Controversy!
Plus: Day in Review, May 20, 1908
Controversy!
If something crazy happens in your replay, do you redo it, or do you stick with the result?
This was a huge game. Cleveland is in first place, but just barely. The Red Sox have been playing very well so far in 1908, and are trying to make a move to gain ground over Cleveland.
The Naps went up 5-2 in the top of the 9th, but the Red Sox came back. Boston scored twice off tiring starting pitcher Bob Rhoads, and turned this game into something close.
However, the Red Sox made the final out with runners on first and third on an extremely gutsy and controversial base running decision:
I suppose I could have told both base runners to play it safe, though I’m not convinced that would have been the realistic choice in this situation. It’s not unheard of for teams in 1908 to attempt a double steal in tight situations like this. Amby McConnell had a .280 batting average at the end of the game, so he wasn’t exactly an automatic out. Having said that, it’s absolutely possible that the Red Sox might have tried to push the envelope in this situation.
This is also one of those results that shows the weaknesses of board games. Something that would absolutely be a big deal in real life comes about because of another fluke result, another “unusual play number.” As a result, it feels kind of strange to end a game this way.
What do you think? Do you think this result is fine, or do you think I should have rerolled?
I’m leaving the comments open to all to facilitate a discussion.
Other Action
Naps 5, Red Sox 4: At Boston, see above.
Doves 3, Cubs 1: At Chicago, Ed Reulbach’s no-hit bid was broken up in the top of the 7th, and the Doves added to Chicago’s woes. Boston won despite collecting only 5 hits in the end, assisted by two costly Chicago errors.
Reds 1, Phillies 0: A single by John Ganzel in the bottom of the 7th scored the only run of this one. Philadelphia came close to going in front in the top of the 7th with a runner on third and only one out, but was unable to knock him in.
Tigers 11, Highlanders 2: The Tigers took out their frustrations in front of a small crowd on the hill in New York. Detroit burst out of the gates with 4 in the top of the 1st and followed up with 6 in the top of the 5th.
Browns 5, Athletics 2: In a game filled with unusual plays and injuries the Browns prevailed, largely on the strength of a 5 hit performance by Bill Dinneen. Philadelphia fans, meanwhile, are worried about Jack Coombs, who left the game with an injury. Watch the game here.
Pirates 8, Superbas 2: The Pirates look to start their march back to respectability with a big win over Brooklyn at home.
Giants 8, Cardinals 1: The Giants made fools of St. Louis, winning this game easily on the road. New York has now won 13 in a row. Watch the game here.
Senators 2, White Sox 0: Washington beat Chicago at home in a game almost completely devoid of offense. The two teams combined for a grand total of 10 hits, most of which came in the later innings. The White Sox threatened numerous times, but were never quite able to put one over.
Standings
Boston falls to 2 1/2 games behind Cleveland thanks to that attempted double steal.
Of course, you let it stand. If the manager didn’t call it, if the baserunners were running on their own, then fine or chew out them.
Many defenses would have let the runner on first advance without a throw preferring to play it safe or try some other, safer trickery. Had that been the case, the offense would have had a chance to win the game, not just tie the game with a base hit.
Just out of curiosity was the batter at the plate a good hitter or a poor one?
I let my result stand. My mind calls for a pinch hitter and I allow the pitcher to hit, for example. Doesn’t happen often but I let it be and trust that plays will even out eventually.