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Moriarty9 · 12-10-2023, 04:49 PM

May 28, 1901

In a gut-wrenching turn of events at League Park in Cleveland, the Boston Americans experienced late-inning heartbreak, succumbing to a spirited comeback by the Cleveland Blues in a 5-4 defeat. Despite a solid performance by pitcher Rasty Wright, who worked 8 2/3 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on 14 hits and two walks, the bottom of the ninth proved decisive and swung in Cleveland's favor.

Holding a 4-2 lead entering the ninth, Boston looked poised to secure another victory. However, Cleveland had other plans, orchestrating a series of strategic moves that led to their comeback. Sal Butera's leadoff single set the stage, and pinch runner Joe Strauss, along with pinch hitter Art Scharein, advanced the tying run to second. Ollie Smith's walk loaded the bases, laying the foundation for the Blues' rally.

Cleveland executed a double steal, putting runners in scoring position, and Joe Delahanty's single to right field narrowed the gap to 4-3. Jose Cruz followed suit with a crucial base hit, tying the game at 4-4. Despite a fielder's choice by Logan Morrison, the Americans found themselves on the brink of escape. However, a fisted ball to second by John Radcliffe resulted in an error by Dave Oliver, allowing the winning run to score.

The loss drops Boston's record to 14-16, underscoring the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the game of baseball. As the Americans regroup, the resilience and character of the team will be tested in the face of adversity during the 1901 season.

12-10-2023, 04:49 PM	#15
Moriarty9 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,109	Late-Inning Heartbreak: Americans Stumble in Ninth, Fall 5-4 to Blues May 28, 1901 In a gut-wrenching turn of events at League Park in Cleveland, the Boston Americans experienced late-inning heartbreak, succumbing to a spirited comeback by the Cleveland Blues in a 5-4 defeat. Despite a solid performance by pitcher Rasty Wright, who worked 8 2/3 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on 14 hits and two walks, the bottom of the ninth proved decisive and swung in Cleveland's favor. Holding a 4-2 lead entering the ninth, Boston looked poised to secure another victory. However, Cleveland had other plans, orchestrating a series of strategic moves that led to their comeback. Sal Butera's leadoff single set the stage, and pinch runner Joe Strauss, along with pinch hitter Art Scharein, advanced the tying run to second. Ollie Smith's walk loaded the bases, laying the foundation for the Blues' rally. Cleveland executed a double steal, putting runners in scoring position, and Joe Delahanty's single to right field narrowed the gap to 4-3. Jose Cruz followed suit with a crucial base hit, tying the game at 4-4. Despite a fielder's choice by Logan Morrison, the Americans found themselves on the brink of escape. However, a fisted ball to second by John Radcliffe resulted in an error by Dave Oliver, allowing the winning run to score. The loss drops Boston's record to 14-16, underscoring the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the game of baseball. As the Americans regroup, the resilience and character of the team will be tested in the face of adversity during the 1901 season.