BASEBALL MONTHLY
May 1878
Chicago No Hits, Still Win!
Candy Cummings of the Brooklyn had it all working on the mound against the Chicago White Stockings on May 22nd. Cummings pitched one of the most dominant games in the history of baseball as he didnt allow a single hit and didnt walk a single man. Still for Cummings one problem remained, he lost the game.
Throwing only the second no hitter in league history, Cummings was given no support on offense and his defense also turned his back on him committing 4 errors. Al Spalding of the Whites was alsmost as sharp on this day and matched Cmmings inning for inning.
The Whites did get a run in the 5th inning when Cap Anson got on second after a 2 base error. Cummings then threw a wild pitch as Anson clearly was trying to rattle the pitcher. On the next pitch catcher Tom Barlow let the ball get past him and Anson crossed the plate without a hit.
Spalding in revigored confidence closed the game out and Chicago got the win despite being no hit in one of baseball's oddities. Cummings was obviously frustrated with the loss and his teams effort behind him after the game. "I cant believe I lost the game!" said Cummings, "go figuire, what are the odds of something like this happening?"
The Whites overall stayed in the race with a 6-4 month. With a 12-7 overall record Chicago is a single game behind Boston, the Whites did suffer a sweep at the hands of the Red Caps earlier in the month.
Ned Williamson the young third baseman of the Whites who had such a promising season last year is a amjor concern. The young man just cant seem to get out of his current slump, and many wonder if he will even finish the year with the club. Williamson is hitting .158 after the two months and is a big liability in the lineup. Will Anson keep putting him in the lineup.
| Catchers | | # | B | Player | Pos | G | AB | H | HR | RBI | R | BB | K | .AVG | OBP | SLG | | 75 | R | Doc Bushong | C | 3 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .385 | .385 | .385 | | 19 | R | Dave Pierson | C | 16 | 59 | 12 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 4 | .203 | .238 | .288 |
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