settle for 2nd Place - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Robison Field
Alexander vs Griner
Phillies 2, Cardinals 1

The great Grover Cleveland Alexander (6-1, 2.93) was his dominating self today as he pitched the Phillies one step close to the NL regular season flag. Alexander completed the circuit while allowing just 1 run on 7 hits and fanning 2. With the game tied 1-1 after 6 innings of play Fred Luderus singled home Milt Stock for what would turn out to be the game winner.

GAME 2
Rixey vs Doak
Phillies 5, Cardinals 1

A four run fourth inning made the stingy Eppa Rixey smile from ear to ear. For the first time all season Philly's number 2 boxmen got some much welcomed run support. Bert Niehoff and Dave Bancroft each had 2 RBI's. Gravvy Cravath hit his third roundtripper of the campaign.

GAME 3 - Baker Bowl
Perritt vs Mayer
Cardinals 7, Phillies 4

Heading home to the Baker Bowl the Phightins needed just a split to clinch 1st place in the NL. A huge error by hurler Pol Perritt in the bottom of the second led to a 3 run inside the parker by Dode Paskert. Philly would score four runs that inning and the romp looked to be on. Shockingly the second division Redbirds were not ready to fold their tent and help raise the Philadelphia pennant flag. A four run explosion in the bottom of the fourth tied the game up and silenced the very vocal Baker Bowl crowd. Down 4-2 with 2 outs lead off man Lee Magee dropped a two run safety in to tie it. In the top of the 7th the 4-4 tie turned into a 7-4 lead as Dots Miller (4-5) hit a 3 run clout. Pol Perritt, who gave up 4 unearned runs, was stingy to the end as the Cardinals came back from a 4 run deficit to win handily.

GAME 4
Sallee vs Demaree
Cardinals 5, Phillies

Slim Sallee, who had nothing to play for but pride, was not about to go through the motions and crown the Phightins champs. Both Sallee and Al Demaree posted goose eggs on the board until the Cards broke through with 2 in the top of the 5th thanks to a Bert Niehoff error at second and a single by Chief Wilson. A two out Beck single in the 6th made it 3-0. Solo runs in the 8th and 9th made it 5-0, which is how it ended. Philly, who won the first 2 games of the series, couldn't finish off the eliminated men from the Gateway City, which meant that they would have to settle for second place. Salee would fan 7 and allow just 6 hits (2 walks) in a complete game effort. Demaree gave up 5, but 3 of those runs were unearned thanks to Philly's 4 errors on the day. By virtue of the series split the Robins clinched 1st place. The Phightins will open up their best of 5 playoff series vs the Miracle Braves in 2 days right here in the Baker Bowl.

Black Sox take 3 of 4 from Tribe to Clinch AL Top Spot - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1 at Cleveland,

The Chisox plated 9 runs in the second inning and easily coasted to a series opening victory over Cleveland. Grover Lowdermilk earned the victory as he moves to 2-0. Despite the run surge, the Whitesox only managed 9 hits.  White sox 13....Cleveland 5.

Game 2 at Cleveland,

Lefty Williams went the distance to stay perfect at 7-0.  Shoeless Joe Jackson, Chick Gandil, Swede Risberg, and Hap Felsch each collected 3 hits. White sox 8....Cleveland 2.

Game 3 at Chicago,

The Indians got in the win column in the series as they erupted for 8 runs in the third and made it stick.  Tris Speaker drove in a pair and collected four hits in the triumph.  The winner was Stan Coveleski went to 4-1 as he pitched a seven hit complete game allowing only one tally. The loser was Red Faber who was rocked for 8 runs and 12 hits in only 2.2 innings pitched. Cleveland 8....White sox 1.

Game 4 at Chicago,

The Whitesox took the final game and finished the regular tourney at a league best record of 20-8 (which clinched 1st place in the AL).  Eddie Cicotte improved to 6-1 with a complete game win.  Bucky Weaver and Shoeless Joe each drove in a pair for the Sox. White sox 6....Cleveland 2.

Special thanks to James Clouser who helped out by subbing for Cleveland when Bill's internet connection went out.

 
--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Tuesday, December 18, 2013

'14 Braves get Miracle & sweep Cubbies to get to playoffs - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1 – Boston (N) 14 – Chicago (N) 2 (10 Innings)

Jack Pefiester and the Cubbies took a 2-0 lead into the top of the 9th. With one out Ted Cather lined a single to right center. Possum Whitted smashed a grounder to 3rd which looked like a double play ball, but then this is early 1900’s baseball, and Harry Steindfeldt commits the error leaving runners at 1st and 2nd. Johnny Evers, doing double duty playing for both teams, lines a single scoring Cather and sending Whitted to 3rd. Les Mann bloops a single to right center that plates Whitted with the tying run. The Braves load the bases but are unable to score any more runs. The game is tied at 2.

A tired Jack Harper comes on to pitch the 10th for the Cubbies and it isn’t pretty. The Braves score 10 runs and win the 1st in a series where they have to win at least 3 to keep their dreams alive.

Game 2 – Boston (N) 4 – Chicago (N) 2

Great pitchers duel between Dick Rudolph of the Braves and Orval Overall of the Cubs. The Cubs take a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the 8th as Johnny Kling drives in Johnny Evers with the go ahead run. Can the Braves produce yet another miracle?

Butch Schmidt leads off with a walk and is sacrificed to 2nd. With pinch runner Oscar Dugey still at 2nd, Johnny Evers hits a ground ball to Johnny Evers. Surely this is out number 3. But no, the ball goes under Evers glove and Oscar Dugey scores to tie the game at 2. Larry Gilbert grounds a single and now there are runners at 1st and 2nd. Rabbit Maranville follows with another base knock and the Braves have the bases loaded with 2 outs. Overall walks Joe Connolly and Hank Gowdy and the Braves take a 4-2 lead.

Paul Stand retires Cubbies in order in the bottom of the 9th and the Braves win again in miraculous fashion.

Can they do it? Heading back home to Boston.

Game 3– Boston (N) 5 – Chicago (N) 2 (13 Innings)

Game 3 follows a familiar theme – Cubs out to an early 2-0 lead. Braves score single runs in the 4th and 6th to tie the game at 2. But this time the game will go extra innings with both teams having numerous chances of winning before the Braves finally get it done.

Cubs get the lead runner on in the 10th but fail to advance him past 2nd. Braves have runners at 1st and 2nd with no outs in the bottom half of the inning but can’t advance them any further.

The Cubs’ Johnny Evers leads off the 11th with a base hit. He advances to 3rd with one out on a throwing error and sacrifice bunt. Joe Tinker tries a suicide squeeze but misses the ball and is called out on strikes. Johnny Evers, who broke for home on the pitch is a dead duck at home and the Braves dodge another bullet. (Editors Note: I believe this was the beginning of the feud between Tinker and Evers and eventually leads to the trade of Evers to Boston in 1914).

The drama continues. The Braves get two runners on in the bottom of the 11th, but Jim Murray, no not the sports writer Murray, grounds out harmlessly to end the inning. On to the 12th.

The Cubs get the lead runner on via a walk. Beebe bunts Steinfeldt to second. Frank ‘Wildfire’ Schulte hits a screamer to Rabbit Maranville who makes a diving catch for the second out. Jimmy Slagle strikes out to the end the threat.

After all that excitement the Braves and Cubs go down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 12th and top of the 13th.

In he bottom half of the 13th, Butch Schmidt limes a single to right. Red Smith is hit with a pitch to put Braves at 1st and 2nd with one out. Up steps Possum Whitted. With dusk falling and a ball that looks like pulp, Whitted steps up and blasts a 407’ home run to give the Braves a dramatic 5-2 win. This is only the 2nd home run hit out of the park all year by the Braves.

Braves have clinched a tie for the last play off spot.

Game 4– Boston (N) 1 – Chicago (N) 0

Mordecai ‘Three Finger’ Brown was the starter for the Cubs. He came into the game with an unbelievable record of 0-6. Could he possible fall to 0-7? The short answer is yes.

George Davis, getting only his second start on the season for Braves, matched Brown pitch for pitch. Davis pitched a complete game 6 hit shut out.

The Braves only managed 2 hits themselves and scored the winning run on a suicide squeeze by Herbie Moran.

Do you believe in Miracles? Well these Braves certainly do.

--submitted by Ron Burnette--

Sunday, December 16, 2013

'09 Tigers take final 3 in series vs Nats - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1

Walter Johnson scattered 9 hits on the way to his 4th win of the season. He only gave up one earned run. Washington 7 Detroit 4

Game 2

Carl Cashion hit a two run homer in the bottom of the first to give the Nats an early 2-0 lead. Nats hurler Bob Groom took a 3-2 lead into the 9th inning. With the bases loaded and one out, pinch hitter Jim Delahanty popped up in front of the plate. The infield fly rule was called and Delahanty was out. But Nats catcher Eddie Ainsmith dropped the pop up and the Tigers scored the tying run. Donie Bush then singled home two more and the Tigers won 5-3.

Game 3:

Ed Summers pitched a complete game and the Tigers scored just often enough to win in a singularly boring game. Tigers 4 Nationals 3

Game 4:

Earned run average leader Wild Bill Donovan was his era grow today, but only by 4-hundredths to 0.88. In 41 innings over 4 starts and 2 relief appearances he has surrendered just 21 hits and 4 runs, completing 3 games and earning a 4-0 record. When the season started, The Tigers knew they had three fatigue proof starters but the 4th guy was going to have to be rotated. Donovan has put an end to that discussion and looks poised for a solid post season. Tigers 5 Nationals 2

--submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

'12 Bosox sweep Brownies to make playoff surge - Click link to view boxscores

The Sox needed to have a big series and the Browns were ready for KOD19 to start...

Game 1: The Sox scored in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd on their way to a complete game shutout by Smokey Joe Wood. Final score 7-0.

Game 2: St. Louis finally scored in the 3rd, but the Sox bounced back with 2 in the bottom of the 3rd on their way to a 4-1 victory.

Game 3: Again the Browns scored first and again the Sox answered. After giving up 2 in 1st, the Sox scored 6 in the top of the 2nd on their way to another big win. 8-2.

Game 4: The Sox scored 4 in the top of the 1st and did not look back. They won the game 6-2 and swept the series.

The Red Sox outscored the Browns 25 - 5 in the series.

The Red Sox finish at 16-12 which may be good enough for the playoffs depending on how other games turn out.

The Browns....enjoyed their post game meal and look forward to not playing the Sox anymore.

Season MVPs for the Red Sox:

Pitcher - Charley Hall. In 24.2 innings he won 5 games (4 in relief) and had 3 saves. He also threw a complete game.

Position - Tris Speaker. He was only held hitless in two games. He batted .424 with 14 doubles, 3 homers, 23 RBIs and he scored 27 runs (just shy of one per game).

--submitted by Keith MacDonald--

Thursday, December 12, 2013

'19 Reds take 3 of 4 from '04 Jints - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Polo Grounds
Luque vs Mathewson
Reds 3, Giants 2

Interestingly the Reds scored 3 runs and the Giants made 3 errors. Conversely the Giants scored 2 runs and the Reds made just 2 errors. Correlation ? Not sure if there is. What I am sure of is that Christy Mathewson (3-2, 2.09) was once again the hard luck loser here. Edd Roush hit a solo blast down the rightfield line to make it 1-0 Cincy. An error by 3rd Sacker Art Devlin in the 5th cost the Jints another run and an error by second sacker Dunn in the 8th made it 3-0 Reds. New York scratched out 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th to make it close. Devlin's gaffe in the 7th made the fans forget about his 3 hits and 1 RBI on the day.

GAME 2
Eller vs McGinnity
Reds 1, Giants 0

Hod Eller overcame 2 errors and still managed to toss a tidy 6 hitter. Eller (5-2, 1.61) fanned 5. The game's lone run was scored in the top of the 3rd on a Rath single with 2 outs.

GAME 3 - Redland
Taylor vs Ruether
Giants 4, Reds 3

Dummy Taylor (4-3, 2.26) got 26 outs, then had to rely on reliever "Hooks" Wiltse to get the final one and save the game. New York had a 4-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th, but the Reds tied it with a two out pinch hit single by See. The next PH, J.Smith walked and an error by Gilbert at second loaded the bases up for Jake Daubert, who grounded weakly to second to end the Reds rally and the game.

GAME 4
Ames vs Sallee
Reds 15, Giants 3

Cincy unloaded on Ames to the tune of 14 runs in 4 innings. 20 Red batters would reach base on a hit. Greasy Neal led the onslaught with a 4 for 5 day topped off by 6 RBI's. Neale hit his first homer of the year. Dahlen made 2 errors for the Jints, which did not factor into the game. Every Red posted at least one hit.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

'16 Robins take 3 of 4 from '09 Bucs to challenge Phightin's for 1st - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Forbes Field
PFeffer vs Maddox
Robins 3, Pirates 0

Jeff Pfeffer went the distance to shutout the Bucs. Pfeffer had the unusual linescore that consisted of 8 hits and 2 walks allowed with zero strikeouts. Pfeffer had his back up against the wall trying to protect the lone run of the game, which was scored by Casey Stengel, who led off the top of the 2nd with a double and was squeezed home by Ivy Olson. The Robins gave him two insurance runs in the 9th thanks to a costly error by Buc 3rd baseman Jap Barbeau on an Ivy Olson grounder.

GAME 2
Cheney vs Ho.Camnitz
Pirates 4, Robins 2

Cheney and company held a tenuous 2-1 lead until the Bucs scored 3 times in the bottom of the 6th. Hurler Howie Camnitz singled home 2 runs after catcher Simon bunted one home. Camnitz would earn his 3rd win (the team only has 10) of the year by allowing just 2 runs in a complete game effort. His ERA sits at 1.71. In a losing effort Robins 1st baseman Jake Daubert went 3 for 4 to pad his league leading .453 average.

GAME 3 - Ebbets Field
Willis vs S.Smith
Robins 9, Pirates 5

After jumping out to an 8-0 lead after 3 innings of play the Brooks looked like a sure thing to cost to the finish line. 2 errors and some timely Buc hitting chased Brooklyn starter Sherry Smith from the bump after 6 innings (4 runs / 1 earned). Jack Combs got the save for 3 solid innings in relief. Every Brooklyn regular posted at least 1 hit. Zach Wheat and Charles Dillon Stengel each went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's. Buc catcher Gibson was 3 for 4 with 3 RBI's. Utility man Ollie O'Mara, in a rare start, was 2 for 3 with a run scored and a run knocked in. Brooklyn batted 10 batters in the first to get off to a 5-0 start.

GAME 4
Leifield vs Marquard
Robins 6, Pirates 3

Brooklyn desperately needed this game to keep their 1st place hopes alive. The lead went back and forth 4 times before the Brooks nailed the tri-fecta in the bottom of the 8th. Zach Wheat and Jimmy Johnston led off the inning by working out back to back walks. Pinch hitter Mowrey sacrificed both runners up 90 feet. Pinch hitter Ollie O'Mara layed down a perfect bunt to sent Wheat home for the go ahead run. Ivy Olson two run single with 2 out provided the insurance as Rube Marquard (4-2, 2.13) went the distance for the victory.

Monday, December 9, 2013

'09 Bucs take 3 of 4 from '06 Cubs - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1:  Pittsburgh 8 Chicago 1

Pittsburgh Starter:  Maddox

Chicago Starter:  Pfiester

As the bottom dwellers of the National League prepared to do battle you could just feel the bad blood between the teams.  Chicago drew first blood by scoring a run in the bottom of the second as Joe Tinker raced home on a bunt by Harry Steinfeldt.  Pitts burgh answered back in the top of the 4th as Fred Clarke singled, but was thrown out trying to steal second.  Tommy Leach followed with a single before Clarke was thrown out on an attempted steal of 3rd.  3 straight singles followed and Pittsburgh grabbed the lead 2-1. The wheel fell off the cart for Chicago in the 5th as Honus Wagner was hit by a pitch and charged the mound.  Once the dust had settled, Wagner (Pit), Jack Pfiester and Harry Steinfeld (Chic) had all been ejected.  Bob Wicker entered the game to pitch for Chicago and immediately yielded a walk to Dots Miller, a single to Fred Clarke, and doubles to Tommy Leach and George Gibson before the inning came to an end with Pittsburgh extending the lead to 6-1.  Pittsburgh added 2 more in the 7th to close the scoring.  Nick Maddox went the distance for Pittsburgh scattering 6 Chicago hits.

Game 2:  Pittsburgh 5 Chicago 0

Pittsburgh Starter:  Camnitz

Chicago Starter:  Brown

A scoreless duel as neither starter would yield.  Mordecai Brown gave up only 3 hits and Howie Camnitz only 2 through 9 innings.  In the top of the 10th Brown walked Comnitz and Honus Wagner moved him to third with a double.  Dots Miller drove in the first run of the game on an error by Chicago 2nd Baseman Johnny Evers.  Following a single by Fred Clarke, a double  by Chief Wilson and a single by George Gibson, Pittsburgh had a 5-0 lead which is how this one would end after Camnitz retired the side 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 10th.  An outstanding pitcher’s duel and a heartbreaker that lowered Brown’s W-L record to an unbelievable 0-6.  And so the series moved on to Pittsburgh. 

Game 3:  Chicago 5 Pittsburgh 4

Chicago Starter: Lundgren

Pittsburgh Starter:  Willis

Pittsburgh grabbed the early lead in the bottom of the 1st on a Tommy Leach sacrifice fly.  In the third Chicago took the lead with two fielders choices following a single by Jimmy Sheckard and a double by pitcher Carl Lundgren.  Pitts burgh answered back in the bottom of the inning with 2 runs of their own.  In the 6th Chicago tied the game as Johnny Kling scored from third as Sheckard hit into on a ground ball double play.  Chicago added one run in each of the next two innings to take a commanding 5-3 lead.  Pittsburgh closed to 5-4 in the 8th and threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th when Pittsburgh cleanup hitter Tommy Leach struck out to end the game, stranding Honus Wagner on third.  Both starters went the distance.

Game 4:  Pittsburgh 3 Chicago 2 (12 innings)

Chicago Starter:  Reulbach

Pittsburgh Starter:  Leifield

Pittsburgh jumped out to the early lead scoring 1 run in each of the first two innings. Which was all of the scoring until Leifield yielded 3 runs to Chicago in the top of the 8th.  Chicago put up the runs using 4 singles and a walk and with Reulbach on the mound appeared ready to claim a split in the series.   But, it was not to be.  Reulbach, who had pitched well all day could not hold the lead and after innings the game was tied 3-3.  Chicago broke through for 2 runs in the top of the thirteenth off of Pittsburgh reliever Deacon Phillippe for what seemed, at the time, to be a safe lead.  Feeling the heat from a disappointed home crowd, Pittsburgh got it in gear as Chief Wilson lead off with a single and Alan Storke walked.  After a goundout by pinch hitter Ham Hyatt, light hitting pinch hitter Jap Barbeau produced an RBI single.  Honus Wagner then singled and Dots Miller delivered the 2 RBI double to win the game and give the Pirates the series (a rare occurrence in Pittsburgh this season).

Though not a season for either team to remember, this series was a lot of fun to play…no lead seemed, despite starting pitching that had a couple of very notable performances.  Jim called a great series.

--submitted by Mark Nixon--

Monday, December 2, 2013

'09 Tigers sweep '14 A's - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1:  An 11 inning affair won with a double by Matty McIntyre.  Donie Bush had three hits and three stolen bases.
Tigers 6  A's 5

Game 2:  Ed Willett went the distance, earning his first win.  Matty McIntyre drove in 2.
Tigers 3  A's 1

Game 3: Ed Summers goes the distance for the Tigers as their bats explode.  Donie Bush has three more hits.  George Moriarty drives in 3.  Ty Cobb has three run inside the park homer.
Tigers 12  A's 3

Game 4:  Kid Speer throws third consecutive complete game for the Tigers in his first start.  Germany Schaefer drives in Sam Crawford with a ground out in the 8th for the winning run.
Tigers 2  A's 1
--submitted by Tom Davis--

Sunday, December 1, 2013

'16 Robins sweep '04 Cubbies - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Ebbets Field
Pfiester vs Pfeffer
Robins 8, Cubs 1

Jeff Pfeffer (4-1, 2.72) was masterful carrying a shutout until the final out of the game when Johnny Evers singled home Slagle to make it 8-1. Up until that point the Brooks completely had their way with the Northsiders. George Cutshaw (3-5) scored 3 runs and knocked in one as well. Cutshaw was 1 of 4 players to get 2 or more hits. Zach Wheat, who continues to struggle with the bat, still managed to knock in 2 as did Hy Myers. Cutshaw hit the game's only homer.

GAME 2
Brown vs Cheney
Robins 2, Cubs 1

Inexplicably Cub immortal Mordecai "3 finger" Brown entered the game with an 0-4 record. Conversely, unheralded Larry Cheney was 4-0. Both hooked up in a pitcher's duel that saw the latter (Cheney) best the former (Brown) by 1. Chicago jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Sheckard layed down the perfect squeeze to bring home Joe Tinker who led the game off with a triple. That would be the lone run that Chicago would score on the day on Brown's behalf. The bottom of the 2nd saw Brooklyn snatch the lead from the Cubbies on a potpourri of errors, ground outs, stolen bases and a lone safety. The go ahead, and what would be the winning run came when Casey Stengel stole home with 2 out. Good thing he did, because O'Mara hit into a Tinker to Evers to Hofman (where was Chance?) DP to end the inning. Cheney, who saw his record go to 5-0, 1.67 was stellar for 8 innings before taking a powder and letting Wheezer Dell (4 saves) close it out with a perfect 9th.

GAME 3 - West Side Grounds
S.Smith vs Lundgren
Robins 5, Cubs 3

Hy Myers 3 run inside the parker in the top of the 3rd gave Brooklyn a 3-1 lead. Chicago rallied back to tie it with solo runs in the 3rd and the 5th, with the former coming on a blast off of Solly Hofman's bat. Hoffman, who is hitting .414, replaced Frank Chance in the lineup to start the series as manager Walden decided "to shake things up a bit". Times are hard in Chicago these days and manager Walden has been looking for a much needed spark to get his favored Cubbies back on track. Hofman's blast looked to be just that spark, but the euphoria in the Windy City lasted just one half inning as the Robins scored 2 in the 6th to silent the crowd and the Cubs for the afternoon. George Cutshaw (3-5) had another good day at the plate scoring 2 of Brooklyn's 5 runs. Jake Daubert returned to the lineup and the leadoff spot and went 2 for 4 as his average is now at .439. Sherry Smith (3-2, 4.19) was good enough to complete the circuit and get the win.

GAME 4
Marquard vs Reulbach
Robins 4, Cubs 1

Don't let that 4-1 final score fool you. This game was as close as two straphangers standing next to each other during rush hour on the New Lots IRT. Brooklyn manufactured a run in the first when Zach Wheat took one for the team and promptly stole both 2nd and 3rd. Hy Myers, who has been wielding a hot stick, obliged Mr. Wheat's fleet of footness by promptly singling him home. For most of the afternoon that one run looked like 10 runs as Rube Marquard was the master boxman on the West side. That was until the bottom of the 8th when with one out manager Walden relented and let Frank Chance out of his doghouse. The prideful Chance slammed a triple that rolled into the overflow crowd that was seated in the left center pavilion. Joe Tinker's ground out to second allowed Chance to score and just like that the game was tied up after 8 innings of play. As a result of Chance being called on to pinch hit, starter Reulbach had to be replaced on the hill by J.Harper. Harper, while barely effective, was the victim of a rare Evers error at second. Brooklyn batters took advantage with a string of 2 out hits which included RBI singles by Mowrey and Ivy Olson as well as a RBI double from Otto Miller. Marquard would return to the bump in the 9th and give up just a 1 out triple to Kling before retiring Gessler and Sheckard to end the game and win the series sweep. Brooklyn was torrid on the base paths with 7 thefts off Cub backup backstop Walsh.  By virtue of this sweep Brooklyn now has a 2 game lead over Philadelphia for 1st place in the NL.

'16 Phightins take 3 of 4 from '19 Reds - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Redland
Rixey vs Bressler
Reds 3, Phillies 0

Rube Bressler (8 IP) and Luque combined to shut out the Phightins. Shortstop Larry Kopf (2-3) boosted his average to .361. Jake Daubert scored 2 runs. Philly managed just 3 hits, but did get 2 stolen bases.

GAME 2
Bender vs Eller
Phillies 15, Reds 2

Cincy made 5 errors and allowed 15 runs on 20 hits as the Phightins gave them an old fashioned beat down. Catcher Bill Killefer was the only Philly not to get a hit. Bert Niehoff and Fred Landerus each had 4 hits. Gravvy Cravath had 4 RBI. Hurler Chief Bender went the distance, got the win and was 2 for 5 at the dish with 2 RBI.

GAME 3 - Baker Bowl
Ruether vs Mayer
Phillies 3, Reds 1

The Phightin's were able to survive a 7th inning arm injury to starter Erskine Mayer, who was well on his way to his 3rd victory of the season. Mayer was shutting out the Reds when he developed arm trouble. George Chalmers and Joe Oeschger combined to finish the game. Chalmers was a bit shaky in his 2 2/3 innings on the hill, but managed to survive giving up 3 hits and 3 walks. RBI hits from Gravvy Cravath, Luderus and Burns provided Philly with their 3 tallies.

GAME 4
Sallee vs Demaree
Phillies 1, Reds 0

A return to deadball era type scores say Al Demaree and Slim Sallee duel to a 1-0 final. Philly scored the games lone run in the bottom of the first and Demaree made it stand up. With one out Dode Paskert singled, but Possum Whitted flew out weakly to left and the inning seemed all but over. Gravvy Cravath turned on a 3-1 offering and slammed a double off the left field wall that was barely fair. That 2 out double was the difference maker. Demaree survived 3 fielding gaffe's by his team to claim victory.

Week 5 - Saturday, November 30, 2013

'09 Bucs & '04 Jints split series - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Polo Grounds
Leifield vs Mathewson
Giants 6, Pirates 4

The Jints must have thought that they had this game sewn up after taking a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the 3rd and with Chrisy Mathewson on the hill. The Bucs battled back and chipped away with solo runs in the 4th, 7th and 8th to force OT. With the bases loaded in the top of the 10th Byrne was hit by a pitch by Mathewson's understudy Claude Elliott to force in the go ahead run. A two out pinch hit by John McGraw scored George Browne and sent the game to an additional frame. After back to back singles by Art Devlin and Roger Bresnahan to lead off the bottom of the 11th the Jints scored the winning run on an error by of all people Honus Wagner.

GAME 2
H.Camnitz vs McGinnity
Pirates 4, Giants 3

For the second consecutive day the fans in Coogan's Bluff were treated to extra innings. This time the home nine wound up on the short side of the ledger. After a one out triple by Dots Miller, Tommy Leach hit a flair to center that Roger Bresnahan made a diving catch on. Miller didn't miss a beat and came scampering home with the go aeard run. New York threatened in the bottom of the 10th when Bresnahan led off with a single and stole second, but could not advance further because the next 3 batters struck out, popped out and flew out to end it.

GAME 3 - Forbes Field
D.Taylor vs Willis
Pirates 7, Giants 2

Vic Wilis (1-4, 3.00) finally posted his first win of the season as the Pirate bats came alive. Leadoff man Dots Miller was 2 for 5 with 3 RBI's. Ed Abbaticchio, subbing for the slumping Wagner was 1-3 while batting 8th and playing short.

GAME 4
Ames vs Frock
Giants 6, Pirates 3

New York doubled up the Bucs on the heels of great 9th inning comeback that saw the boys from Gotham city score 4 unanswered runs off of tiring Buc starter Sam Frock. New York's top of the lineup (Mertes & Devlin) went a combined 5-10. Pinch hitter Donlin doubled home 2 in the 9th. Sam Mertes and Art Devilin followed with RBI singles to put New York up by 3, which is how it ended.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

'12 Red Sox and '20 Tribe split - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1: Down 5 going in to the bottom of the 9th inning, the Red Sox storm back with 5 runs sending it to a 10th where the Sox walk off with a 7-6 win. Larry Gardner had 3 hits for the Sox including the game winner.


Game 2: Boston again won on a walk off, this time in the 9th off the bat of Heinie Wagner. Red Sox take the game 4-3.
 

Game 3: The home team managed to win another one, but this time it was Cleveland in the fine state of Ohio. The Red Sox scored 1 in the top of the 9th to pull the game back to 3-2, but they could not do anything else. Ray Caldwell pitched 8.1 strong innings for Cleveland.


Game 4: And as expected the home team won the 4th game too. Cleveland blew out Boston 4-1 (hey, that is a blowout compared to the 1 runs game they played in the first 3.) Duster Mails threw 8.2 innings but got tired before he could complete the game.


 
Notes: 
Red Sox are now 10-6.
Cleveland is now 8-8.
 
Tris Speaker for the Sox is hitting .484 with 12 RBI's and 18 runs scored through 16 games.
Charley Hall for the Sox has pitcher 11.2 innings in 6 games. In those 6 appearances he has racked up 4 wins and 2 saves.
 
4 players played on both teams.
 
Tris Speaker
Smokey Joe Wood
Larry Gardner 
and
Les Nunamaker

 
Thanks to Jim Clouser for subbing at the last minute.

--submitted by Keith MacDonald--

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Upstart Cardinals move into 2nd by taking 3 from Bucs - Click link to view boxscores

St. Louis wins first 3 games 2-0,  5-4,  4-3, Pirates win the finale scoring 2 touchdowns and adding the extra points, Cards score 7 errors, getting the snot beat out of them 14-7 or 14-0 depending on your point of view. sorry for the brief writeup, but I am hitting the sack.

Bill Doak won game 1 with 8 strong shutout innings before yielding to Griner, who got the save.  Miller Huggins went 2 for 3 with an RBI and run scored in game two to edge the Bucs by 1.  Dan Griner had to come in to get the final 4 outs and hold off the Bucs who were on the comeback trail to seal the Cards 3rd straight win over the Bucs.  A perfect 4 for 4 for the Dutchman, Honus Wagner, as the Steelers win 14-0 over the Rams in a sport (professional football) that didn't quite exist yet.

--submitted by Gene Couture--

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

'19 Reds & '06 Cubs split 4 game set - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1; Cubs win 4 – 1.

Jack Pfeister, W (1 – 2) gets his first win of the season with a three hit complete game holding the Reds to only three hits Solly Hoffman made two errors for the Cubs one of which gave the Reds their only run, but he had two hits and knocked in two to lead the Chicago attack. Jimmy Ring, L (0 – 1) suffered the defeat.

Game 2; Cincinnati evens the series with a 3 – 1 win.

Mordecai “three finger” Brown, L (0 – 4) suffered his fourth loss of the season in a game in which neither team managed an extra base hit. Hod Eller, W (3 – 1) got the victory on a five hitter. The only run he surrendered was unearned. The Reds scored all three of their runs in the bottom of the third on singles by Morrie Rath and Heinie Groh.

Game 3; Reds coast to an 8 – 4 win.

Cincinnati puts together three walks and four singles good for five runs in the top of the first off loser Ed Lundgren, L (0 – 2) and went on to an easy 8 – 4 win. Dutch Reuther, W (2 – 2) picked up the win but tired in the eighth and surrendered three runs to make a game of it. Dolph Luque pitched a scoreless ninth to give the Reds the victory.

Game 4: Cubs take finale 3 – 0 to earn a split in the series.

Carl Reulbach, W (1 – 2) threw a complete game, five hit shutout and Johnny Kling banged out three hits to lead the Cubs to the 3 – 0 win. The Cubs had a slim 1 – 0 lead and the Reds had two runners thrown out at the plate to kill potential game winning rallies. The Cubs scored two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth to put the game away. Slim Sallee, L (1 – 3) took the loss.

--submitted by Jim Clouser--

Robins & Jints split home and home - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Ebbets Field
Mathewson vs Pfeffer
Robins 5, Giants 1

Complete shocker when Jeff Pfeffer (3-1, 3.44) defeats the incomparable Christy Mathewson, but it happened today. Mathewson gave up 4 runs on 6 hits in 6 inning then left the game for a pinch htter. Pfeffer went the distance and gave up just 1 run. Backup catcher Otto Miller, went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's and a run scored for the Brooks.

GAME 2
McGinnity vs Cheney
Robins 2, Giants 1

Larry Cheney outdueled Irish Joe McGinnity for a 2-1 victory. Both boxmen completed the circuit with Cheney (4-0, 1.80) being 1 run better. Jimmy Johnston hit a solo blast for the Robins.

GAME 3 - Polo Grounds
S.Smith vs D.Taylor
Giants 16, Robins 1

The Jints failed to score in just 2 innings and scored double digits in the other 7 to cruise to victory. "Dummy" Taylor fanned 7 and gave up just one on a day where Jints scored so many runs they could have had Andy Taylor on the hill. On a team that hit like crazy one man stood out above the rest. Dan McGann (4-5) scored 5 runs and knocked in 5. He even hit an inside the parker.

GAME 4
Marquard vs Ames
Giants 10, Robins 1

New York turned a one run game into a run away with 4 unanswered runs from the 6th inning on. Leadoff hitter Sam Mertes (3-4 & BB) scored 5 runs. Centerfielder Roger Bresnahan (3-4) knocked in 4 as the home team wound up winning all 4 games.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Bee's and Phightins split - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Baker Bowl
B.James vs Rixley
Braves 18, Phillies 1

Philadelphia made 6 errors, which led to 15 unearned runs and doomed their chances from the get go. A 12 run top of the 9th didn't do much for Philly's morale either. Bill James boosted his record to 3-0 by allowing just 1 run on 5 hits, and for good measure he was 3 for 6 with the stick.

GAME 2
Rudolph vs Mayer
Phillies 4, Braves 1

All those trips around the bases yesterday must have tired out the Bees as evidenced by the solo run that they scored for today's game. Erskine Mayer allowed just 1 earned run in the top of the 4th on just 3 hits while going the distance. Possum Whitted, only went 1-4, but he knocked in 3 of the Phightin's 4 runs with a huge triple.

GAME 3 - Braves Field
Demaree vs L.Tyler
Braves 5, Phillies 2

Boston jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings of play and never looked back. Lefty Tyler was superb (2 runs on 5 hits) and Rabitt Maranville (3-5) accounted for one quarter of Boston's hits.

GAME 4
Alexander vs Crutcher
Phillies 5, Braves 2

Boston again jumped out to an early lead, but this time fell victim to the injury bug as pitcher Ted Crutcher was forced to leave the game after just 2 scoreless innings on the hill. Relievers Luque and strand gave up all the runs. The great Grover Cleveland Alexander (4-1, 3.22) gave up just 2 and completed the circuit. Dode Paskert was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Whitted knocked in 2 as did shortstop Bancroft to ensure the series split.

 

Mackmen earn split vs Black Sox - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1 at Chicago,

Eddie Collins of the 1914 Athletics smacked three hits and drove in two runs to lead the underdog A's passed the Sox.  Chief Bender was solid for 6.1 innings however the victory went to reliever Herb Pennock.  John Sullivan got the loss (0-1) for the Sox. Athletics 5....Whitesox 3.
 
 

Game 2,


The Chisox evened the series as one of their big aces Lefty Williams went the distance to improve to 4-0.  Right fielder Nemo Leibold hit a solo homerun in the third inning to help lead the Whitesox to victory.  For the day, Leibold collected three hits and drove in all three runs. Whitesox 3...Athletics 1.
 
Game 3 at Philly,

The series shifted to Philadelphia for games 3 and 4.  Southpaw rookie Dickie Kerr made his first start of the season for the Sox but was out pitched by Eddie Plank.  Amos Strunk drove in a pair of runs for the Phily triumph.  Eddie Plank was the hero as he threw a complete game shutout to even his record at 2-2. Dickie Kerr received the loss (0-1). Athletics 4.....Whitesox 0.

 

Game 4,

Whitesox ace Eddie Cicotte pitched another fantastic game as he tied Claude Williams for the team lead in victories at 4-0.  Cicotte went the distance scattering eight hits and no runs in the win.  Chick Gandil and Eddie Collins each drove in a run to help Chicago split the series with Philadelphia.  Whitesox 2....Athletics 0.
--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Tigers take 3 of 4 from Brownies - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Sportsman Park
Mullin vs Waddell
Tigers 7, Browns 2

George Mullin gave up just 2 unearned runs and was the beneficiary of a economical Tiger offense that scored 7 with just 7 hits.

GAME 2
Willett vs Howell
Tigers 5, Browns 4

Two runs in the top of the 9th lifted the Tigers from a one run deficit to a one run lead that they would protect. Ty Cobb (3 hits) and Sam Crawford (2 hits) were the only Detroit regulars to achieve a safety. Detroit's only other hit came from pinch hitter Tom Jones.

GAME 3 - Bennett Park
Powell vs Summers
Browns 4, Tigers 2

The Brownies scored all four of their runs in the top of the 6th. The catalyst was 3rd baseman Hobe Ferris (3-4), who doubled to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. A bases loaded walk to Bobby Wallace and a Single by Jimmy Williams plated more runs.

GAME 4
Grahame vs Donovan
Tigers 6, Browns 1

Detroit rebounded from yesterday's defeat with a decisive victory today. Bill Donovan (1-0, 0.90) was stingy allowing just 1 run on 2 hits in this easy complete game effort. The "Georgia Peach", Ty Cobb, continued his hot hitting (2-4) to increase his avg to .333. Leadoff man Davy Jones (2-3) is hitting a robust .394.

Jints come close to sweeping reeling Cubs - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Polo Grounds
Brown vs Mathewson
Giants 2, Cubs 1

Both teams exchanged solo runs in the first then the mastery of Mordecai 3 Finger Brown and Christy Mathewson took hold. Then in the bottom of the 9th with 1 out the Jints scored the winning run when Bill Dahlen singled home Art  Devlin.

GAME 2
Reulbach vs McGinnity
Giants 5, Cubs 1

"Iron Man" Joe McGinnity dominated Cub batters allowing just 1 unearned run on 4 hits. New York broke a 1-1 tie with 3 huge runs in the home half of the 8th all with 2 out. After a 2 run single by catcher Frank Bowerman the normally surehanded Joe Tinker booted McGinnity's grounder to allow the 3rd run to score. For the 2nd straight day the boys from Coogan's Bluff stole 3 bases.

GAME 3 - West Side Grounds
D.Taylor vs Lundgren
Giants 10, Cubs 1

What's wrong with the heavily favored Cubs ? Today's loss dropped them to 1-10 and has fans scratching their head and asking why. Today their bats were dominated by Luther "Dummy" Taylor. New York's bats were alive and well. Taylor led the offense going 3 for 5 with 2 RBI's along with his stellar 1 run complete game performance on the hill.

GAME 4
Ames vs Overall
Cubs 3, Giants 0

 Orval Overall came to the rescue of the reeling Cubbies with a complete game 5 hit shutout where he fanned 8. Chicago scored all 3 of their runs in the bottom of the 3rd with a much needed 2 out rally. RBI singles by Doc Gessler, Frank Schulte and Harry Steinfeldt (2-4) were all the runs that Overall would need or get for that matter.

Bees take 3 of 4 from Redlegs - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Redland
B.James vs J.Ring
Braves 6, Reds 3

With the game tied 3-3 in the top of the 11th the Bee's exploded for 3 runs of reliever Dolph Luque and never looked back. A 2 run triple by Les Mann and a Sac Fly by Herbie Moran spelled doom for the Redlegs.

GAME 2
Rudolph vs Eller
Reds 4, Braves 1

 Hod Eller gave up just 1 unearned run while going the distance. Amazingly he scattered 9 hits in the process. Edd Roush had 2 RBI's on 2 hits.

GAME 3
Ruether vs Tyler
Braves 1, Reds 0

 Lefty Tyler stymied the Reds allowing just 6 hits to shutout the Reds 1-0. Boston's lone run, and for that matter the game's lone run, came in the bottom of the 1st on a 2 out single by Butch Schmidt.

GAME 4
Sallee vs Hess
Braves 6, Reds 4

A four run outburst in the bottom of the 8th broke a 2-2 tie and put the Bees up for good. An inside the parker by Red Smith got the party started. Four batters later Johnny Evers doubled home 2. Butch Schmidt capped it off with an RBI single. Cincy went down kicking and screaming in the 9th with 2 runs of their own, but the rally ended with the tying run on base and Hod Eller striking out as a pinch hitter.

Tribe take 3 of 4 from Mackmen - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - League Park
Bender vs Morton
Indians 12, A's 2

Chief Bender and company succumed to a 12 run / 18 hit barrage orchestrated by Tris Speaker (4-5, 2 R , 2 RBI) and company. Everyone in the Tribe's lineup, including hurler Guy Morton took part in the action. Even 8th place hitter Bill Wambsganss (3-5) too part in the process.

GAME 2
Plank vs Bagby
Indians 4, A's 1

Boxman Jim Bagby (3-0) allowed just 1 run on 6 hits while completing the circuit. For most of the day his Tribe was training Eddie Plank by a score of 1-0. Then in the bottom of the 8th the A's made two tragic errors to gift wrap the game to their hosts. Errors by Frank "Home Run" Baker and centerfielder Walsh were too much to overcome. They set the stage for a bases clearing double by Charlie Jamieson, which scored 3 runs and broke a 1-1 tie.

GAME 3
Boehling vs Shawkey
A's 13, Indians 0

Bob Shawkey (8 hit shutout) came to the rescue of his downtrodden 9 with a complete game shutout from the hill. In response his boys rallied for 13 runs on 21 hits. Today was also Cleveland's days for folly in the field (4 errors). Wally Schang (5-6) was on base all day as was speedster Eddie Collins (3-6). Shawkey himself was no one trick pony. Philly's boxman was a sublime 3 for 5 at the dish.

GAME 4
Mails vs Bush
Indians 3, A's 2

Euphoria in the city of Brotherly Love lasted but a day as the A's once again fell back toward their losing ways against the Tribe. Up 2-0 and heading into the 6th the Mackmen couldn't nail down the victory. Back to back walks to the pitcher (Duster Mails) and Tris Speaker set the stage for an RBI single by Sewell and then a bases loaded hit batsman (Larry Gardner) to tie the game at 2-2. A bases loaded walk to Joe Evans in the 7th gave Duster Mails a one run lead that he would protect like Ft. Knox. Mails (1-0, 2.00) got the win despite issue 7 free passes and 7 hits.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Bucs and Phightins split - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Forbes Field
Mayer vs Leifield
Phillies 7, Pirates 1

Erskine Meyer gave up just 1 run on 6 hits in this complete game effort and went 2 for 4 at the plate.

GAME 2
Demaree vs Camnitz
Pirates 4, Phillies 3

The Bucs broke a 2-2 tie with solo runs inthe 7th and 8th. Howie Camnitz (1-1) got he victory and went 1-3 at the plate. The "Dutchman" Honus Wagner went 2 for 3 with a walk and scored a run in the leadoff spot.

GAME 3 - Baker Bowl
Willis vs Alexander
Phillies 3, Pirates 2

For 8 long innings it looked like Willis (0-3, 2.63) was going to outduel the great Pete Alexander, but the Phills got their act together and scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th to hand their ace his 3rd win against 1 defeat. Catcher Bill Killefer (2-4, 2 RBI) singled home Gravvy Cravath for the winner. Second baseman Bert Niehoff was 3 for 4.

GAME 4
Maddox vs Chalmers
Pirates 9, Phillies 7 (13)

It took 13 innings and a lot of runs before the Bucs scored 2 big runs to go out ahead of the Phightins for good. Ham Hyatt singled home Dots Miller for the first run of the inning and with 2 out Chief Wilson tallied the second run. Reliever Sam Leever pitched 2 perfect innings in relief to gain his first win as the Bucs and Phighins split a 4 game set.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Red Sox sweep Nats - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1:

After Washington tied the game in the bottom of the 9th, Duffy Lewis and Heinie Wagner each came through with RBI singles to start the series with a Sox 4-2 win. Walter Johnson gave up 1 earned run and has an ERA of 0.69.

Game 2:

Chick Gandil of the Senators hit an inside the park homerun, but the Sox scored 5 and won the game 5-3.


 
Game 3:

The Sox appreciated the home cooking as Duffy Lewis again played the hero, singling in Tris Speaker in the bottom of the 9th as the Sox win 5-4.


 
Game 4:

The Senators held a 2 run lead for all of half an inning as Boston scored 3 in the bottom of the 4th. Ray Collins threw 109 pitches in the complete game win as Boston swept the series with a 3-2 win.


 
Tris Speaker has an 11 game hitting streak and is hitting .469. 

--submitted by Keith MacDonald--

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Black Sox take 3 of 4 from Highlanders - Click link to view boxscores

Game 1 at Chicago,
 
Frank Shellenback made his first start for the Sox. Shellenback pitched well but it was not enough as the Highlanders scored just enough to edge the White Sox.  Willie Keeler rapped out 3 singles in support of Jack Powell; who pitched 8.1 innings and giving up only 2 runs on 4 hits. Highlanders 3...White Sox 2.
 
Game 2 at Chicago,
 
Lefty Williams got the Sox back on track in the second game with a sterling performance that upped his record to a perfect 3-0. Claude went the distance scattering six hits and allowing one measly tally.  Bucky Weaver doubled in Eddie Collins which was followed by a single from Hap Felsh. That was all Lefty needed in the game. White Sox 2...Highlanders 1.
 
Game 3 at New York,
 
Buck Weaver and Eddie Collins both drove in a pair of runs to support Red Faber as the Sox took their second game in row. Faber was strong as he completed the game to give the White Sox a 2 games to 1 edge in the four game series.  Kid Elberfeld thrilled the New York crowd with a solo round tripper in the first inning. White Sox 4....Highlanders 3.
 
Game 4 at New York,
 
Not much offense in the fourth game.  In the top of the first inning, Nemo Leibold singled and was bunted to second base by Bucky Weaver. Leibold advanced to third on a wild pitch, which followed an Eddie Collins ground out to shortstop but that was good enough to plate Leibold; that was the only scoring in this match.  Eddie Cicotte was overpowering but had a close shave in during the sixth inning when Conroy tripled over Felsh's head in center. Conroy attempted to stretch it into an inside the parker but a nice relay from Felsh to Collins to Schalk caught him at the plate. That would be the only hit that Cicotte allowed as he completed the game for his third win of the year. White Sox 1....Highlanders 0.
--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

Friday, November 15, 2013

Robins take 3 of 4 from Cardinals - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Sportsman's Park
Pfeffer vs Doak
Robins 6, Cardinals 1

Jeff Pfeffer (2-1, 4.32) survived a 12 hit barrage and allowed just 1 run while going the distance. Ollie O'Mara (3-3) had 2 RBI's in a rare start at shortstop. Centerfielder Jimmy Johnston also had a 3 hit day and scored twice.

GAME 2
Cheney vs Perritt
Robins 1, Cardinals 0 (10 inn)

 Larry Cheney (3-0, 2.08) had a 3 hit shutout over 9 innings, but still had to rely on a 10th inning run to post a victory. Both Cheney and Pol Perritt threw up goose eggs inning after inning as the game remained scoreless after 9. In the top of the 10th pinch hitter Lew McCarty led off with a double, then scored 2 plays later on a throwing error committed by Cardinal thirdbaseman Ken Nash. The bottom of the 9th was no cakewalk for reliever Wheezer Dell who had to rely on a perfect throw from Zack Wheat to catcher Otto Miller to nail Miller Huggins at the plate and kill the Cards chances of tying the game.

GAME 3 - Ebbets Field
Sallee vs S.Smith
Cardinals 8, Robins 7

A wild and wacky sloppy affair that saw St. Louis almost blow a once insurmountable 8-1 lead. Brooklyn tallied 6 runs over a 3 inning stretch to make this one a nail biter. If not for the clutch relief effort of Dan Griner the Cardinals just might have given this one fully gift wrapped with a bow back to the Robins. Cardinal starter Slim Sallee, who gave up 7 runs (6 earned) in 7 1/3 innings was more valuable to his team as a battsman (3-4) than a boxman. Both teams combined for 5 errors.

GAME 4
Perdue vs Coombs
Robins 9, Cardinals 2

 St. Louis scored a pair of solo runs off Robin starter Jack Coombs in the first two innings of play. That lead stood up until righfielder Casey Stengel hit his 2nd home run of the season to tie it. Then in the home half of the 7th the floodgates opened as the Robins scored 7 runs to turn a nail biter into a laugher. Jake Daubert was a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate to raise his average to a gaudy .478. Utility man Gus Getz got a rare start and was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored to help the Robins move to 9-3.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Bosox and Highlanders split series - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Hilltop Park
J.Wood vs Powell
Highlanders 8, Red Sox 4

 Kid Elberfeld was one of 3 players to get 3 hits to lead a hearty New York attack vs their rivals to the north. Wee Willie Keeler and Dougherty also chipped in with 3 hits apiece. Tris Speaker hit a homer for the Bosox. Elberfeld knocked in 3 runs for the Highlanders who pasted J.Wood and company for 14 hits.

GAME 2
O'Brien vs Hughes
Red Sox 7, Highlanders 3

The boys from Beantown scored 5 runs in the first 2 innings and never looked back. Tris Speaker hit his second homer in as many games (so much for the dead ball) and went 5 for 6 with 3 runs scored. Speaker's average on the season is now .483. Besides playing a mean centerfield he's unstoppable with the lumber.

GAME 3
Chesbro vs Bedient
Red Sox 3, Highlander 0

Hard luck Jack Chesbro saw his record drop to 1-2 as the Highlanders failed to score vs Boston starter Bedient (2-0, 0.56) and reliever Charley Hall, who pitched two shutout innings in relief. Boston scored two runs in the bottom of the 1st and one in the bottom of the second.

GAME 4
Orth vs R.Collins
Highlanders 4, Red Sox 3

Tied 3-3 after regulation and with sunlight dwindling the game headed for extra innings. It didn't take New York long to assume control when Dave Fultz, who hit an inside the park homer in the 5th scored on an RBI single by Kid Elberfield. Boston could not score in the bottom of the fram, so New York evened the 4 game set at 2 apiece.

Nats and A's split home and home - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - Griffith Stadium
Bender vs W.Johnson
Nats 2, A's 0

RBI singles by rookie Howie Shanks and Ray Morgan in the bottom of the first were all the run the great Walter Johnson would need. The "Big Train" rode express right over the A's fanning 8 and yielding just 4 hits. His opposing number, Chief Bender, gave up only those 2 first inning tallies which on most days wouldn't be too terrible unless your opponent was the side arm slinger from our nation's capital.

GAME 2
Plank vs Groom
Nats 8, A's 2

Eddie Plank was victimized by 2 fielding errors and a potent 13 hit attack by the Nats. Bob Groom (2 ER / 9 IP) was the beneficiary of that dreadful combination. Catcher Rip Williams led the onslaught with a 3 for 4 day that resulted in 2 runs scored. Groom sacrificed his way to 3 RBI's in his complete game effort.

GAME 3 - Shibe Park
Hughes vs Shawkey
A's 7, Nats 6

With 2 out in the top of the 8th A's starter Bob Shawkey was ejected from the game for arguing a ball 4 call on a 3-0 count. Shawkey, to that point, had given up 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits. He was relieved by Herb Pennock, who gave up 1 run in exchange for 4 outs. It looked dark for the White Elephant until a 3 run 9th inning rally won the game. Murphy led the inning off with a single, then moved to third when Wally Schang doubled with 1 out. A single by Amos "Lightning" Strunk and a throwing error by Nats rightfielder Walker led to the tying run scoring. A solid single by Stuffy McInnis scored the winner.

GAME 4
Cashion vs Bush
A's 9, Nats 3

No late inning heroics needed today for the A's who scored early and often.   "Bullet" Joe Bush went the distance and also chipped in on the offensive side as well with a homer. "Honest" Eddie Murphy went 4 for 5 with 3 runs scored. Frank "Home Run" Baker was 3 for 5 as the A's piled on 9 runs on 15 hits.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Cardinals take broom to Cubbies - Click link to view boxscores

GAME 1 - West Side Grounds
Doak vs Brown
Cardinals 5, Cubs 0

Bill Doak spins a 4 hit shutout, while fanning 8. Catcher Ivey Wingo knocks in 3 with a bases clearing triple.

 

 

GAME 2
Perritt vs Reulbach
Cardinals 11, Cubs 1

St. Louis shortstop Zinn Beck foes 2 for 4 with 4 RBI's thanks to a 3 run homer. Leftfielder Walton Cruise hitting in the 2 hole went 4 for 5 with 3 RBI's of his own as the Cards paste the host Cubs.

GAME 3 - Sportsman's Park
Overall vs Sallee
Cardinals 2, Cubs 1 (11 inn)

Cubs anemic offense wastes a 10 2/3 performance by starter Orval Overall, who gave up just 1 earned run. Miller Huggins' 2 out single in the bottom of the 11th plated the winning run.

 

 

GAME 4
Pfiester vs Perdue
Cardinals 9, Cubs 4

Despite a 4 run rally in the top of the 9th the Cubs fell victim to the Cards for the 4th straight game to ensure a series sweep. A well balanced Cardinal attack coupled with 6 strong innings from Hub Perdue was all the tonic the hometown team needed.

 

Tigers take 3 from Tribe to move back to .500 - Click link to view boxscores

Sept 1  George Mullin throws shutout, Tigers win 6-0
 
Sept 2  Jim Bagby outduels Ed Willett.  Ray Chapman drives in winning run in top of 9th with sacrifice fly  Indians 2  Tigers 1
 
Sept 3  Tigers get two runs in the second and Ed Summers makes it stand up.  Stan Covelski got little  support from his teammates.  Tigers 2  Indians 1
 
Sept 4.  Ty Cobb hits a three run inside the park homer in the first.  Future Tiger manager Steve O'Neill drives in two in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at 3.  It stays that way until the 11th when, with Sam Crawford moving on a hit and run play, Red Killefer strokes a ball to right that eludes Elmer Smith and Killefer ends up with a two run inside the park homerun.  Ed Killian got the win in relief and loss went to Indian starter Ray Caldwell  Tigers 5  Indians 3 

--submitted by Tom "Crash" Davis--

 

Monday, November 11, 2013

Bucs Leave Gloves at Home - Click link to view boxscores

 

Game 1: Cincinnati 7 Pittsburgh 3
Cincinnati Starter: Ring
Pittsburgh Starter: Phillippe

Pittsburgh jumped out to an early 1 run lead in the bottom of the first as Honus Wagner lead off the bottom of the first with a double and scored when Fred Clarke immediately followed with another double.  The hit was to be the only hit for Wagner, the future Hall of Famer, of the series.  For the next 4 innings the game settled into a pitching duel until Pittsburgh again scored in the bottom of the 6th when Tommy Leach doubled in Wagner who had walked earlier in the inning.  Cincy quickly answered back in the top of the 7th scoring 2 runs on 4 hits.  Not to be outdone that easily, the Bucs scored 1 in the bottom of the 7th as Deacon Phillippe singled in Jap Barbeau who had doubled just prior to the pitcher batting.  Cincy answered in the 8th with a single by Daubert, an error by Wagner and two fielder choices.  The game went into extra innings knotted at 3 and stayed that way until the top of the 11th when Babe Adams, in relief of Phillippe, yielded  a single to Morrie Rath to open the inning.  Rath advanced to second on an error by Pittsburgh CF Leach, a single by Jake Daubert and a fielders choice by Heinie Groh.    A walk to Rath and a double by Pat Duncan put the nail in the coffin for Pittsburgh as they Bucs saw another one slip away on sloppy defense (3 errors).  

Game 2: Cincinnati 3 Pittsburgh 2
Cincinnati Starter: Eller
Pittsburgh Starter: Camnitz

Pittsburgh was determined to get back on top in this one and although they gave up a run in the top of the first to the Reds on an RBI double by Edd Roush , they answered back with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning as the result of two single, a double and two stolen bases.  At this point the game settled into a scoreless duel until Cincinnati put up a run in the top of the 8th when Jake Daubert doubled home Morrie Rath who had lead of the inning with a single.  Despite giving up another single and a stolen base in the inning, Camnitz was able to get out of the jam with a tie.  In the top of the ninth the Bucs again lost their gloves.  Camnitz got into an immediate jam by giving up a single to Cincinnati shortstop Larry Kopf, catcher Bill Rariden moved him to second with a perfect sac bunt before Camnitz struck out Eller for the second out. Walking the leadoff batter, Rath it appeared Camnitz had once again escaped when Daubert hit an easy fly ball to right field which Chief Wilson lost in the sun allowing Kopf to score the game winner from 3rd base.  Once again, the Pirate pitchers lose a close one and have been plagued by poor defense in the early part of the season as Pittsburgh commits 3 errors for the second game in a row.

Game 3: Cincinnati 3 Pittsburgh 2
Cincinnati Starter: Ruether
Pittsburgh Starter: Willis

The series moved on to Cincinnati where it was greeted with light rain which did not dampen the home team’s offense as they came out firing scoring 1 in the bottom of the first and 2 in the bottom of the second.   Pittsburgh pitching yielded 5 singles over the first two innings and along with the two Pittsburgh errors (none of the runs were earned), the Bucs fell into a quick hole they could not climb out of.  Cincy pitcher Dutch Ruether held the anemic Pittsburgh attack to just 5 scattered hits all day.  Pittsburgh again committed 3 errors and extended their 3 errors per game streak to 3!

Game 4: Cincinnati 7 Pittsburgh 2
Cincinnati Starter: Sallee
Pittsburgh Starter: Maddox

This one got away from Pittsburgh in the 6th as Cincinnati put up 5 against a tiring Nick Maddox.  Having seen his bullpen explode before, manager Nixon did not trust the pen enough to bring them in.  With the score tied 2-2 heading into the bottom of the 6th, Maddox got two quick outs before yielding 7 straight singles to the Cincinnati lineup. And with that, this one (and the series) was mercifully over, the sweep was in the bag and the Bucs headed to the train station bar to await the ride home! The good news……Pittsburgh only committed 1 error in this one, giving them 10 for the series.  Edd Roush and Jake Daubert each went 3 for 4 with the latter knocking in 2.

Despite the frustrating performance for Pittsburgh, it was a fun series to play and Jim did a great job managing the Reds.

--submitted by Mark Nixon--

 

Phightin's take 3 of 4 from Jints - Click link to view boxscores

 

GAME 1 - Baker Bowl
Mathewson vs Demaree
Phillies 5, Giants 3

A Bert Niehoff homer off the Hooks Wiltse in the bottom of the 8th broke a 3-3 tie. The Jints battled back from a 3-1 deficit to score 2 in the top of the inning, but Niehoff's blow was crushing. Al Demaree (2-0) went the distance for the win. Wiltse relieved the incomparable Christy Mathewson in the 8th and served up the dinger.

GAME 2
McGinnity vs Alexander
Phillies 8, Giants 7

Pete Alexander pitched like horsebleep (7 runs in 9 innings), but the Jints could not take advantage of his folly thanks to an untimely elbow injury to big Joe McGinnity in the middle of the 4th stanza. The law firm of Wiltse, Milligan and Elliott provided much fodder for the Phightins, who held on for dear life for the win. Centerfielder Dode Paskert hit his 1st homer of the season and scored 2 runs, but the big bat in Philly's lienup was Fred Landerus (3-4), who knocked in 3 and scored 2. Sam Mertes stole 3 sacks for the losing visitors. In total 11 bases were swiped today.

GAME 3 - Polo Grounds
Rixey vs D.Taylor
Phillies 3, Giants 1

The series shifted 90 miles north, but the same results occurred with the Phightin's taking the contest. Philly did all their scoring in the 4th with an RBI single by Landerus, and RBI double by Gavvy Cravath and a sac fly by Niehoff. Mix in a few bunts and stole bases ordered up by manager Justin Ryan and pitcher Eppa Rixey was able to cruise the rest of the way.

GAME 4
Bender vs Ames
Giants 10, Phillies 4

New York broke out their hitting sticks today to salvage a win and avoid being swept. Red Ames went the distance allowing 4 runs on 8 hits. With Chief Bender being victimized for 10 runs in 6 innings Ames' work would be enough for victory. Art Devlin (3-5) and Bill Dahlen (2-3 with 3 RBI's) were the hitting stars.

Comiskey's boys sweep Brownies - Click link to view boxscores

 

Game 1,
Chicago,
Eddie Cicotte pitched a masterful game to improve to 2-0. Rube Waddell went the distance for St. Louis but he got the loss. Rube did not care, he hit a local tavern after the game and drank 32 pints of Guinness without having to relieve himself. White Sox 5.....Browns 1

Game 2,
Bucky Weaver collected 3 hits and drove in 3 runs as the Chisox took the second game of the series in Comiskey Park. Lefty Williams allowed 12 hits and lost his shutout in the ninth inning but hung on improves to 2-0. White Sox 7....Browns 2.

Game 3,
at St. Louis,
The series shifted to St. Louis but the outcome was the same as the White Sox grabbed their third victory in the series. Happy Felsch drove in a pair of runs in the triumph. This game was a little tighter but Red Faber was outstanding as he evens his record at 1-1 with a complete game 3 hitter. White Sox 3....Browns 1.

Game 4,
Shoeless Joe Jackson drove in Nemo Leibold in the first inning with a basehit to center. That was big because it wound up being the only run scored in the game for either team. Bill James, made his first start of the year as he pitched into the 8th inning until he was relieved by Eddie Cicotte. James was credited with the win while Cicotte finished the game for his first save. White Sox 1...Browns 0.

--submitted by Joey Scigliano--

 

Robins fly past Braves - Click link to view boxscores

 

GAME 1 - Braves Field
Pfeffer vs B.James
Braves 9, Robins 5

A 6 run pepper of Brooklyn hurler Pfeffer gave Bill James more than just an abstract lead. Brooklyn's bats got hot, but the Brave bats never cooled. Both teams combined for 25 hits and 4 errors. Brave 1st sacker Butch Schmidt was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 1 knocked in. Catcher Hank Gowdy (2-4) also pushed 2 across. George Cutshaw and Jake Daubert each had 3 hits for the losing visitors.

GAME 2
Cheney vs Rudolph
Robins 7, Braves 2

5 runs over the final 3 frames lifted the Robins on top of the host Braves. Leadoff man Jake Daubert was a perfect 4 for 4 with 3 runs scored. 2nd place hitter Casey Stengel (3-4, with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI's) hit the Robins first homer of the season. Larry Cheney tired after 8 innings and a mere 140 pitches before being replaced by Duster Mails who quieted the Beantown rally.

GAME 3 - Ebbets Field
Tyler vs S.Smith
Robins 5, Braves 2

Back to back errors in the bottom of the 4th by Brave catcher Gowdy led to the flood gates opening up after Jimmy Johnston led the inning off with a bunt single. Successive batters tried to sacrifice over the runners and wound up loading the bases thanks to Gowdy's folly. Fred Merkle singled home the first run. Mike Mowrey scored the second run on a wild pitch by Tyler. George Cutshaw singled home a pair to make it 4-0. Boston cut the deficit in half with RBI ground outs by Schmidt and Gowdy. Pitcher Sherry Smith's RBI single in the 8th added an insurance run to make it 5-3. Smith went the distance to get his 2nd win of the season.

GAME 4
Hess vs Marquard
Dodgers 6, Braves 2

2 runs in the bottom of the 6th broke a 2-2 tie thanks to RBI singles by back up catcher Otto Miller and star hurler Rube Marquard. A two run double by seldom used utility infielder Ollie O'Mara gave the Brooks a 4 run lead that the Marquard would easily protect.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Standings as of Week #1 (of 7)

 

NL
NL              W L Pct  GB  L10 Stk
14 Boston(N)    3 1 .750 -   3-1 L1
16 Brooklyn     3 1 .750 -   3-1 L1
16 Phila(N)     3 1 .750 -   3-1 L1
14 St. Louis(N) 2 2 .500 1.0 2-2 L1
04 New York (N) 2 2 .500 1.0 2-2 W1
19 Cincinnati   1 3 .250 2.0 1-3 W1
06 Chicago(N)   1 3 .250 2.0 1-3 W1
09 Pittsburgh   1 3 .250 2.0 1-3 W1

AL
AL              W L Pct  GB  L10 Stk
19 Chicago(A)   3 1 .750 -   3-1 W1
12 Washington   3 1 .750 -   3-1 W3
20 Cleveland    2 2 .500 1.0 2-2 L2
14 Phila(A)     2 2 .500 1.0 2-2 L2
12 Boston(A)    2 2 .500 1.0 2-2 W2
08 St. Louis(A) 2 2 .500 1.0 2-2 W2
09 Detroit      1 3 .250 2.0 1-3 L1
04 New York (A) 1 3 .250 2.0 1-3 L3

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Nats take 3 of 4 from Highlanders - Click link to view boxscores

 

GAME 1
Chesbro vs Johnson
Highlanders 4, Nats 1

In a historic pitching matchup between the author of an all-time great career and the author of perhaps the single greatest pitching season, Jack Chesbro outlasted Walter Johnson. Chesbro gave up just 1 earned run in a complete game effort. Johnson gave up 3 runs (1 earned) thanks to 2 errors by his Nats. Chesbro, to his credit withstood the 3 errors his NY squad made. Wee Willie Keeler was the hitting star (4-5) with 3 RBI's and a run scored. Keeler tripled and singled 3 times.

GAME 2
Powell vs Groom
Nats 6, Highlanders 2

Bob Groom went the distance allowing just 2 runs on 11 hits. Groom got great support from his 2 and 3 hitters Eddie Foster and Chick Gandhil, who both went 3 for 4.

GAME 3
Hughes vs Orth
Nats 7, Highlanders 4

Washington looked to be cruising to an easy 7-1 victory until the bottom of the 9th when the Highlanders put a scare into them with a 3 run 2 out rally that made the final score look respectable. Rightfielder Danny Moeller went 3 for 5 and scored 2 runs as part of the Nats 13 hit barrage. The "Eddie's", catcher Eddie Ainsmith and thirdsacker Eddie Foster also chipped in with 2 hits. Highlanders centerfielder "Honest" John Anderson hit the games only roundtripper.

GAME 4
Cashion vs Chesbro
Nats 5, Highlanders 0

On just 2 days rest Jack Chesbro was brought back by New York to earn a series split. Chesbro stumble heartily out of the gate allowing the visitors from our Nation's Capital 4 runs in the top of the first. New York was held scoreless by Carl Cashion, who went the distance and allowed just 5 hits.

 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

A's and Bosox split series - Click link to view boxscores

 

Homefield Advantage - What's that? 14 Philadelphia and 12 Boston each take a pair while visiting their rivals home stadium. The series started off looking like we might be playing some deadball.

Game 1 (Boston) Hail to the Chief!!!
Phil 3, Bos 2 Chief Bender gives an exemplary performance allowing 1 ER; Heinie Wagner picks up an inside the park HR.

Game 2 (Boston) Boston walks the Plank
Phil 7, Bos 4: A costly ejection of O'Brien leads to a big inning that Boston does not recover from; Eddie Plank puts in a respectable performance.

Game 3 (Philadelphia) Bedient buries the Athletics
Bos 5, Phil 1: Hugh Bedient controls the Athletics in a strong performance backed by good offensive output

Game 4 (Philadelphia Eagles Stadium) Hooper and many others provide taste of Ruth and Live Ball
Bos 14, Phil 7: The pitchers were destroyed in this game that resembled football more than dead ball. Jimmy Walsh gets an inside the park HR for the Athletics highlight.

Notables...lots of errors, base stealing, triples..box scores viewing advised.

--submitted by Stephen Lee--

Comiskey's boys take 3 of 4 from Cobb's crew

 
Game 1 at Detroit
The Sox trailed 6-0 through 4 innings but scored two runs in the 5th, 3 in the 8th, and 1 in the ninth to tie the game. The winning run came in during the 11th inning when Hap Felsch doubled in Shoeless Joe Jackson. Eddie Cicotte pitched all 11 innings to get the win. White Sox 7...Tigers 6 (11 innings)

 
Game 2
Nemo Leibold banged out 3 hits and drove in 3 three runs for Chicago as the Sox took the second game of the series. Lefty Williams went the distance to earn the win. The Sox decided to go to a local Gin mill to celebrate but onlookers watched in humor as Lefty was pulled out of the bar by the ear by his wife. White Sox 9...Tigers 4.

 
Game 3 at Chicago,
Detroit got into the win column as they defeated Red Faber in Chicago.  Ed Summers pitched all nine innings for the win. Tigers 7....White Sox 3.

 
Game 4
Grover Lowdermilk and rookie south paw Dickie Kerr combined to defeat the Tigers.  Wilkinson got the win despite not being too sharp while Kerr hung on for the save.  Happy Felsch collected three hits and three runs. White Sox 8...Tigers 4.

 
Chicago batted .312 and Detroit hit at a .292 clip for the four game series.
 
 
--submitted Joey Scigliano--

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Gothams and Cardinal split series

 
Game 1

Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson 4 hit the home town Cards as his Giants won 3-1

 

Game 2

the Cards solved McGinnity scoring 3 runs in the 5th downing the visitors 5-4 behind home runs by Miller and Chief Wilson

 

Game 3

in the Polo Grounds Slim Sallee scattered 7 hits and despite the Cards only getting 3 hits the visitors from St. Louis squeaked  out a 1-0 victory

 

Game 4

saw the Cards jump out to a 5-0 lead, but the Giants scored the next 6 runs in winning the finale 6-5

 

If the rest of the games are played this close, this will be a nail bitting KOD18. Larry and I had a lot of fun with these games

--submitted by Gene Couture--

Phightin's take 3 of 4 from Cubbies and narrowly miss sweep

 

GAME 1 - Baker Bowl
Brown vs Demaree
Phillies 6, Cubs 1

The first 5 hitters in the Phillies lineup combined for an impressive 10 for 20 with third baseman Milt Stock going 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored as the lead off man. Chicago had one less hit (11 to 10) than the Phils, but never found a way to push across a run. Al Demaree was the impressive winner, going the distance and yielding just 1 earned run.



GAME 2
Pfiester vs Alexander
Phillies 3, Cubs 2

The great Pete Alexander went the distance and gave up just 1 earned (2 total) run in a 90 degree drizzle. The Phightin's jumped out to a 3-0 lead after 2 innings then held on for the 1 run victory. Joe Tinker (2-4) paced a Cub lineup that once again outhit the Phils and once again came up short.

GAME 3 - West Side Grounds
Rixley vs Lundgren
Phillies 6, Cubs 2

Cub hurler Carl Lundgren tried to nurse a 2-1 lead but ran out of steam in the 9th. Philly scored 5 runs that inning and made this game look like a laugher. Chicago for the 3rd straight day out hit the Phils and still wound up on the short side. Eppa Rixey amazingly gave up just 2 unearned runs by scattering 11 Cub hits in 8 innings. Cubs catcher Johnny Kling was a perfect 4 for 4. He never crossed the plate and he never pushed anyone across either.

GAME 4
Mayer vs Reulbach
Cubs 10, Phillies 9

With 4 runs in the top of the 9th the Phightin's looked like a stone cold lock to finish off the sweep. The Cubbies, who's pride was badly damaged, fought back hard and scored 6 runs of their own to win in fine fashion. Philly got so desperage they had to use starters Bender and Alexander in relief. Neither were effective. Ole Pete took the loss. Pinch hitter Pete Noonan singled beyond the reach of first baseman Landerus to score Evers and cap off the improbable comeback.

Miracle Braves stop Bucs in 3 of 4

 
So much for deadball baseball. I know they only used 1 or balls pre game and it got kind of mushy but after 4 games the Braves are hitting a robust .311 and the Pirates .312.
 
Bullpens were AWFUL for both teams.
 
Braves came from behind in the first two games winning both in their last at bats. Game 2 was highlighted by inside the park home run by the Pirates Tommy Leach. It gave them a 3-2 lead but neither starter Vic Willis nor Sam Leever could hold the lead.
 
Game 3 was close until Manager Nixon had to go the bullpen and the Braves scored 5 in the top of the 9th to win going away.
 
Same thing happened in game 4 except this time Manager Burnette had to go the bullpen. Pirates score 2 in the 7th and 3 more in 8th for a 7-1 win and salvage one game out of the 4 game series.
 
Should be an interesting KOD

--submitted by Ron Burnette--

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Brownies and Tribe split 4 game set

 

Did someone say Deadball. Cleveland and St. Louis think not.

Game 1 St. Louis fans delighted in home opener as they hit back to back in the park home runs. Alas Cleveland responded with 3 runs in the 2nd enroute to a 12 hit 9-4 win. WP Bagby MVP Tris Speaker 0 for 2 3 RBIS and 3 walks. LP Pelty

Game 2 Low scoring after 8 it was 3-1 Cleveland. Cleveland scores 4 in the 9th to put it out of reach but St. Louis roars back scoring 5 but Niehaus came in to get the save and Cleveland wins 7-6 on 10 hits. Game MVP Elmer Smith 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs. LP Howell

Game 3 switch to Cleveland another high scoring hitting affair after 6 it was St. Louis up 7-4 but Cleveland fought back making it 7-7 after 9. In the top of the 12th St. Louis scores 2 and Cleveland could not solve reliever Pelty. St. Louis wins 9-7 on 18 hits, Cleveland had 16 hits. WP Pelty, LP Uhle and MVP Jimmy Williams 3 for 5 with 2 RBI

Game 4 all quiet til the sixth tied at 0-0, St. Louis scores 8 Cleveland responds with 2. Cleveland adds another in the 7th but in the 8th St. Louis scores 2 more. St. Louis wins 10-3 on 19 hits. WP Dinneen LP Morton. MVP Bill Dinneen 6 hits 6 strikeouts, 4 walks and 3 runs over 9 innings.

Both St. Louis and Cleveland could not win any games at home and they split the series 2-2 winning only on the road.
Thanks to Bill for the games.
As I started out Deadball, Bill and I saw no indications of that. Though the ump did call a lot of Deadballs as several batters were HBP.

--submitted by Robert Chisholm--

Dem Bums take 3 of 4 from Cincy

 

GAME 1 - Redland Field
Pfeffer vs Eller
16-Robins 6, 19-Reds 5

Zack Wheat led off the top of the 5th with a triple and 7 batters later the Reds 2-1 lead was now a 6-2 deficit. After an RBI double by Hi Myers plated Wheat, George Cutshaw singled home two. Pitcher Pfeffer, who wasn't stellar on the bump singled home the 4th run of the frame. The Reds were game for battle and got back 3 of those 4 runs in the next 2 innings. Brooklyn had but no choice to go to the pen. Duster Mails and Wheezer Dell saved the day after Jeff Pfeffer had an inauspicious 1st outing. Catcher Chief Meyers (3-5) led all Brooklyn bats with safeties. Both teams would register 11 hits. Part time leftfielder Pat Duncan led all Reds with 3 hits as the home team came up 1 run short in baseball's traditional opener in the Queen City.

GAME 2
Cheney vs Ruether
Robins 5, Reds 4 (10 inn)

It would take one extra turn for these evenly matched squads to settle the score. In the top of the 10th Brooklyn would benefit from 3 walks and a hit. Outfielder Jimmy Johnston, who led off the inning with a walk, would score as pinch hitter Casey Stengel worked out a free pass of his own with the bases jammed. Dutch Ruether, who started the 10th for the Reds, did not get an out and was replaced by Mitchell. Wheezer Dell pitched a scary, but scoreless 10th to save the game for Larry Cheney. Fans might not have been happy with the results, but they were thoroughly entertained with all the action and all the lead changes.

GAME 3 - Ebbets Field
Sallee vs S.Smith
Robins 8, Reds 1

The little ballpark on the corner of Bedford Avenue saw the opening of it's 3rd season go according to plan. Starter Sherry Smith went the distance and allowed just 1 run, which came in the first, on 8 hits. For his service the Brooks scored early and often. 4 runs in the bottom of the first erased Cincy's only lead of the day. Zack Wheat was a perfect 3-3 on the day with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored. 1st baseman Jake Daubert was 2 for 4 with 3 runs knocked in. He was so good he even went 2 for 4 for the Reds !

GAME 4
R.Fisher vs Marquard
Reds 18, Robins 7

The boisterous fans in Flatbush arrived early and began harassing the visitors with threats of a 4 game sweep. The Reds would have nothing of it. Instead the losers of the first 3 games of this series put a 21 hit onslaught on the Brooks that yielded 18 runs. Eight place hitter Larry Kopf looked like a world beater going 4 for 5 with 5 runs batted in and 2 runs scored. Ahead of him in the lineup was left fielder Greasy Neale who went 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 2 knocked in. Centerfielder Edd Roush knocked in 4. Brooklyn looked like an offering from Ringling Brothers, minus the 3 rings, with 4 errors along with some non-existent pitching.