Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

[OmahaBaseball]

While things got a little dicey in the 9th inning, the Boston Americans (43-30) held off the Chicago White Sox (31-42) by a 3 to 2 score.

Sam Leever (12-5) went the distance in his 150-pitch complete game outing, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 12 hits, 1 walk, and 1 wild pitch; Game Score 57. With the victory, Leever 12 wins on the season places him a tie with teammate Noodles Hahn for 2nd place in the American League leaders; 3 victories behind leader Rube Waddell. Charles Bender (9-9) was saddled with the loss after permitting 3 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits, 3 walks, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 8; Game Score 66.

While the Boston offense was stymied at times by Bender's pitching (Lange and Leever each struck out 3 times), Fred Clarke (3 for 4, Double, Run), Chick Stahl (2 for 4, RBI), and Dave Brain (1 for 3, Run, RBI, 2 Stolen Bases) played well. For the White Sox, Sherry Magee (2 for 4, Double, Run), Mike Grady (2 for 3, Double, RBI), and Charles Bender (2 for 2, Walk) played well in defeat.

Player of the Game: Charles Bender

[OmahaBaseball]

I was really hoping that Noodles Hahn was going to come out and dominate this game. Rather, a combination of scattered hits and five (yes, count them 5) errors resulted in the Chicago White Sox (32-42) beating the visiting Boston Americans (43-31) by a 3 to 1 score.

The winning pitcher on the day was Fred Glade (5-14) who allowed just 1 earned run on 10 hits and 1 walk; Game Score 65. Noodles Hahn (12-7) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 3 runs (1 earned) on 10 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 56.

The Chicago offense was led by Sherry Magee (3 for 4, Run, 2 RBIs, Stolen Base), Harry Bay (2 for 4, Run), and Mike Grady (2 for 4, Double, RBI). Leading the way for Boston was Frank Chance (3 for 4, 2 Stolen Bases) and Solly Hofman (2 for 3, Double, Run).

Player of the Game: Fred Glade

[OmahaBaseball]

Despite falling behind early, Johnny Lush kept his team in the game and powered through the sporadic early innings to led his team to victory. In the end, the Boston Americans (44-31) bested the Washington Senators (40-35) by a 7 to 3 score. The Americans hold a 4-game lead in the American League race.

Rookie Johnny Lush (10-9) made it to double-digit wins on the season, as he kept the opposition in line by allowing just 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits, 1 walk, and 2 hit batsmen while striking out 8; Game Score 72. Carl Lundgren (1-3) was saddled with the loss after he served up 7 runs (5 earned) on 13 hits in 8 innings of play; Game Score 34.

Leading the Boston attack was Danny Shay (3 for 4, Double, Triple, 2 Runs, RBI), Bill Lange (2 for 3, Run, 2 RBIs, Stolen Base), John Farrell (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI), and Dave Brain (2 for 4, Double, Run). Doc Casey (2 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI) and Tom Jones (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Johnny Lush (Season: #12 / Career: #12)

[OmahaBaseball]

While the trading deadline is still more than a month away, the New York Highlanders decided to move 28-year old 2B Joe Martin (.306/.336/.447 in 223 PA, 1.0 WAR at AAA) and 24-year old RP Charlie Shields (2-4, 5 Saves, 2.08 ERA at AAA) to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for 24-year old 2B Jack Thoney (.271/.297/.362 in 230 PA, -0.5 WAR at AAA; .222/.246/.296 in 58 PA, 0.0 WAR at MLB) and 23-year old RP Dave Williams (4-4, 6 Saves, 3.62 ERA at AAA). While Thoney has better speed and is 4-years younger than Martin, I think Chicago got the better deal on this one.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a crazy final 2 innings of play. With the score tied 3 to 3 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning, the Boston Americans (44-32) put up 4 runs to seemingly position themselves for the victory. The problem is the Washington Senators (41-35) decided to score 6 runs in the top of the 9th inning to take the game by a 9 to 7 score. The win-probability change depicted in the graph is crazy.

Picking up the win for the Senators was Ed Poole (4-1) despite allowing 7 runs (5 earned) on 11 hits and 2 walks in 8 innings of play; Game Score 36. Ace Rube Waddell was called in for 1-inning of play and picked up his 1st save of the season. Jesse Tannehill (9-9) was tagged with the loss after serving up 9 runs (4 earned) on 15 hits in 8 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 29. Jose Ramos came in for the final 1/3 of an inning and did not allow a baserunner.

Both teams hit the ball well today, with Washington led by Willie Keeler (3 for 5, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs), Duff Cooley (2 for 3, Double, 2 RBIs), Kid Gleason (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 3 RBIs), and Doc Casey (2 for 5, Run, Stolen Base), while the Americans were powered by Jesse Tannehill (4 for 4, 2 Triples, Run, 2 RBIs), Bill Lange (3 for 5, Triple, RBI), and Chick Stahl (3 for 4, Triple, Run, RBI). Of Note, Jesse Tannehill tied the American League regular season game record for triples with 2 in the game.

Player of the Game: Willie Keeler

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Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Cy Seymour was locked in at the plate today, as the veteran player went 5 for 5 (Triple, Run) in the 3 to 2 win over the Brooklyn Superbas.

[OmahaBaseball]

Falling behind by 2 runs after the 1st inning and going up against the best pitcher in baseball, this had the makings of a win for the visiting Senators. Yet somehow the Americans chipped away the lead and put up 4-runs in the 8th inning. In the end, the Boston Americans (45-32) beat the Washington Senators (41-36) by a 6 to 3 score.

This was a solid pitching performance by Sam Leever (13-5), as he allowed 3 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 60. This was Leever's 9th consecutive victory in as many starts. In contrast, this was a terrible outing for Rube Waddell (15-5) in that he allowed 6 earned runs on 11 hits, 4 walks, and 1 balk in 8-innings of play; Game Score 38.

The Americans were able to hit Waddell today, led by Solly Hofman (2 for 4, Run, 2 Stolen Bases), Fred Clarke (2 for 3, RBI, Stolen Base), Johnny Lush (1 for 3, Run, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base), and Bill Lange (1 for 3, Run, RBI, Walk). Monte Cross (2 for 3, Double, Triple, RBI), Danny Green (1 for 3, Triple, Run, Walk), and Duff Cooley (1 for 4, Double, 2 RBIs).

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #9 / Career: #45)

[OmahaBaseball]

Talk about 2 teams heading in opposite directions. In attempt to bolster its bullpen for a playoff push, the National League leading Brooklyn Superas picked up the 1902 NL Fireman of the Year in 23-year old Wish Egan (1-2, 5 saves with 2.92 ERA in 37 IP at Triple-A) from the NL last-place St. Louis Cardinals. In return, Brooklyn sent 21-year old CF Rip Cannell (.191/.309/.235; 70 OPS+, 0.2 WAR in 81 PA at MLB) and 29-year old RP Charlie Jaeger (6-2, 11 saves with 2.06 ERA in 56.2 IP at Triple-A). Cannell (2nd round) and Jaeger (4th round) were selected in the December 1903 draft.

[OmahaBaseball]

After a few shaky starts of late, this was a nice bounce-back outing for Noodles Hahn. On the day, the Boston Americans (46-32) topped the Cleveland Naps (37-41) by a 6 to 1 score. The win keeps Boston in a 4-game lead in the American League race.

Noodles Hahn (13-7) kept the opposing batters off kilter today, as he allowed just 1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 wild pitch in his 120-pitch effort; Game Score 77. "Wild Bill" Donovan was tagged with the loss after permitting 6 runs (2 earned) on 9 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 56.

Leading the Boston offense was Bill Lange (2 for 4, Double, Run, Walk) and Fred Clarke (2 for 5, Double, 2 Runs, Stolen Base). The Naps limited offense was generated by Ed Delahanty (1 for 4, Double, Run) and Harry Wolverton (1 for 3, Double).

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #12 / Career: #73)

[OmahaBaseball]

The Power Rankings are out and the Boston Americans (46-32) sit atop the list. In close pursuit are the Philadelphia Phillies (45-33) and Cincinnati Reds (44-34). The Chicago White Sox (33-45) and St. Louis Cardinals (34-44) occupy the bottom two spots.

[OmahaBaseball]

As the #1 overall selection in the most recent MLB draft, great things were expected of New York Giants pitcher Ed Walsh. While the season has had its challenges, Walsh put together an outstanding week to take home his 2nd career National League Player of the Week award. In picking up the honors, Walsh posted a 3-0 record with a 0.45 ERA with 12 K's in 20 innings of work.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a great week for the most-recent draft class, as the American League Player of the Week award went to the 4th overall selection Hooks Wiltse. The St. Louis Browns hurler posted a 2-0 record with a 0.47 ERA in 19 innings of play to earn his 1st career PofW award.

[OmahaBaseball]

A well pitched game from both teams ultimately turned on an error, as the Cleveland Naps (38-41) prevailed over the visiting Boston Americans (46-33) by a 1 to 0 score. With the loss, Boston's lead in the American League race has shrunk to 3-games over the Washington Senators (43-36).

With both pitchers having a fine game, it is tough situation that one has to lose. In today's game, Kid Nichols (8-12) picked up the victory by tossing a 9-inning shutout in which he allowed 6 hits and 1 walk on a total of 105 pitches; Game Score 75. On the other side of the box score, Johnny Lush (10-10) was tagged with the loss despite allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks in his 86-pitch outing; Game Score 78. Looking at the stats for the season, Lush has received on average 3.8 Runs Support Per Start compared to his teammates good fortune of 4.4 (Leever), 4.5 (Tannehill), and 4.7 (Hahn) runs support per start.

With neither team hitting the ball particularly well, there is limited offense news to report. For the Naps, Jimmy Sheckard, Harry Lumley, and Lee DeMonterville each had one hit on the day. The Americans received a hit from Harry Smoot, Bill Lange, Fred Clarke, Frank Chance (Stolen Base), Dave Brain (Stolen Base), and Johnny Lush.

Player of the Game: Kid Nichols

[OmahaBaseball]

Ugh, another loss due to errors and shaky pitching. In today's letdown, the Cleveland Naps (39-41) jumped to an early 3 to 0 lead and cruised to a 6 to 2 victory over the visiting Boston Americans (46-34). The Americans lead in the AL race is now down to 2 games.

Watty Lee (11-8) picked up the win after limiting the opposition to 2 earned runs on 10 hits and 2 walks in his 122-pitch outing; Game Score 59. With his 3rd consecutive loss, the struggles of Jesse Tannehill (9-10) continue, as he allowed 6 runs (4 earned) on 11 hits, 1 walk, and 1 wild pitch in 8 innings of play; Game Score 43.

The Naps were led at the plate by Jimmy Sheckard (3 for 4, Double, Triple, Run, RBI), Harry Wolverton (2 for 3, 2 Doubles, Run, RBI, Sacrifice Bunt), and Ed Delahanty (2 for 4, 2 Runs). Frank Chance (3 for 5) and Kid Elberfeld (2 for 3, Run) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Watty Lee

[OmahaBaseball]

Chicago Cubs infielder Danny Murphy had a fine game in his team's 5 to 3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. On the day, Murphy went 5 for 5 with a 4 Singles, Double, Run, 3 RBIs, and 2 Stolen Bases. This fine hitting display raised his season batting average .009 points to .319 and his OPS from .783 to .805 on the season.

[OmahaBaseball]

Somedays, things just don't go the way you want them to. Today was one of those days. Here, the New York Highlanders (40-41) roughed up the visiting Boston Americans (46-35) by an 8 to 3 score. With the loss, Boston's lead in the AL standings is now down to just 1 game over the Senators.

The winning pitcher today was Addie Hoss (11-8), who limited the opposition to 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits, 1 walk, and 1 wild pitch; Game Score 68. Sam Leever (13-6) was roughed up, as he allowed 8 earned runs on 15 hits and 4 walks on a total of 136-pitches in 7 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 15. Ham Iburg covered the final 1/3 inning in which he allowed 2 hits and permitted the inherited runner to score. Leever's loss snapped his 9-game consecutive win streak, and resulted in his lowest game score of the season.

The Highlanders offense was dialed in today, as Otto Krueger (3 for 3, Homerun, Run, 3 RBIs), Jimmy Collins (3 for 5, Triple, Run), Harry Davis (2 for 5, Double, Run), and Lave Cross (2 for 4, Run, RBI) pounded the ball. For the visiting team, Bill Lange (1 for 4, Run, Stolen Base) and Fred Clarke (1 for 4, RBI) made some contribution.

Player of the Game: Otto Krueger

[OmahaBaseball]

As the month comes to a close and teams begin to gear up for the July trading frenzy, the Washington Senators picked up solid bullpen help with 24-year old pitcher Dick Braggins (former Top-15 prospect, 3-0 with 7 saves and 1.83 ERA in 64.0 innings and 2.4 WAR at Double-A) and 23-year old minor-league catching in Tom Doran (4th round, #50 overall selection in 1903 draft; .267/.353/.443 in 207 PA for 0.9 WAR at Triple-A) in exchange for sending to the Philadelphia Phillies minor-league catcher Mike Heydon (4th round, #51 overall in 1897 draft; .198/.286/.239 in 253 PA for -0.8 WAR at Triple-A; previous 2 season combined 4.3 WAR at Triple-A). Based on what I see, the Senators got the better end of this deal.

[OmahaBaseball]

Not the way I wanted to end the month. In dropping their 4th consecutive game, the Boston Americans (46-36) were throttled by the New York Highlanders (41-41) by a 7 to 0 margin. The loss drops Boston into a tie for the top spot in the American League race with the red-hot Washington Senators (46-36).

Ace Christy Mathewson (11-14) picked up the win with his dominant 111-pitch shutout in which he permitted just 2 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 4; Game Score 86. Noodles Hahn (13-8) was tagged with the loss after allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits, 4 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 7 2/3 innings; Game Score 29. Gus Thompson covered the final 1/3 inning of play and did not permit the 2 inherited runners to advance base or score. This marked Hahn's 3 loss in his last 4 decisions.

The Highlanders were led at the plate by Jimmy Bannon (1 for 2, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, Walk, Hit by Pitch), Harry Davis (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs), Otto Krueger (2 for 2, Run, Walk), and Christy Mathewson (1 for 2, RBI, Sacrifice Bunt, Sacrifice Fly). The minimal Boston offense came from Chick Stahl (1 for 3, Triple) and Frank Chance (1 for 3).

Player of the Game: Christy Mathewson

[OmahaBaseball]

An overall look at how Boston faired during the month of June. With a 15-10 record, I should be happy. The month began by being in 3rd place in the American League standings, 3-games out of the top spot. To finish the month, albeit on a losing streak, tied for the American League lead is very good.

[OmahaBaseball]

The first three (3) months of the season have had moments of sustained success (11-game win streak) and utter frustration (seriously, can my infielders please not commit another error). Sitting in first place heading into July is something that I am happy with, and affords me the opportunity to be very active during the trading period if the right deal presents itself. Boston has played very well at home (26-14, 650%) but has surprisingly struggled on the road (20-22, .476%). At the plate and on the bases, the Americans continue to perform well; leading the American League in nearly all hitting categories (we lack power to hit the long ball) and base running efforts. On the pitching side, it has been a struggle this year as the rotation has not been as dominant as I had anticipated. Respectable, but not "lights-out" great.