Mid-Season Report
The Dodgers and Phillies were going toe-to-toe for the pennant for most of the spring. Then came June 4th when the Cubs beat those same Phillies 2-1 and sparked a remarkable 14-game winning streak. During that span, the Cubs won two in Philly, then swept the Giants and Cardinals on the road, then swept the Dodgers back at home in Chicago. They finished the home stand by winning the first 2-of-3 against the Pirates. On June 19th, the Pirates took the final game of that series by a score of 5-4 thanks to a 2-out single in the 9th inning by pinch hitter
George Pinkney. The Cubs then won 7 of their final 10 games in June and sit atop the division at the season's halfway point.
It should be no surprise that three of the top six batting averages in the league belong to Cubs.
Ross Barnes collected his 3000th hit on May 30th in a 6-1 loss at Pittsburgh off Pirates starter
Henry Boyle.
Cap Anson has gotten his act back together and is hitting .291 with 12 HR and 42 RBI. He has reached the 400 HR mark and became the first player to 1500 RBI.
Hugh Duffy is second in the league with his .333 average, but the most impressive season so far for Chicago may be
Jimmy Ryan's. "Pony," as he is called, leads the league with a .608 slugging percentage and is tied with Cincinnati's
Sam Thompson with 22 homers.
L.A. has had an unexpectedly impressive season so far thanks largely to a resurgent pitching staff that has allowed the fewest runs and has the best starter's ERA in the league. They also have the 2nd best bullpen ERA. Leading the way are veteran
Tommy Bond (11-4, 2.95 ERA), who is now 1 win away from 200, and rookie
Sadie McMahon (10-2, 2.21 ERA).
The vaunted Phillies offense has underperformed thus far. They have hit the fewest home runs and scored only the 4th most runs in the league. Certainly that cannot last. As expected though, their biggest weakness has been their bullpen, although they are ranked 4th overall.
Bill Taylor, their 3rd closer in three seasons, has struggled to the tune of an 8.39 ERA and 5 blown saves in 18 opportunities. He will be replaced in that role by last season's closer
Hardie Henderson.
The Pirates have struggled thanks to an offense ranked dead last in the league. The Giants, on the other hand, have a pitching staff that has allowed the 3rd most runs in the league and has the worst bullpen ERA around. As for the Reds, this may be the last season I sing their praises. They're ranked 7th in runs scored and runs allowed and 8th in defense.
Standings
Batting Leaders
Pitching Leaders
