Mathewson's Adventure
And day in review for April 23, 1908
Mathewson’s Adventure
In real life, Brooklyn was able to hold the Giants at bay in this one:
This one wasn’t quite as easy for Brooklyn, and I’m not sure that we had 15,000 in attendance. It was memorable, however.
Mathewson’s Adventure
The great memories came in the bottom of the 6th inning, when Christy Mathewson had a truly legendary at-bat.
Roger Bresnahan managed to reach on a single. New York was down, 1-0, and weren’t getting any hits. I decided to bunt with Mathewson.
For the sake of context, this is what Mathewson’s card looks like:
Mathewson hit two of those “13” results with his first two bunt attempts. As you may or may not know, that “13” gives you a foul strike when bunting in Skeetersoft, not a full strikeout.
I decided to keep the bunt on, figuring that Mathewson would probably bunt foul one more time to complete the strikeout.
Instead, the dice came out to a 31, which resulted in a 36. This was a passed ball, allowing Bresnahan to reach second.
I bunted again, and the result this time was a 51 for a 23 — a balk on the pitcher, sending Bresnahan to third.
Mathewson finally bunted foul one more time, striking out. But the damage was done.
Here’s the play-by-play report for the record:
I probably shouldn’t have bunted with Donlin. I think I clicked wrong, thinking that I was pulling in the infield when I was actually bunting. No worries.
New York wound up winning, 2-1.
There were only 9 hits in this game between the two teams combined, and there were no double plays. What a contrast to 1949!
Other Action
Phillies 4, Doves 2: At Boston, the Doves attempt a late comeback, but can’t quite score enough runs. Watch the game here.
Cubs 6, Reds 1: At Cincinnati, the Cubs dominate yet another game. Watch the game here.
Naps 1, White Sox 0: At Cleveland, the fans are treated to an amazing pitching duel. Read the summary here. Watch the game here.
Browns 5, Tigers 4: At Detroit, Cobb misses a chance to win it at the end. Read the summary here.
Giants 2, Superbas 1: At New York, see above.
Athletics 4, Highlanders 1: At Philadelphia, the Athletics rally late to come from behind for the win. Watch the game here.
Pirates 4, Cardinals 1: At Pittsburgh, the Pirates were no-hit through 5, but managed to come back and win in dominating fashion anyway. Watch the game here.
Senators 5, Red Sox 1: At Washington, the Senators out-slug the Red Sox. Watch the game here.
Standings
I know that it’s early. However, I’m absolutely amazed by how close the American League is at this point in time.
April 24, 1908 will be the first time in either replay that I will record every single game. 5 teams are within striking distance in the National League, and the entire American League has a chance.