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Old 02-24-2026, 11:43 AM   #802
amead17
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ARELLANES SAVES PIRATES’ 7–5 TRIUMPH BUT FALLS TO SERIOUS INJURY
Veteran Hurler Faces Lengthy Recovery After Gritty Relief Effort in Cincinnati

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
June 23rd 1918

A contest of shifting fortunes concluded in favor of the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon, as they secured a 7 to 5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds upon the latter’s grounds. Yet the hard-earned triumph was clouded by grave concern for veteran pitcher Frank Arellanes, whose stout relief appearance ended in painful fashion.

Arellanes, whose season has been marked by mixed service both as a starter and from the bullpen, was summoned in the sixth inning after the Pirates had wrested a 5 to 4 advantage in the top half of the frame. Charged with steadying the club’s pitching in a tight affair, the 36-year-old right-hander delivered three composed innings under pressure.

He yielded but two hits and a single run over his stint, preserving the Pirates’ margin and earning his third save of the year. For the season, Arellanes now stands at 7 victories against 3 defeats, having appeared in 16 contests, seven of them starts, and carries an admirable earned run average of 2.06.

The day’s drama, however, was not yet complete. After securing the final out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Arellanes pulled up sharply and reached for his elbow. As he departed the field, members of the training staff gathered around him in urgent consultation, casting a pall over the Pirates’ celebration.

Subsequent examination brought unwelcome news. Arellanes has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that will require a recovery period of twelve to thirteen months. Such a span of convalescence leaves the veteran facing a sober decision as to whether he shall undertake the arduous path back to the mound or allow this season to stand as his last.

“I gave the club what I had,” Arellanes said afterward. “When I felt the elbow give, I feared the worst. I shall take counsel in the days ahead and determine my course.”

Manager Patrick Pinnow spoke with both pride and regret. “Frank showed admirable steadiness in a trying moment,” he remarked. “His effort secured the victory, and we are indebted to him. The injury is a cruel turn, and we shall stand by him as he considers his future.”

Thus the Pirates depart Cincinnati with a victory secured, yet mindful that the cost of the day’s success may prove a heavy one.
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