October 16th, 1905 World Series Game 5: New York Highlanders (2-2) @ Chicago Cubs (2-2)
CHC: Bob Ewing (1-0, 1.64) v NYY: Mike McCormick (0-1; 3.09)
Ewing v McCormick go at it again and, as we all know, Game 5 in any seven-game series tied 2-2 is pivotal. After yesterday, who knows what today might bring. I’ll tell you this, though, West Side Park is still abuzz. Joel Skinner is out for the Cubs after that collision yesterday, with Frank Roth his replacement.
Once again, poor fielding enters into proceedings, and very early, as Gelbert flubs a grounder and the run eventually scores on a Wilson groundout to give New York the lead. They almost get another in the next, but a great throw by Jay Johnstone from right-field nails House trying to score on a flyout.
Aside from a close call for New York when Glanville throws out a runner at home and a smattering of hits, the pitchers hold sway until the 6th. Then another error, this time by second-baseman Woody Woodward, costs them a run when John Wilson doubles to make it 2-0.
Compared to the hijinks of its predecessor, this game is positively pedestrian until the bottom 8th, when the Cubs string three hits together and score their first run of the afternoon on a single by Todd Dunwoody. But the New Yorkers have the ready response in the top 9th, when Hod Ford comes through with a two-out RBI double to restore the two-run advantage. McCormick polishes off the home side 1-2-3 and the Highlanders head back home needing just one win to secure the club’s first Championship.
While by no means overpowering, giving up 10 hits, McCormick was fantastic here, rarely letting the Cubs get into a rhythm. For Chicago, those two errors proved the difference and they’ve got a real uphill battle now to avoid back-to-back Series losses.
FINAL SCORE: New York 3, Chicago 1
BOX SCORE