[FuzzyRussianHat]

Milwaukee and Minnesota remain nearly deadlocked for both the American League’s best record and the AL West title. Through August 1897, the Brewers remain the leader at 81-55, but the Twins are now one back at 80-56. Minnesota briefly had the division lead before going 1-5 to end the month. Their final four game series starts off September hosted by the Twins.

Both Boston and Philadelphia had lackluster runs in August, turning the AL East into a four-team battle. The Athletics and Red Sox are tied for first at 71-65, but Cleveland (70-66) is now one back and New York (67-69) is four back. The Spiders went 18-10 in August to insert themselves into the mix after entering the month eight games back.

Detroit SS Honus Wagner was both AL Batter and Rookie of the Month with a .367 average, 7 home runs, 29 RBI, and 25 runs. Cleveland’s John Dolan is Pitcher of the Month for August with a 1.67 ERA over 54 innings, 23 strikeouts, and 6-0 record.

Cincinnati struggled to 12-16 in August, causing their lead for both the National League’s top record and the NL West title to shrink. The Reds still hold both at 79-57, but the division lead is down to two games for defending World Series champ Indianapolis at 77-59. Cincinnati notably saw former MVP Kip Selbach out 2-3 weeks to a strained hip muscle. St. Louis at 70-66 is a long shot, but not completely dead at nine back. Notably in the West, New Orleans holds the worst record in MLB by a healthy margin at 51-85.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both finally gained some separation in the NL East. The Phillies are first at 75-61 with the Pirates two behind at 73-63. In bad news for Philadelphia, star RF Bug Holliday is out for the year with shoulder inflammation. Brooklyn (69-67) and Buffalo (68-68) are both still in the fight at six and seven games back, respectively. The Dodgers ended the month on a five-game win streak. Boston (64-72) and New York (63-73) are both likely out of the mix barring a huge shift.

Clowns RF Jack Rothfuss was both NL Batter and Rookie of the Month in August as the second rounder hit .442 with 8 homers, 35 RBI, and 21 runs. Louisville’s Arlie Pond earned Pitcher of the Month on a 1.04 ERA over 52 innings, 49 Ks, and 4-1 record.

Brooklyn 1B Jake Beckley set a new MLB hitting streak record with a 33-game run still active through the end of August. The previous record was Tuck Turner’s 31 from the prior year. August also had the end of a 26-game streak for Indianapolis CF Bill Lange and a 20-game run for Minnesota’s Hugh Duffy. Cardinals CF Charlie Hickman notably hit for the cycle on August 18 facing Cincinnati.

In batting milestones, Athletics C Jack Rowe, Royals CF Jim Fogarty, and Brewers 3B Arlie Latham reached 2000 hits. Milwaukee’s Ed Beecher, Phillies RF Bob Petitt, and Braves 2B Jack Glasscock got to 1000 RBI. Petitt also reached 700 stolen bases along with Cubs OF Mike Griffin. Cincinnati’s Billy Hamilton earned his 800th swipe.