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MERRIMACK’S MATTHEWS MAKES YEAR’S 1ST CYCLE
M.M. OUTFIELDER BECOMES 1ST BATSMAN TO COMPLETE ACHIEVEMENT IN TWO YEARS

LOWELL, MASS. (May 27, 1866) – Yesterday the base ball in Lowell was entirely lop-sided, with Susquehanna crushing Merrimack Mills by the score of 25-4. This afternoon the spectacle on display was much more competitive, with Susquehanna again winning but by the score of 10-7.

While the visitors won again, it was the hosts who took the headlines thanks to the performance of starting LF Elton Matthews. The English newcomer, in just his fourth week in the N.B.B.O, became the first batsman to hit for The Cycle since Alleghany’s Dennis Pruitt on May 22nd of 1864, and the tenth to complete one in N.B.B.O. history.

Matthews’ memorable afternoon:

• B1: 1-run Triple to RCF off J. Cunningham (scored)
• B3: Double to CF off J. Cunningham (scored)
• B5: Ground Out to 3B off J. Cunningham
• B7: 2-run Home Run to LCF off J. Cunningham (Inside the Park)
• B9: Single to LF off F. Nicholas
• TOTAL: 4/5, CYCLE, 3 R, 3 RBI, 10 TB

Ironically, it was the single that came last for Matthews, who left it until he came to bat with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning. He then hit a line drive to left field to complete his cycle and take everyone’s congratulations even though it was in a losing effort. Matthews had four of Merrimack Mills’ nine hits, three of their seven runs, and three of their seven R.B.I.

Unfortunately for Matthews, Merrimack was undone by eleven fielding miscues which were timed poorly enough that the Merrimack pitchers allowed zero Earned Runs even though the team allowed ten runs to Susquehanna during the course of the game. The result was most certainly a case of the losing side beating themselves.

The loss dropped Merrimack to 9-11, while the win improved Susquehanna to 11-9 at the end of Week Four.