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GESSLER SCORES 1,000TH RUN AS SENATORS EDGE RED SOX
Washington Secures Important 3–2 Victory Amid Tight Pennant Struggle
By Arthur H. Leland
Sporting Times
September 26th 1919
With the contest for the American League pennant still fiercely contested, the Washington Senators strengthened their position today by securing a narrow 3 to 2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on their home grounds. The triumph lifts Washington to a record of 82 victories against 56 defeats and keeps the club firmly engaged in the chase for the championship.
The game was decided by timely hitting in the eighth inning, when the Senators produced the blows necessary to break a tight contest and claim the advantage.
The afternoon carried special significance for Washington outfielder Doc Gessler, who reached a notable personal milestone by scoring the 1,000th run of his career. The historic tally came early in the proceedings during the opening frame. After being struck by a pitched ball, Gessler was advanced steadily around the bases by a succession of solid singles from his teammates, crossing the plate to tie the contest at one run apiece.
Gessler’s contributions did not end there. When the Senators mounted their decisive rally in the eighth inning, he again crossed the plate to add a crucial run that helped secure the narrow victory.
For the day the Washington man collected one hit in two trips to the plate and scored twice. His batting average for the present campaign stands at .273.
Over the course of his career Gessler now holds a batting mark of .266, accompanied by 1,001 runs scored and 633 runs driven in.
Following the contest, Gessler spoke modestly of the milestone. “It is pleasing to reach such a mark,” he said, “but the important thing is that the club gained the victory at such an important time.”
Senators manager Mario Ojeda praised his veteran’s effort in the close affair. “Gessler gave us exactly the sort of play we needed,” Ojeda remarked. “His runs proved vital in a game that meant much to our chances.”
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