So Close
Not quite a no hitter, but it sure was close.
So Close
We almost had another no hitter.
The Cubs haven’t had much to cheer for yet in 1908. The reigning World Champions haven’t gotten to the best of starts, and those hated Giants in New York have been earning all the wins and eating up all the attention.
Orval Overall came close to throwing the gem. He brought a no hitter into the top of the 9th inning. In fact, his no-hitter created a real conflict of interest for me.
I wasn’t recording the game. I knew full well that the Superbas weren’t going to win. Brooklyn has played horribly so far in this young season, and they’re not likely to amount to much.
Brooklyn’s starting pitcher was Irvin Wilhelm. Wilhelm just so happened to be the first man due up in the top of the 9th. I could have opted to leave him in the game, figuring that nobody would know the difference.
Instead, I called upon Al Burch, a very little known pinch hitter, to bat for Wilhelm.
Burch’s card looks like this:
Even if you’re not familiar with the intricacies of NPIII, you can tell that this isn’t the best of cards.
He rolled a 33 for one of those “7” results, though, and that broke up the no hitter.
Overall shook it off and got the next three men out in order.
Looks like termites got to the bats.
Other Action
Red Sox 5, Naps 4: A sacrifice fly by Harry Lord wins this one for the Red Sox, who come back from a 4-1 deficit at home. Boston is now only half a game behind the Naps for first place as a result of this victory. Watch the game here. Read the summary here.
Cubs 3, Superbas 0: At Chicago, see above.
Giants 5, Reds 1: The Cincinnati faithful witnessed another defeat, as Doc Crandall scattered 10 Reds hits. The lone Cincinnati run came in the bottom of the 9th inning and was perfectly meaningless. New York is now 25-6 and has won 12 in a row. Watch the game here.
Tigers 3, Highlanders 1: The Highlanders lost once again at home, as Ed Summers held them to 4 measly hits.
Athletics 11, Browns 1: Philadelphia fans were elated after this victory at home. The Athletics trounced four different Browns pitchers en route to the big win. This win puts the Athletics in sole possession of first place. Watch the game here.
Pirates 2, Phillies 0: The Pirates made short work of the Phillies in a quiet, low-scoring affair. Honus Wagner led the way for the hometown Pirates, going 2 for 3 with a walk and a triple. Wagner is now hitting .346.
Doves 3, Cardinals 1: George Ferguson pitched a masterful complete game as the Doves won easily in St. Louis.
White Sox 5, Senators 1: Ed Walsh shut down the Senators on 7 hits, not giving up a run until the bottom of the 9th. The White Sox spoiled the afternoon of the Washington D.C. supporters.
Standings
The Cubs are 3 1/2 games out, but the Giants are advancing quickly.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Athletics are starting to gain ground in the American League.
Should be interesting going forward!