Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

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Taking to the road did not seem to affect the Boston Americans (17-10), as they jumped out to an early lead and never looked back on their way to a 10 to 1 win over the St. Louis Browns (13-14). The win keeps the Americans with a 1-game lead in the American League standings.

After what has been a disappointing season so far, it was a welcome sign for Jesse Tannehill (2-4) to pick up the win by limiting the opposition to just 1 earned run on 7 hits while striking out 2 on the complete game 111-pitch victory; Game Score 71. Weldon Henley (6-1) was tagged with his first loss of the season after he permitted 9 runs (4 earned) on 11 hits, 5 walks, and 1 wild pitch in 7 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 28. Bill Magee wrapped up the final 1 2/3 innings in relief in which he allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits.

The batting star of the game was Boston second baseman John Farrell (3 for 5, 3 Doubles, 2 Runs, RBI) who set an American League regular season game record for doubles. Solly Hofman (2 for 5, Double, 2 Runs) and Jesse Hoffmeister (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, Walk, Stolen Base) also contributed to the team's victory. The Browns' limited offense came from Kip Selbach (2 for 4, RBI) and Charlie Babb (2 for 4, Run, Stolen Base).

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #1 / Career: #59)

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Not the way to end the month, as the visiting Boston Americans (17-11) fell to the St. Louis Browns (14-14) by a score of 4 to 3. With the Americans holding a 3 to 2 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, the Browns strung together a series of hits, aggressive baserunning, and a squeeze bunt to win the game.

Picking up the win for St. Louis was Tom "Long Tom" Hughes (3-4), as the lanky righty limited the opposition to 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 62. In defeat, Sam Leever (4-2) served up 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 56.

While neither team dominated at the plate, there were several fine hitting performances. For the Browns, George Magoon (1 for 3, Double, Run, RBI), Jimmy Barrett (2 for 4, Run), and Farmer Steelman (1 for 2, RBI, Walk). On the other side of the plate, Sam Leever (1 for 2, Triple, RBI), Fred Clarke (1 for 4, Double, Run, RBI), and Chick Stahl (2 for 4) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Tom Hughes

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With the month of April completed, here is a look at the MLB standings. While the Americans (17-11) got off to a slow start, they find themselves in a tie with the New York Highlanders (17-11) for 1st-place in the American League. The majority of the AL teams remain in the hunt, though the Cleveland Naps (9-19) have a firm lock on last-place; 8 games behind the leaders. The National League race is equally as close, as the Philadelphia Phillies (17-11) maintain a slim lead over the Brooklyn Superbas (16-12) and the Cincinnati Reds (16-12). The New York Giants (11-17) sit 6-games out of the NL top spot.

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With a 17-11 record in the month of April, the Boston Americans have put together a solid start to the season. The team has performed well offensively, as they rank in the top 3 across all categories with the exception of homeruns. Pitching has likewise been solid, though the staff is allowing a few too many hits (and homeruns) for my liking. The runners are aggressive on the basepaths, and play decent (though not great) defense.

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Batting stats report, sorted by WAR.

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Pitching stats report, sorted by Innings Pitched.

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The latest player development report brought welcomed news, as rookie phenom Johnny Lush received a bump up in his control rating, Ernie Groth saw a slight jump in his velocity, and Ralph Caldwell is finding his groove with a velocity and stuff bump.

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Detroit Tigers outfielder Jim Delahanty was rewarded for his outstanding month of batting, as he was named the American League Batter of the Month. In earning his 1st AL BofM award, Delahanty batted .392 (47 for 120) with 6 Doubles, 1 Triple, 1 Homerun, 24 Runs, 12 RBIs, 5 Walks, and 6 Stolen Bases that resulted in a slashline of .392/.421/.483 that generated 1.8 WAR and 0.42 WPA.

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Picking up his 1st National League Batter of the Month award, Cincinnati Reds rightfielder Davy Jones smacked the ball to the tune of a .365 batting average (38 for 104) with 6 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2 Homeruns, 20 Runs, 10 RBIs, 9 Walks, and 8 Stolen Bases for a slashline of .365/.421/.519 for 1.8 WAR and 0.51 WPA.

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New York Highlanders ace Christy Mathewson was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for April. In picking up his 3rd career PofM award, Mathewson posted a record of 6-2 with 1 save while having an 1.69 ERA in 64.0 innings pitched. This resulted in 2.0 WAR and 0.5 WPA.

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Showing that his dominate rookie season was no fluke, Philadelphia Phillies ace Red Ames picked up 2nd career Pitcher of the Month award by posting a 6-1 record and 1 save in 67.2 innings pitched. His efforts resulted in 1.6 WAR and 2.2 WPA.

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Boston Americans ace Johnny Lush as burst on to the scene as one of the league's premier pitchers. In picking up his 1st American League Rookie of the Month award, Lush went 5-2 with a 1.71 ERA in 63.0 innings pitched, while having a 50 to 13 strikeout to walk ratio. He turned out 2.0 WAR and 1.6 WPA.

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The National League Rookie of the Month award was given to Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Frank Smith. On the month, Smith recorded a 4-3 record with a 1.89 ERA in 62.0 innings pitched. With 1.5 WAR and 1.8 WPA, Smith is quickly establishing himself as one of the NL's young guns and a formidable top of the rotation pitcher.

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Eugene Lumberjacks outfielder Bob Unglaub was named the Double-A Batter of the Month after posting a .448 batting average (47 for 105) with 11 Doubles, 4 Homeruns, 28 Runs, 16 RBIs, 6 Walks, and 2 Stolen Bases on his way to a slash line of .448/.477/.667 that generated 1.8 WAR and 1.42 WPA. The Boston Americans prospect his clearly outmatching the competition at the current level and should soon be advancing up a level.

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A rather surprising outcome, as Noodles Hahn was staked with a 2 run lead and was cruising through the first 5 innings. Yet, the 6th inning proved to be too much as the St. Louis Browns (15-14) put up 5 runs and went on to a 6 to 4 victory over the visiting Boston Americans (17-12). The Americans remain in a first-place tie in the American League race.

Hooks Wiltse (4-4) picked up the win, allowing 4 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits and 7 walks to finish with a Game Score 53. Noodles Hahn (5-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing 6 earned runs and 2 walks in 8 innings of play; Game Score 45.

The St. Louis hitting attack was led by Ed Phelps (2 for 4, 3 RBIs), Kip Selbach (1 for 3, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, Walk), and Patsy Donovan (1 for 4, Run RBI). Boston's offense was generated by John Farrell (2 for 4, Double, Run), Frank Chance (2 for 5, RBI, Stolen Base), and Danny Shay (2 for 3, Run, Walk).

Player of the Game: Hooks Wiltse

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Looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1903 season, Detroit Tigers pitcher Nixey Callahan is off to a good start this season. In picking up his 1st American League Player of the Week, Callahan posted a 2-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in 18 innings of play. With 0.72 WHIP, .179 BABIP, and 0.3 WAR, the hometown fans hope that Nixey can keep this going.

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Brooklyn Superbas pitcher Doc Newton was named the National League Player of the Week. In picking up his 2nd career PofW award, Newton went 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA in 18 innings pitched, with 11 strikeout to only 1 walk allowed.

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A tough ending for the visiting Boston Americans (17-13), as the wheels came off in the 9th inning when the Chicago White Sox (14-16) were the beneficiaries of a Hit by Pitch, Single, Passed Ball, Error, and Double to end the game at a 4 to 3 score.

Fred Glade (3-5) was the winning pitcher, allowing 3 earned runs on 11 hits and 1 walk; Game Score 57. Johnny Lush (5-3) was tagged with the loss after his defense let him down, serving up 4 runs (0 earned) on 9 hits, 4 walks, 1 wild pitch, 1 hit batsman; Game Score 62.

The White Sox offense was powered by Sherry Magee (2 for 4, Double), Charlie Frisbee (1 for 2, Double, RBI), and Mike Grady (1 for 2, Run, 2 Walks). The Americans were led by Fred Clarke (3 for 5, Run, RBI), Solly Hofman (2 for 3, RBI), and Johnny Lush (2 for 4).

Player of the Game: Johnny Lush (Season: #6 / Career: #6)

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The Americans once again allowed a late-inning rally to get the best of them. Here, the Chicago White Sox (15-16) used an 8th inning comeback to top the Boston Americans (17-14) by a 5 to 3 score. Despite the loss, Boston remains in a tie for the American League top spot with the New York Highlanders.

Bill Carrick (5-3) had a solid game, allowing 3 earned runs on 9 hits and 1 walk; Game Score 58. Jesse Tannehill (2-5) continues to struggle as he served up 5 earned runs on 10 hits and 2 walks; Game Score 45.

The White Sox offense was led by Charles Moran (3 for 4, Double, RBI, Stolen Base), John Dobbs (2 for 4, 2 RBIs, Stolen Base), and Lew Ritter (1 for 4, Run, 2 RBIs). Boston's hitting-attack was powered by Frank Chance (2 for 4, 2 Runs, 3 Stolen Bases), Homer Smoot (2 for 4, Stolen Base), and Jesse Tannehill (2 for 3).

Player of the Game: Bill Carrick

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The losing streak continues, as the Chicago White Sox (16-16) swept the visiting Boston Americans (17-15) by a score of 9 to 5. Despite the losing streak, the Americans remain at the top of the American League standings; albeit in a 4-way tie with the Highlanders, Tigers, and Senators.

Bill Phillips (4-4) was the winning pitcher, despite allowing 5 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 walk; Game Score 55. Sam Leever (4-3) was saddled with the loss but this was due to his team's lousy defensive play; 9 runs (0 earned) on 9 hits, 5 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 7 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 37. Ham Iburg pitched the final 2/3 inning of the game.

At the plate, Charles Moran (1 for 3, Double, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks), Sherry Magee (1 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, Walk, 2 Stolen Bases), and John Dobbs (1 for 3, Run, 2 Walks) led the way for Chicago, while Fred Clarke (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs) and Homer Smoot (1 for 4, Double, Run, RBI) contributed to Boston's efforts.

Player of the Game: Bill Phillips