Chicago Cubs (1-2) @ Washington Senators (2-1)
CHC: Lefty Leifeild (1-0, 1.80) v WAS: Charlie Sweeney (1-0, 1.80)
The Game 1 combatants return for a rematch in this one as the Cubs try to get back on an even keel.
They begin positively enough, again scoring the game’s opening run to put some scoreboard pressure on the hosts. Gross leads the game off with a single and an error by Law in CF on a routine flyball shows how the nerves can affect the best of them. A Tresh sac fly scores the runner and it’s 1-0 Chicago.
Two more in the 3rd really test the Sens’ mettle, as well as that of their young ace. Once again shoddy fielding places undue stress on the pitching side as Washington first-baseman Solly Hofman flubs a throw from SS Arcia. That runner is removed when he is caught stealing, but then doubles to Dunwoody and Woodward make it 2-0. A single to Gross and yet another Law error adds a third.
It takes until the 4th for the hosts to get anything going on the basepaths, but they make the most of their first meaningful offensive foray. Walks to Titus and Curt Motton, followed by a Hofman single, load the bases with one out, and a Heinie Peitz fielder’s choice that sees a forceout at home keeps them that way, albeit with two outs now recorded. Alex Gonzalez then sends the home fans into raptures with a clutch 2-run single to put the home team just one back.
They strike again the very next inning.
Sweeney leads it off with a double, and the game is knotted at 3 when he comes in on a single by 2B Sam Bohne. Titus then singles and steals second to put two in scoring position and Washington goes ahead courtesy of a sac fly by Motton.
After a tug-of-war over the next few innings the Sens put the visitors to the sword in the 8th. A dreaded leadoff walk to Peitz eventually results in him scoring on a single by Arcia, who ends up at third when Snyder throws one into the outfield on a steal attempt. Again it is Sweeney who comes through with bat in hand, making it 6-3 with a sac fly to deep RF.
The Cubs don’t go down quietly in the 9th, bringing the tying run to the plate with singles by Lavagetto and Dunwoody. But they just can’t get that big hit they need and it finishes 6-3, putting Washington just one win away from the ultimate prize.
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