[Nick Soulis]

Excellence Project — Season 8 Monthly Review (August)
As the final month of the regular season begins, pennant races intensify across both leagues!

Month in Review: August

August was a month dominated by aces and sluggers. The Philadelphia 1910 Athletics extended their supremacy behind a lights-out rotation and MVP-caliber hitting, while the Pittsburgh 1972 Pirates rode a perfect month from Hank Robinson (5–0, 2.72 ERA) to surge up the leaderboard. In the National League, Jack Coombs (5–1, 2.59 ERA, 56 Ks) dazzled, keeping Philadelphia’s momentum strong.

Offensively, Willie Stargell (46 HR, 122 RBI) and Willie McCovey (42 HR, 119 RBI) led the fireworks. Meanwhile, Stuffy McInnis quietly held the batting crown at .352.


Team-by-Team Review

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Philadelphia 1910 Athletics (88–43) — AL East Leaders | #1 in Power Rankings
Pitching dominance and top-tier hitting. Coombs (20–9), Plank (20–?), and Bender (234 Ks) headline a fearsome staff. Offensively, McInnis (.352), Collins (.337), and Murphy (108 RBI) fuel a machine.

Detroit 1994 Tigers (60–71)
Some pop from Tettleton (33 HR), but a thin rotation leaves them far behind.

Boston 1953 Red Sox (57–74)
Solid arms in Parnell (2.72 ERA) and Sullivan (197 Ks), but lack of offensive consistency derailed any postseason hopes.

St. Louis 1947 Browns (50–80)
A difficult August. Roy Sievers is a bright spot, but team struggles continue.

Pittsburgh 1972 Pirates (81–51) — AL West Leaders | #3 in Power Rankings
On fire. Hank Robinson is now 19–1 with a 2.44 ERA. Stargell leads the league in both HR and RBI. The Pirates are surging at the right time.

Seattle 1990 Mariners (63–67)
Jay Buhner (33 HR) is providing thump, but lack of depth hurts.

Minnesota 1998 Twins (59–72)
Fell hard in August. Sluggish bats and mediocre pitching are the theme.

St. Louis 1945 Browns (54–78)
Playing spoiler. Vern Stephens (102 RBI) has been their offensive MVP.


NATIONAL LEAGUE

St. Louis 1926 Cardinals (78–52) — NL East Leaders | #4 in Power Rankings
Hornsby (38 HR) and Les Bell (.328) pace one of the league’s top lineups. They’ll need to hold off the fast-charging Pirates.

Pittsburgh 1913 Pirates (71–60)
Staying within striking distance thanks to consistent pitching. Al Oliver (.342) remains a force.

Chicago 1983 Cubs (53–78)
A lost season, but Jay Johnstone and Keith Moreland still provide excitement.

Washington 1965 Senators (50–81)
Looking ahead to next year. Youth movement is in full swing.

San Francisco 1969 Giants (78–54) — NL West Leaders | #2 in Power Rankings
McCovey (42 HR, 119 RBI) is on a tear, and Gaylord Perry (2.72 ERA) anchors a solid staff. They’ll need to keep Houston at bay.

Houston 2005 Astros (72–59)
Charging hard. Roger Clemens (2.40 ERA) leads the league, and Andy Pettitte (2.87 ERA) adds stability. They’re coming for the West crown.

Cincinnati 2015 Reds (68–62)
Staying afloat in the playoff hunt. A big September from Votto could make it interesting.

San Diego 2013 Padres (66–66)
Hanging around. Headley has been solid, and their pitching gives them a fighting chance.

Final Month Outlook

• Philadelphia aims for the league’s best record.
• Pittsburgh 1972 is on fire and closing in fast.
• San Francisco must hold off the Astros.
• St. Louis 1926 clings to their NL East lead with the 1913 Pirates on their heels.

August Standouts

• Jack Coombs (PHA): 5–1, 2.59 ERA, 56 Ks — SL1 Pitcher of the Month
• Hank Robinson (PIT): 5–0, 2.72 ERA — SL2 Pitcher of the Month
• Willie McCovey (SFN): SL2 Hitter of the Month
• Willie Stargell (PIT): 46 HR, 122 RBI — MVP Front-Runner
• Stuffy McInnis (PHA): .352 AVG — Batting Title Leader

The stretch run is here. Who will claim the crown? Stay tuned for the final push in Season 8 of the Excellence Project!