Week 19 Summary (08/16/1920 - 08/22/1920)

Eddie Collins

Week Nineteen of the 1920 BBW Replay is in the books, and this was an interesting week. It was a relatively slow week schedule-wise as there was a travel day mid-week with several light days wrapped around that. The schedule got busy late in the week and will continue into next week. New York (AL) has played 120 games and the remainder of the league is close behind, so the end is nearing.

Several newsworthy items occurred this past week. The week started out with the tragic death of Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman. Chapman was hit in the head by a Carl Mays fastball as he leaned over the plate, but Chapman never flinched once the pitch was thrown, which left people wondering if he ever even saw the pitch coming at him in the late afternoon shadows of the Polo Grounds.

 

There was a lot of noise following this incident. Chapman was quite a popular person with other plays and fans. There were calls for Mays's suspension from the game and multiple teams started petitions to get Mays removed from the game. Mays had a reputation as a tough pitcher who was not afraid to throw inside, but ultimately the AL president ordained that Mays would not be punished, and about this same time, a certain betting scandal was about to raise its head and overwhelm and this unfortunate incident in history.

 

Before the end of the week a more upbeat event occurred when Chicago (AL) hurler Eddie Cicotte threw the sixth no-hitter of the season:

 

The White Sox ended the week in first place in the AL, albeit by only 0.5 games over the Yankees. They've been here before and quickly fell back behind New York shortly thereafter, so they are well aware of the challenge in front of them. Babe Ruth ended the week by hitting five homeruns in the final four games of the week, putting him at 50 for the season. Just a few weeks ago he was at 41 homeruns at the same time he was at 41 in 1920, but as is his wont, he went on a binge immediately thereafter. Ruth has more homeruns than any other team, but the total homeruns of Ruth's teammates also exceed the totals of any other team.

 

Rabbit Maranville

As far as Cleveland goes, they won the game on Monday in which Chapman was originally injured, but they have lost their four games since, and now find themselves 9.0 games out of first.

In the NL, New York remained in first, but Cincinnati remains right on their tail as they have for most of the summer. The Reds had drawn to within one game of first place after Saturday but ended the week with a two-game deficit. St. Louis has kept up their current hot streak and remains in third place, 1.0 games ahead of fourth place Brooklyn.

 

Cleveland and Brooklyn met in the 1920 World Series, but both teams have found themselves locked in third or fourth place for most of the season, and while they have made occasional forays up the standings, both teams have been unable to make crack the top of the standings. There are six weeks remaining and both teams have less than 40 games remaining, so let's go play.

 

Edd Roush

Week 19 Results (08/16/1920 - 08/22/1920)

Monday, August 16, 1920

Transactions:

 

Pittsburgh pitcher Sheriff Blake made his Season Finale on 08/15/1920. Pittsburgh infielder Howdy Caton was injured (?) on 08/15/1920

 

Cincinnati infielder Morrie Rath was injured (?) on 08/15/1920

 

Washington pitcher Al Schacht returned to the mound on 08/17/1920

 

St. Louis (NL) pitcher George Scott made his Major League Debut on 08/17/1920. Scott had previously been signed as a free agent on or around 08/01/1920

 

Boston (AL) (H) 5 Detroit 2

 

Herb Pennock (11-11, 3.10) didn't give up a run until the seventh and the Red Sox enjoyed a three-run fifth and walked away with the win. Left fielder Mike Menosky had a two-run triple in Boston's big inning and despite getting outhit 12-8 were today's victors.

 

Cleveland 4 New York (AL) (H) 2

 

A two-run double by catcher Steve O'Neill in the top of the sixth gave the Indians their first lead of the game and Stan Coveleski (20-6, 3.41) went all the way for the win.

 

Ray Chapman

Note: On this date in 1920, Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman (Bio) was hit in the head with a pitch from Carl Mays in the fifth inning. After laying on the ground for a few minutes he began to walk off the field with assistance from his teammates. He collapsed soon thereafter, was taken to a local hospital, and died there the following day.

A truly sad day for baseball. Chapman was well-liked among teammates and opponents alike as he was regarded as a cheerful and friendly player. Fans were distraught as well - Chapman had just married the previous year and his wife was currently pregnant with their first child.

 

Over the next several weeks there was plenty of angry talk and how Mays was a dirty player and needed to be removed from the game. There were petitions from teams and threats to not play if Mays was on the mound, but the AL Commissioner finally put his foot down and said there would be no boycotts or suspensions.

 

Mays did have a reputation among fellow players as a tough pitcher, one that was not afraid to throw inside and hit a player with a pitch. In his own defense, Mays produced evidence that there were several pitchers that had more HBP's that season than him and he further stated that while he was not afraid to throw inside, he never hit a batter on purpose. Everyone agreed that Chapman did tend to lean over the plate and on this pitch, he never flinched, as if he never saw the incoming pitch in the late afternoon Polo Grounds shadows.

 

While Chapman and Mays were a hot topic for several weeks, it was soon replaced by the betting scandals revolving around the 1919 World Series.

 

Cincinnati 8 Chicago (NL) (H) 3

 

The Cubs took a 3-2 lead into the ninth, but Claude Hendrix (8-10, 5.25) couldn't close the deal, walked home the eventual winning run, and then gave up a pair of run-scoring hits and the Reds had their victory. Ray Fisher (12-4, 3.58) got the win with some ninth-inning help from Dolf Luque.

 

St. Louis (NL) (H) 1 Pittsburgh 0

 

Both teams were held to five hits but left fielder Burt Shotton's RBI single in the fifth was enough for the Cardinals to get the win. Jesse Haines (21-5, 2.57) got the win over Babe Adams (14-10, 1.26).

 

Tuesday, August 17, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman made his Major League Finale on 08/16/1920. Chapman died after he was struck by a pitched ball from pitcher Carl Mays during the game.

 

New York (AL) pitcher Lefty O'Doul made his Season Finale on 08/16/1920

 

St. Louis (AL) shortstop Dud Lee made his Major League Debut on 10/03/1920

 

Detroit 5 Boston (AL) (H) 2 (GM 1)

 

The Red Sox led 2-1 after the fourth but then the Tigers took the lead with two runs in the fifth and then they added two insurance runs in the seventh to pick up the Game One win. Red Oldham (7-10, 4.12) got the win over Sad Sam Jones (9-14, 3.92).

 

Boston (AL) (H) 5 Detroit 0 (GM 2)

 

Harry Harper (8-9, 2.95) held the visiting Tigers to only two hits, but Harper also knocked a two-run double in the Red Sox three-run eighth, providing himself some additional padding heading into the ninth.

 

St. Louis (AL) 11 Washington (H) 8 (GM 1)

 

The game got off to a fast start with Washington holding a 3-2 lead after the first, but then the Senators scored five times in the bottom of the second and looked to have things well in hand. The Big Browns Machine was present in this game though and the visiting Browns stormed back to win Game One with Bill Burwell (6-2, 4.43) getting the win in relief with help from Urban Shocker in closing out the final innings.

 

Washington (H) 2 St. Louis (AL) 0 (GM 2)

 

Al Schacht (7-3, 2.72), despite suffering arm problems, came in off the bench for a spot start in Game Two and twirled a shutout against the powerful Browns offense, allowing only seven hits. Schacht also drove in an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh with a double off the wall.

 

Chicago (NL) (H) 11 Cincinnati 1

 

Hippo Vaughn (16-11, 2.22) scattered five hits and didn’t allow a run until two outs in the ninth and got the win over Hod Eller (5-8, 4.38). Center fielder Dode Paskert went 4-for-4 with four runs scored, three RBI's, and hit two doubles, a triple, and a homerun (#3) - alas, no single, so no cycle. First baseman Fred Merkle also had a good day - 3-for-5, three runs scored, four RBI's, and a homerun (#1).

 

New York (NL) 11 Philadelphia (NL) (H) 1 (GM 1)

 

The Phillies got on the scoreboard first with a run in the bottom of the first, but after that, it was all Giants as every New York starter had at least one hit, nineteen hits in all. Right fielder Ross Youngs led the hit parade with a 4-for-5 (.353) effort that included a run scored and an RBI. Fred Toney (17-10, 2.29) was happy for the run support and got the Game One win.

 

New York (NL) 9 Philadelphia (NL) (H) 0 (GM 2)

 

The Giants collected seventeen hits in Game Two, giving them a total of thirty-six hits on the day as they pummeled the Phillies pitching again. Ross Youngs led the way again as well, with a 4-for-5 (.358) game that included two runs, two RBI's, and a homerun (#9). Art Nehf (17-5, 2.74) got the win plus chipped in with a 2-for-4 game that included two runs scored.

 

Pittsburgh 11 St. Louis (NL) (H) 4

 

The Cardinals led 3-1 after the fourth but then the Pirates scored four runs in both the fifth and sixth innings and won going away. Wilbur Cooper (18-8, 1.98) recovered from a slow start and got the win while center fielder Max Carey led the offense with a 3-for-5 day that included four runs scored, an RBI, and a double.

 

Wednesday, August 18, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

St. Louis (AL) pitcher Bill Burwell was injured (?) on 08/17/1920. St. Louis (AL) pitcher Adrian Lynch was injured (?) on 08/17/1920. St. Louis (AL) third baseman Frank Thompson made his Major League Finale on 08/17/1920. St. Louis (AL) pitcher Elam Vangilder was injured (?) on 08/17/1920

 

St. Louis (NL) pitcher Bob Glenn made his Major League Finale on 08/17/1920

 

Washington pitcher Al Schacht was injured (?) on 08/17/1920

 

Ty Cobb

Detroit 6 Boston (AL) (H) 1

Doc Ayers (10-6, 3.42) had a one-hit shutout heading into the ninth but lost the shutout when center fielder Ty Cobb misplayed what should have been the third out and allowed a run to score. The Tigers had fifteen hits with eleven of them coming from the top four players Detroit's lineup, with second baseman Ralph Young leading the way by going 4-for-5, scoring two runs, and driving in two runs as well.

 

New York (AL) (H) 1 Cleveland 0

 

Shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh doubled home catcher Muddy Ruel in the bottom of the third and Jack Quinn (17-6, 2.12) went all the way for 1-0 win over Jim Bagby (21-7, 2.54). Harry Lunte took the shortstop position for the Indians in their first game back since the death of Ray Chapman.

 

Chicago (AL) 4 Philadelphia (AL) (H) 3

 

Lefty Williams (16-14, 3.60) was cruising along with a four-hit shutout when A's catcher Cy Perkins hit a two-out three-run homerun (#4) in the bottom of the seventh and, all of a sudden, it was a new game. Williams recovered and finished what he started, with Eddie Rommel (3-3, 4.11) taking the loss.

 

St. Louis (AL) 5 Washington (H) 4

 

With the score tied at 3-3 after the completion of the third inning, it looked like this one was heading towards another offensive explosion, but then both pitchers settled down and no runs were scored until both teams plated a run in the seventh. In the top of the ninth first baseman George Sisler doubled home shortstop Wally Gerber to put the Browns ahead again and this time Carl Weilman (5-11, 6.57) was able to pick up the win to go along with his blown save.

 

Thursday, August 19, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Chicago (AL) outfielder Nemo Leibold was injured (broken left hand) on 08/18/1920

 

Philadelphia (AL) catcher Lena Styles was injured (?) on 08/20/1920

 

New York (NL) pitcher Jesse Winters returned to the mound on 08/20/1920

 

Boston (AL) (H) 11 Detroit 1

 

The Red Sox often struggle to score runs but today built a 3-0 lead after the fifth, and then their offense exploded with eight runs in their final three innings to quickly put away the visiting Tigers. The team had eighteen hits, with every starting player getting at least one hit. Bullet Joe Bush (8-16, 3.98) got the win over Dutch Leonard (7-14, 5.49).

 

New York (AL) (H) 8 Cleveland 1

 

The Yankees woke up this morning in second place, essentially tied with the White Sox, but only trailing by the merest of percentage points. Right fielder Babe Ruth hit two homeruns (#46, #47), but the big hit of the day was shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh's three-run homerun (#10) in New York's five-run sixth that put the game away for the hometown Yankees.

 

Cincinnati (H) 3 Brooklyn 2

 

The Robins scored a run in the top of the ninth to take a 2-1 lead but it didn't last long as in the bottom of the inning first baseman Jake Daubert doubled to lead off the inning and then center fielder Edd Roush doubled home Daubert to tie the score at 2-2. The next batter, left fielder Pat Duncan, then singled home Roush and, just like that, the Reds had the win.

 

Philadelphia (NL) 6 Pittsburgh 0

 

Lee Meadows (6-15, 3.88) twirled a five-hit shutout as the Phillies took game one of their three-game set in Pittsburgh.

 

Friday, August 20, 1920

 

Transactions:
 

Brooklyn catcher Rowdy Elliott was injured (?) on 08/19/1920

 

Washington catcher Val Picinich was injured (?) on 08/19/1920

 

Cleveland pitcher George Ellison made his Major League Debut on 08/21/1920

 

New York (AL) catcher Fred Hofmann returned to play on 08/21/1920

 

Chicago (AL) 16 Philadelphia (AL) (H) 0 (GM 1)

 

The White Sox already led 6-0 when they exploded for a seven-run fifth (all unearned), the big hit being a three-run homerun (#12) from center fielder Happy Felsch. Red Faber (20-9, 1.93) scattered six hits and picked up the Game One win.

 

Chicago (AL) 4 Philadelphia (AL) (H) 2 (GM 2)

 

Not a blowout, but a win is a win, and with the doubleheader sweep the White Sox extended their win streak to seven games and moved from 0.5 games behind New York to 0.5 games ahead of the idle Yankees. Dickey Kerr (12-6, 2.73) gave up nine hits but only allowed only one run and got the Game Two win over Scott Perry (10-18, 3.42).

 

Chicago (NL) (H) 3 New York (NL) 2

 

In the bottom of the ninth Pete Alexander (17-14, 1.85) rifled a single down the line and scored battery mate Bob O'Farrell with the game-winner.

 

Brooklyn 3 Cincinnati (H) 2 (15)

 

Cincinnati shortstop Larry Kopf got the scoring started with a two-out two-run triple in the bottom of the sixth, but Brooklyn tied it up in the top of the ninth when pinch-hitter Bernie Neis drove a double off the way and drove home two runs to tie the score at 2-2. There the score stayed until third baseman Jimmy Johnston singled home catcher Zack Taylor with the eventual game-winner in the top of the fifteenth. Leon Cadore (14-5, 2.66) threw seven innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win.

 

Pittsburgh (H) 6 Philadelphia (NL) 1

 

A pair of triples in the first gave the Pirates a quick 2-0 lead and they went on from there to walk away with the easy win over their cross-state rival. Max Carey hit his second triple of the game to help add some insurance runs for Elmer Ponder (10-5, 2.18).

 

St. Louis (NL) (H) 4 Boston (NL) 2

 

Boston shortstop Rabbit Maranville was back in the starting lineup today after having been absent for the previous week and Maranville did drive in both of Boston's runs, but it was enough as St. Louis scored three times in the fourth and Bill Doak (18-7, 1.99) and Bill Sherdel held off the Braves attack.

 

Saturday, August 21, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Brooklyn pitcher Clarence Mitchell was injured (?) on 08/20/1920. Brooklyn pitcher George Mohart was injured (?) on 08/20/1920. Brooklyn catcher Zack Taylor was injured (?) on 08/20/1920

 

Cincinnati pitcher Buddy Napier made his Season Debut on 08/22/1920

 

Boston (AL) (H) 3 Cleveland 0 (GM 1)

 

Waite Hoyt (3-5, 5.03) twirled a five-hit shutout for the Game One win, although Guy Morton (1-12, 7.83) pitched a strong game as well. First baseman Stuffy McInnis hit a two-out two-run double in the eighth to lock the game up for the Red Sox.

 

Boston (AL) (H) 3 Cleveland 1 (GM 2)

 

The Indians scored their first (and only) run of the day in the top of the first but then the normally solid Cleveland defense crumbled, committing five errors, and allowing the Red Sox to walk away with the doubleheader sweep. Herb Pennock (12-11, 3.00) throttled the Indians and walked away with the Game Two win.

 

New York (AL) (H) 12 Detroit 7

 

The Tigers led 4-0 after the top of the fourth but the Yankees scored five times in the bottom of the inning and the rout was on. Right fielder Babe Ruth hit two homeruns (#48, #49) for the second consecutive game to power the offense and Rip Collins (8-5, 2.82) picked up the win despite a shaky start and with help from the Yankees bullpen.

 

Chicago (AL) 1 Washington (H) 0 (No-Hitter!)

 

Eddie Cicotte (19-5, 2.95) walked three but gave up no hits for the sixth no-hitter of the season. The White Sox scored a run in the top of the first, and while it wasn't much, it was enough for Cicotte today. Tom Zachary (15-11, 3.76) was the hard-luck loser.

 

 

Eddie Cicotte

Chicago (NL) (H) 4 New York (NL) 3

Three times the Giants took a one-run lead and three times the Cubs tied the game back up, and then in the bottom of the ninth first baseman Fred Merkle led off with a single, stole second, and then scored the game-winning run on a single by third baseman Charlie Deal.

 

Cincinnati (H) 5 Brooklyn 4

 

After a three-run third, the Robins led 4-2, but by the end of the fifth, it was the Reds on top 5-4. There the score stayed as Hod Eller (6-8, 4.35) and Rube Marquard (5-11, 4.08) shut down the opposition the rest of the way, but it was Eller who came away victorious.

 

Philadelphia (NL) 4 Pittsburgh (H) 1 (11) (GM 1)

 

The Pirates scored a run in the first, the Phillies tied it 1-1 in the fourth, but then Eppa Rixey (9-17, 4.58) and Wilbur Cooper (18-9, 2.00) dominated the game thereafter, and play soon extended in extra innings. In the top of the eleventh Philadelphia put up a four-spot to take the lead and secure the win for Rixey, who only allowed four Pittsburgh hits.

 

Pittsburgh (H) 4 Philadelphia (NL) 3 (10) (GM 2)

 

The Pirates got the Game Two win, but they had to score a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the score at 3-3 and to send the game into extras, and then they wasted no time by scoring the game-winner in the bottom of the tenth. Elmer Ponder (11-5, 2.16) got the win in relief.

 

St. Louis (NL) (H) 7 Boston (NL) 5

 

The Cardinals scored three runs in the first and then added three more in the third and Jesse Haines (22-5, 2.54) got the win. Boston scored three runs in the eighth and forced St. Louis to dig into their bullpen, but the rally attempt fell short.

 

Sunday, August 22, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Boston (AL) outfielder Gene Bailey was injured (?) on 08/21/1920. Boston (AL) infielder Mike McNally was injured (?) on 08/21/1920

 

Cleveland pitcher George Ellison made his Major League Finale on 08/21/1920. Cleveland catcher Pinch Thomas made his Season Finale on 08/21/1920. Cleveland outfielder Joe Evans returned to play on 08/23/1920

 

New York (AL) catcher Fred Hofmann was injured (?) on 08/21/1920. New York (AL) pitcher Ernie Shore made his Major League Finale on 08/22/1920

 

Detroit pitcher Bill Morrisette made his Season Debut on 08/23/1920

 

Philadelphia (AL) pitcher John Slappey made his Major League Debut on 08/23/1920. Slappey had previously been signed as a free agent

 

Detroit 5 New York (AL) (H) 1

 

The Tigers jumped on Jack Quinn (17-7, 2.19) for four runs in the top of the first and Howard Ehmke (9-17, 3.08) cruised home with the Sunday win. Right fielder Babe Ruth hit a solo homerun (#50), his fifth homerun in the last four games.

 

Washington (H) 8 Chicago (AL) 0

 

Eric Erickson (11-9, 3.74) was the star of the game as he not only shut out the league-leading White Sox on only four hits, but Erickson had four hits himself (4-for-4), plus he scored two runs, drove in four, with three of those RBI's coming on a three-run homerun (#2) in the second.

 

New York (NL) 5 Chicago (NL) (H) 2

 

Hippo Vaughn (16-12, 2.34) experienced control problems in the first, and the Giants were able to take advantage when second baseman Larry Doyle stroked a two-out two-run double in the three-run outburst. Fred Toney (18-10, 2.28) took over from there and held the Cubs back and got the complete-game victory.

 

Leon Cadore

Brooklyn 2 Cincinnati (H) 0

Leon Cadore (15-5, 2.58) shut out the Reds and Cadore also provided the offense when he hit a two-run homerun (#3) in the top of the third. Jimmy Ring (12-11, 4.16) pitched well but took the loss.

 

Boston (NL) 5 St. Louis (NL) (H) 1 (GM 1)

 

The Braves jumped on Bill Doak (18-8, 2.09) with four runs in the top of the fourth and Jack Scott (3-19, 4.40) took that lead and ran with it for the Game One win.

 

St. Louis (NL) (H) 4 Boston (NL) 3 (10) (GM 2)

 

The Braves scored three times in the top of the fifth to take a 3-0 lead, but this time the Cardinals were able to come back, although it took until two outs in the bottom of the ninth before they could tie the score and send the game into extra innings. In the bottom of the tenth first baseman Jack Fournier scored the game-winner when center fielder Ray Powell dropped a sure third out.

Week 18 Results (08/09/1920 - 08/15/1920)

Max Carey

Week Eighteen of the 1920 BBW Replay is in the books, and things are tightening up in both leagues. Boston (NL) finally played game #100 a few days ago as about half the league has surpassed the 110 games played mark. There are still plenty of doubleheaders scattered around the schedule as all teams are scrambling to catch up with their games played deficits. Boston (NL) had five doubvle3headers this past week, including three in a row to end the week. Their record for these games was 4-6, not bad, even if they ended the week with a doubleheader sweep over the first-place Giants.

The Yankees are still in first place in the AL, but only 0.5 games ahead of second-place Chicago. Both teams have gone 8-2 over their past ten games and it is expected that their final six head-to-head matchups will be quite exciting. Cleveland had cut into the Yankees lead as well, but struggled this past week and is now 6.5 games behind the league leaders. The fourth-place Browns aren’t a real threat to Cleveland as they are still trailing by 7.5 games, but they have now opened a 4.5 games lead over fifth-place Washington. St. Louis is leading the AL in hitting, but unfortunately, they are last in the AL in ERA.

 

Bucky Harris

The New York Giants have been leading the NL for a long time now and Cincinnati has been on their tail for the same time. The Reds ended the week only 1.5 games behind the Giants, with Sunday's surprising doubleheader sweep by the Braves over New York definitely helping their cause. Brooklyn and St. Louis are both 6.5 games out of first, with both teams taking turns swapping third and fourth place back and forth, and Pittsburgh right behind them, mainly just causing trouble for those ahead of them in the standings.

The Ray Chapman tragedy will occur tomorrow. I will write more about this and the repercussions following the incident over the next week. But as the season winds down, there is another scandal lurking which hasn't yet begun to surface. So, let's go play, and let's see what happens.

Ray Schalk

Zack Wheat

Week 18 Results (08/09/1920 - 08/15/1920)

Monday, August 9, 1920 

Transactions: N/A

 

Happy Felsch

Chicago (AL) (H) 8 Washington 1 (GM 1)

The White Sox gathered twenty hits in their Game One win and Eddie Cicotte (17-5, 3.02) checked in with three hits of his own. Center fielder Happy Felsch had the big bat today as he went 4-for-5 with a run scored, three RBI's, hit two doubles, and a homerun (#11)

 

Chicago (AL) (H) 11 Washington 5 (GM 2)

 

The Senators led 5-1 after the top of the fourth, but then Lefty Williams (15-14, 3.63) started the White Sox comeback with a two-run single in the bottom of the fourth. Williams added RBI #3 in Chicago's four-run sixth and the rout was on. The White Sox had fifteen hits in Game Two, giving them a total of 35 hits on the day.

 

New York (AL) 13 Cleveland (H) 5

 

Right fielder Babe Ruth hit a two-run homerun (#42) in the top of the first and at the end of four the score was still 2-0, but then the Yankees broke through for six runs in the top of the fifth and, now into the Indians bullpen, pounded away from there. Bob Shawkey got the start for New York, but before the end of the first Shawkey took himself out of the game because he was experiencing arm problems. Hank Thormahlen (5-7, 4.41) threw seven-plus inning of relief and got the win.

 

Detroit (H) 5 Philadelphia (AL) 1

 

Three Philadelphia errors allowed Detroit to build a 5-0 lead by the end of the third inning and Doc Ayers (8-6, 3.47) was able to go all the way for the home win.

 

St. Louis (AL) (H) 7 Boston (AL) 6

 

Both teams started fast by scoring three runs in the first inning, but then five Red Sox errors allowed the Browns to build up a big lead. Boston came back to make it close, but Urban Shocker entered the game in the ninth with the bases loaded and no outs and was able to preserve the win for Dixie Davis (13-5, 2.72).

 

Cincinnati 10 Boston (NL) (H) 0 (GM 1)

 

The Braves have five doubleheaders over the course of the next seven days as they look to make up lost ground to the rest of the NL. The Reds started off this doubleheader extravaganza by scoring seven runs in the second inning in support of Dolf Luque (10-6, 1.87), who scattered six singles and shut out the hometown Braves in Game One.

 

Cincinnati 9 Boston (NL) (H) 5 (GM 2)

 

The Reds led 5-1 after the fourth, but when the Braves scored twice in the bottom of the eighth the score was only 6-5 in Cincinnati's favor. The Reds scored three times in the top of the ninth (all unearned) and Ray Fisher (11-4, 3.59) was able to go all the way for the win over Dana Fillingim (10-12, 3.77).

 

Brooklyn (H) 2 Chicago (NL) 1

 

In the bottom of the ninth left fielder Zack Wheat singled, stole second, and then score the game-winner on a two-out single from first baseman Ed Konetchy. Both teams had chances prior to the ninth to take the lead, but Burleigh Grimes (13-8, 2.43) managed to outduel Pete Alexander (15-14, 1.90).

 

New York (NL) (H) 3 Pittsburgh 2

 

The Pirates led 2-0 after the second, but then Art Nehf shut them down the rest of the way and the Giants' offense slowly but surely came back to take the lead with a run in the bottom of the seventh. Wilbur Cooper (16-8, 1.99) was the hard-luck loser.

 

Philadelphia (NL) (H) 6 St. Louis (NL) 5

 

The Cardinals scored five times in the top of the second, but then Red Causey (6-16, 4.75) and the Phillies bullpen got tough, kept St. Louis scoreless, and hoped the Philadelphia offense would come back. And come back they did, immediately getting on the board, and then scoring three times in the sixth to take the lead. The big hit in the sixth was a pinch-hit two-run double from player-manager Gavvy Cravath that tied the game and set up the eventual game-winning run.

 

Tuesday, August 10, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Washington pitcher Elmer Bowman made his Major League Finale on 08/09/1920. Washington infielder Fred Thomas made his Major League Finale on 08/09/1920. Thomas was sent to Reading (IL) on 08/11/1920 to complete an earlier trade

 

Chicago (NL) catcher Bill Killefer made his Season Finale on 08/09/1920. Killefer was badly cut in the face when a foul tip broke his mask

 

Boston (NL) pitcher Al Pierotti was injured (?) on 08/09/1920

 

Brooklyn outfielder Bill Lamar made his Season Debut on 08/11/1920. Lamar was acquired from Louisville (AA) on or about 08/07/1920

 

St. Louis (AL) third baseman Frank Thompson returned to play on 08/11/1920

 

Philadelphia (NL) catcher Frank Withrow returned to play on 08/11/1920

 

Chicago (AL) (H) 5 Washington 4

 

Washington hurler Jose Acosta (0-3), as a replacement for the injured Walter Johnson, made his start today and he acquitted himself well. The White Sox jumped off quickly with a three-run second inning and Red Faber (18-9, 1.91) held off a belated Senators rally for the win.

 

St. Louis (AL) (H) 10 Boston (AL) 8

 

The Browns are known to have offensive outbursts, but not the Red Sox, but Boston was able to turn it on today. Their five-run fourth gave them a temporary lead but St. Louis was able to regain the lead and Bill Burwell (5-2, 4.61) got the win in relief when Adrian Lynch, who made his first start, got hit early.

 

Cincinnati 6 Boston (NL) 3 (GM 1)

 

The Reds led 4-0 after the top of the fourth and Dutch Ruether (16-8, 1.77), along with Slim Sallee, held off a late Boston rally.

 

Cincinnati 6 Boston (NL) 3 (12) (GM 2)

 

Cincinnati was nursing a slim 3-2 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth when Boston was able to tie the game at 3-3 but they couldn’t go ahead because Reds’ outfielders threw out two baserunners at home to keep the game going. The Reds finally came alive with three runs in the top of the twelfth and Jimmy Ring (11-10, 4.23) got the win with some relief help from Hod Eller.

 

St. Louis (NL) 5 Philadelphia (NL) (H) 1

 

Bill Doak (16-7, 2.07) threw a one-hit shutout (with zero walks) as the Cardinals scored early and then added on along the way to keep pressure on the hometown Phillies.

 

Wednesday, August 11, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Brooklyn catcher Zack Taylor returned to play on 08/12/1920

 

Washington 6 Chicago (AL) (H) 3

 

The White Sox were nursing a slender 3-2 lead heading into the ninth inning when Washington was finally able to tie the score at 3-3, and then with two outs light-hitting shortstop Jim O'Neill clobbered a surprise three-run homerun (#1). Tom Zachary (15-10, 3.83) shut down Chicago with a 1-2-3 ninth and picked up the win in relief.

 

Cleveland (H) 5 New York (AL) 4

 

After six innings the score was 1-0 in Cleveland's favor, but New York scored three times in the top of the seventh to take a 3-1 lead. Babe Ruth added a homerun (#43) in the eighth, but the Indians pulled to within one with two runs in the bottom of the inning. In the bottom of the ninth Jack Graney hit a pinch-hit double to put runners on second and third. Left fielder Charlie Jamieson successfully bunted catcher Steve O'Neill from third to tie the score, but then, before the play was over, the Yankees started throwing the ball around the infield and Graney made a mad dash for home and scored the game-winner to the delight of the home fans. Jim Bagby (21-6, 2.59) got the win over Carl Mays (19-8, 2.35).

 

Detroit (H) 6 Philadelphia (AL) 4

 

The Tigers jumped on Eddie Rommel (3-2, 4.20) early and led 6-0 after the fifth, but then the A's scored four times in the top of the sixth to make it close. Hooks Dauss (8-13, 4.9) didn't allow any more though, and went all the way for the win.

 

Boston (AL) 5 St. Louis (AL) (H) 2

 

Harry Harper (7-9, 3.15) shackled the hometown Browns as the Red Sox scored single runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to build up a 3-1 lead. They then added two runs in the ninth as insurance to secure the win over Allen Sothoron (5-18, 5.47) and the Browns.

 

Chicago (NL) 5 Brooklyn (H) 1 (GM 1)

 

The Cubs led 2-1 after the top of the second and there the score stayed as both pitchers shut down the other offense. In the top of the ninth when left fielder Babe Twombly surprised everyone when he uncorked a two-out three-run homerun (#1) and Lefty Tyler (7-8, 3.71) finished what he started with the Game One win over Jeff Pfeffer (8-9, 3.38).

 

Brooklyn (H) 5 Chicago (NL) 3 (GM 2)

 

The Robins led 5-0 after the fourth and Leon Cadore (13-5, 2.77) and Al Mamaux held off a belated Cubs rally to get the Game Two win and the doubleheader split. Left fielder Babe Twombly came up with two outs and two runners on base but popped out to end the game.

 

Rube Benton

New York (NL) (H) 2 Pittsburgh 0 (GM 1)

The Giants waited until the bottom of the eighth to break through with two runs versus Earl Hamilton (7-6, 4.06) as Rube Benton (8-9, 3.34) threw a Game One shutout.

 

Pittsburgh 4 New York (NL) (H) 3 (GM 2)

 

Three Pirates errors and a wild pitch all led to the Giants building an early 2-0 lead, but Pittsburgh finally scored on the day with two runs in the top of the sixth. New York came right back with one in the bottom of the sixth and it looked like that is how the game would end, but with two outs in the top of the ninth left fielder Lee King muffed an easy fly and the score was tied at 3-3. Pittsburgh finally scored in the top of the thirteenth and Wilbur Cooper came in to close out the game and preserve the win for reliever Sheriff Blake (1-1, 7.07).

 

St. Louis (NL) 2 Philadelphia (NL) (H) 0 (11)

 

Jesse Haines (20-5, 2.67) became the first twenty-game winner in the NL as he threw his third shutout of the season, but it took him eleven innings to claim his prize. Lee Meadows (4-15, 4.08) was the hard-luck loser.

 

Thursday, August 12, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

St. Louis (AL) catcher Pat Collins was injured (?) on 08/11/1920

 

Chicago (NL) pitcher Speed Martin was injured (?) on 08/11/1920

 

Pittsburgh catcher Walter Schmidt returned to play on 08/13/1920

 

Boston (NL) first baseman Tom Whelan made his Major League Debut on 08/13/1920

 

Chicago (AL) (H) 6 Washington 0

 

Eddie Cicotte (18-5, 2.90) held the Senators to only five hits on the day and was able to go all the way for the win. Shoeless Joe Jackson led the offense with a 4-for-5 (.391) day, including three runs scored, an RBI, and a double.

 

Cleveland (H) 8 New York (AL) 6

 

The Yankees scored three times in the first, but the Indians had tied the score at 3-3 after the fourth and after the eighth, they were up 6-3 heading into the ninth. Right fielder Babe Ruth started off the inning with a solo homerun (#44) and then a few batters later first baseman Wally Pipp hit a two-run homerun (#13) and the score was suddenly tied. In the bottom of the eighth right fielder Elmer Smith jumped on a Jack Quinn (16-6, 2.23) fastball and hit a two-run homerun (#6) to give Stan Coveleski (19-6, 3.46) the victory.

 

Detroit (H) 5 Philadelphia (AL) 4

 

The A's scored three times in the first but couldn’t hold back the Tigers who tied the score at 3-3 after the fourth. Philadelphia took a 4-3 lead with a run in the seventh, Detroit tied it back up with a run in the eighth, and then in the bottom of the ninth first baseman Harry Heilmann dribbled a single up the middle to score second baseman Ralph Young to give Doc Ayers (9-6, 3.50) and Detroit the win.

 

Cincinnati 6 Boston (NL) (H) 2

 

Cincinnati got on the scoreboard with three runs in the sixth and then they added three more in the eighth, the big play being the Reds showing their hustle when two runs scored on a passed ball. Hod Eller (5-7, 3.88) went all the way for the win, defeating Jack Scott (1-18, 4.65).

 

Chicago (NL) 5 Brooklyn (H) 3

 

The Robins led 2-0 after the first but the Cubs couldn't be stopped today as they led 3-2 after the fourth and then led 5-2 after the top of the sixth. Hippo Vaughn (15-11, 2.27) rolled on to the complete-game victory.

 

New York (NL) (H) 4 Pittsburgh 1

 

Jesse Barnes (16-8, 2.18) shut down the pesky Pirates by scattering six hits and only allowing one unearned run. Babe Adams (14-9, 1.26) pitched another strong outing but took the loss.

 

Philadelphia (NL) (H) 5 St. Louis (NL) 4 (14)

 

A topsy-turvy game that saw the Cardinals take their first lead of the game in the top of the ninth only to see the Phillies come back, tie it up, and then the game moved into extra innings. In the bottom of the fourteenth relief pitcher Johnny Enzmann was given a chance to bat and he stroked a two-out double that scored Mack Wheat with the game-winner.

 

Friday, August 13, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Brooklyn pitcher Sherry Smith was injured (?) on 08/12/1920

 

Note: It's a travel day, with a few teams staying behind one for one game at their current location today before they catch the train tonight. The NL Midwest teams were returning to the Midwest, while the AL East teams were moving back to their east coast homes.

 

Elmer Smith

New York (AL) 7 Cleveland (H) 6

A crazy game that saw the Indians score three times in the bottom of the eighth to take a 6-5 lead, with five of their six runs all having been driven in by right fielder Elmer Smith. Babe Ruth tied the game with homerun #45 in the top of the ninth and before the inning was over left fielder Duffy Lewis drove home the eventual winning run, his fourth RBI of the game.

 

Philadelphia (AL) (H) 6 Boston (AL) 0 (GM 1)

 

Scott Perry (10-17, 3.37) scattered four hits and shit out the Red Sox for the Game One win. A two-run triple by shortstop Red Shannon in the A's three-run fourth was the big hit in this game.

 

Boston (AL) 4 Philadelphia (AL) (H) 0 (GM 2)

 

The two teams swapped shutouts as Elmer Myers (4-4, 3.76) gave up seven hits but the A's were unable to cross the plate. Shortstop Everett Scott drove in three runs to fuel the Red Sox charge, with a pair of sacrifice flies being the weapon of choice.

 

Boston (NL) 10 Philadelphia (NL (H) 9 (GM 1)

 

Another Boston/Philadelphia doubleheader, in a different location obviously. The Braves led 8-1 at the end of the fourth, but then the Phillies scored seven runs in the top of the sixth to tie the score at 8-8. Neither team was done scoring, but the hometown Braves finally squeaked out the win. Outfielder Eddie Eayrs (4-0, 0.84) was brought in to make a rare relief appearance but went three-plus innings and got the win.

 

Philadelphia (NL) (H) 13 Boston (NL) 1

 

The Phillies exploded for nineteen hits as they went ahead early and then just kept pounding away at the visiting Braves. Right fielder Irish Meusel hit his second homerun (#10) of the day in support of Bill Hubbell (4-7, 3.46) who cruised home with the easy Game Two win.

 

Brooklyn 2 New York (NL) (H) 1

 

Brooklyn center fielder Hi Myers hit a two-out two-run triple in the top of the first and Burleigh Grimes (14-8, 2.37) went all the way to get the win over Fred Toney (16-10, 2.33).

 

Pittsburgh (H) 4 St. Louis (NL) 2

 

The Pirates led 2-0 early, then the Cardinals tied it at 2-2 in the top of the third, but then Pittsburgh scored twice in the bottom of the third to regain the lead. After that, it was all pitching as Wilbur Cooper (17-8, 1.98) outdueled Ferdie Schupp (6-15, 6.13) the rest of the way for the win.

 

Saturday, August 14, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Boston (NL) infielder Charlie Pick made his Major League Finale on 08/13/1920. Boston (NL) first baseman Tom Whelan made his Major League Finale on 08/13/1920

 

Washington Outfielder Frank Brower made his Major League Debut on 08/14/1920

 

Pittsburgh infielder Bill McKechnie returned to play on 08/15/1920

 

New York (AL) pitcher Ernie Shore returned to the mound on 08/15/1920

 

St. Louis (AL) 6 Cleveland (H) 0

 

The Indians, normally a solid defensive squad, committed five errors and allowed the visiting Browns to score four unearned runs in the sixth to blow this game open. Urban Shocker (19-6, 2.63) got the win over Guy Morton (1-11, 8.27).

 

Chicago (AL) 5 Detroit (H) 3 (GM 1)

 

Dickey Kerr (11-6, 2.73) got the win over Red Oldham (6-10, 4.22) when the White Sox scored two runs in the eighth to take the lead for good and then added one more in the ninth for insurance.

 

Chicago (AL) 13 Detroit (H) 5 (GM 2)

 

Chicago scored four times in the top of the fifth and led 6-4 at the end of the inning, but then they added four more in the eighth and then three in the ninth to win going away. It was a team effort as five different White Sox players had two RBI's, all in support of Red Faber (19-9, 2.00).

 

Philadelphia (AL) (H) 4 Boston (AL) 3

 

First baseman Ivy Griffin smacked a two-run double in the A's three-run second and they had a lead they would not lose today. Dave Keefe (5-2, 2.10) gave up two runs to the Red Sox in the eighth to make it close but Keefe and the hometown A's were finally able to escape with the win.

 

New York (AL) 3 Washington (H) 2 (10)

 

Second baseman Del Pratt used Griffith Stadiums' expansive confines to be able to turn a double into a triple and was successfully bunted home to tie the score at 2-2 in the top of the ninth. The Yankees did it again in the tenth when center fielder Ping Bodie walked to start the inning and then eventually scored the game-winner on a pinch-hit single by Bob Meusel.

 

Philadelphia (NL) 7 Boston (NL) (H) 6 (GM 1)

 

Boston led 3-2 after the fourth and led 6-5 after the sixth, but the Phillies kept coming when they took a 7-6 lead in the seventh. Lee Meadows (5-15, 4.07) struggled at times but went all the way for the Game One win.

 

Boston (NL) 4 Philadelphia (NL) (H) 2 (GM 2)

 

In the battle for seventh place, these two teams split doubleheaders over the past two days. The Braves hit three doubles in a three-run sixth and Joe Oeschger (8-10, 3.57) had a shutout until a pair of Braves fielding errors got the Phillies on the board late in the game.

 

Chicago (NL) (H) 4 Cincinnati 1

 

Pete Alexander (16-14, 1.84) only gave up one hit, a seventh-inning single by catcher Ivey Wingo,  and went all the way for the shutout. Dutch Ruether (16-9, 1.80) got hit early and pitched well the rest of the way, but the damage was done.

 

New York (NL) (H) 4 Brooklyn 1

 

Art Nehf (16-5, 2.85) scattered six hits and went all the way for the win over third-place Brooklyn. The Robins want to be making a move up the standings toward New York but they unfortunately have to keep looking behind them as St. Louis and Pittsburgh are right on their heels.

 

St. Louis (NL) 4 Pittsburgh 0

 

Bill Doak shutout the fifth-place Pirates in five hits as the Cardinals scored four runs in the first three innings and then held on from there.

 

St. Louis (NL) 1 Pittsburgh (H) 1 (8) (GM 2) Tie Game

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT192008142.shtml

 

Sunday, August 15, 1920

 

Transactions:

 

Chicago (NL) pitcher Percy Jones was injured (?) on 08/16/1920

 

Chicago (AL) pitcher Bird Lynn was injured (?) on 08/14/1920

 

Cleveland pitcher George Uhle was injured (?) on 08/14/1920

 

Boston (AL) outfielder Tim Hendryx returned to play on 08/16/1920. Boston (AL) pitcher Waite Hoyt returned to the mound on 08/16/1920

 

St. Louis (AL) 12 Cleveland (H) 9

 

The Browns scored at least one run in each of the first eight innings and needed all of those runs as the Indians had a five-run second, led most of the game, and then wouldn’t let the visitors ru away with the game. Left fielder Ken Williams (4-for-5) and right fielder Jack Tobin (4-for-4) led the hit parade and first baseman George Sisler (.454) picked up two more hits, putting him at 199 hits for the season.

 

Chicago (AL) 9 Detroit (H) 6

 

A wild game that saw the White Sox end the third with a 5-4 lead but then they still needed a four-run seventh to put away the hometown Tigers. Chicago accrued thirteen hits on the day, but it was the eight walks given up that eventually doomed Detroit. Roy Wilkinson (8-6, 3.45) got the win in relief.

 

George Mogridge

New York (AL) 9 Washington (H) 5

Washington scored four runs in the bottom of the first but then the Yankees offense wasted no time and quickly pounded the Senators pitching. This time the hero was center fielder Ping Bodie who hit a two-run homerun (#4) in the second and then he hit a three-run homerun (#5) in the fourth and suddenly the Yankees had the lead. George Mogridge (5-6, 4.87) tightened up after his poor start and Jack Quinn came in to close out the final two innings and secure the win.

 

Brooklyn (H) 6 Philadelphia (NL) 3

 

The Robin scored three times in the bottom of the fifth to take a 3-1 lead, but then needed another three-run inning in the seventh to regain the lead for good. Center fielder Hi Myers knocked a two-run triple (#18) for the big hit in the fateful seventh, securing the lead for Jeff Pfeffer (9-9, 3.31).

 

Cincinnati 10 Chicago (NL) (H) 4

 

No big innings but the Reds just started hitting early and never stopped throughout the game, 22 hits in all. First baseman Jake Daubert had the big day with the bat by going 3-for-6 with two runs scored, four RBI's, and a two-run homerun (#4), Cincinnati's only extra-base hit on the day. Jimmy Ring (12-10, 4.18) went all the way for the win.

 

Boston (NL) 2 New York (NL) (H) 1 (GM 1)

 

The Braves led 2-0 after the third and then Dick Rudolph (1-10, 5.86) took over and held off the powerful Giants offense for the Game One win.

 

Boston (NL) 2 New York (NL) (H) 1 (GM 2)

 

Jack Scott (2-19, 4.59) twirled a three-hitter and went all the way for the win and the doubleheader sweep over the league-leading Giants. Left fielder Les Mann had both RBI's for the Braves, which turned out to be just enough.

 

St. Louis (NL) (H) 4 Pittsburgh3 (GM 1)

 

After having played a game in Pittsburgh yesterday both teams climbed on a train and moved to St. Louis for a Sunday doubleheader. The Cardinals scored three runs in the second and led 4-3 after the fourth, and there the score stayed as Jakie May (2-3, 6.140 and Earl Hamilton (7-7, 3.94) shut each side thereafter.

 

Pittsburgh 13 St. Louis (NL) (H) 6 (GM 2)

 

Both teams reached deep into their bullpens to find spot starters for Game Two and Jack Wisner (1-1, 3.98) came away with the win over Mike Kircher (0-1, 9.82). The score was tied 4-4 after the sixth when the Pirates' offense exploded, finishing with 22 hits and with homeruns from center fielder Max Carey (#3) and catcher Cliff Lee (#1).