[Dukie98]

After the heavily-favored Pittsburgh Pirates won games 4, 5, and 6, the Indians' management feared that an epic collapse was imminent. However, the Bronchos put together two well-rounded performances, winning Games 7 and 8 (as the 1903 Series was a best-of-nine affair) handily, to clinch the series, 5 games to 3. Upon accepting the Commissioner's Trophy, the Bronchos' general manager declared that the good people of Cleveland should expect championships and parades every year. History will determine if this prediction will prove accurate.

Game 7: Cleveland 5, Pittsburgh 1

Although the Pirates drew first blood, Otto Hess silenced them after the first inning, scattering seven hits in a complete game victory. Backup catcher Ed McFarland, starting for the slumping Bob Wood, led the way offensively with two bases-loaded singles, and drove in four runs. Nap Lajoie continued his hot postseason with two singles and scored two runs. And perhaps most importantly, the defense stabilized, turning in an error-free performance in a welcome change from the past three games.

Game 8: Cleveland 6, Pittsburgh 2

The Cleveland Bronchos, picked to finish a distant third in the preseason, are the World Champions, with yet another commanding victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, winners of 101 regular season games. Left fielder Jack McCarthy went four-for-four, with two doubles and a triple, as the Indians rattled Deacon Philippe for thirteen hits. Dummy Taylor, who briefly lost his rotation spot in early June, continued his second-half redemption with a complete game victory, striking out six Pirates batsmen. Nap Lajoie was named World Series MVP, hitting .387 with a home run, 5 RBI's, and 9 runs scored.