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Americans Navigate Tough Stretch, Eyeing a Quick Turnaround: Manager Collins Remains Confident
May 12, 1901
After a scintillating 8-0 start, the Boston Americans find themselves in the midst of a challenging stretch, with just one win in their last eight games and a four-game losing streak. Manager Jimmy Collins, however, remains confident in his team's abilities, attributing the rough patch to the natural ebb and flow of the long baseball season.
Pitching has been a bright spot, with southpaw Warren Fitzgerald leading the staff at 4-0, accompanied by a 3.00 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. The emergence of rookie Rasty Wright, sporting a 2-0 record, an impressive 0.79 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP, adds depth to the rotation. John Henry (1-2, 2.62 ERA) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-2, 4.54 ERA) round out the starting four.
Offensively, left fielder George Selkirk has been the standout performer, boasting a .344 batting average, two home runs, and 11 RBI in the team's first 16 games. James McCann has also contributed significantly with a .333 average and an .861 OPS in 15 games. Rookie third baseman Albert Pujols has lived up to expectations, hitting .303 with two homers.
However, the team has faced challenges with Barry Evans and Freddie Bynum stepping in for the injured Dave Oliver. Evans is hitting .227 with a .500 OPS, while Bynum has hit .208 with a .500 OPS. The impending return of Oliver and Adam Duvall, recovering from a thumb injury, is anticipated to inject renewed strength into the lineup.
Collins acknowledges the team's recent struggles as part of the game's natural dynamics. He emphasizes that the early-season rough patch, though looking pronounced, is part of the baseball journey. Collins is optimistic about a swift turnaround, drawing confidence from the Americans' capability demonstrated in their stellar 8-0 start. As they prepare to face the Washington Senators in Boston, the team aims to recapture their winning momentum.
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