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ATHLETICS HALT BROWNS’ STREAK WITH 4–2 DECISION
Early Outburst Proves Decisive in Clash of League Leaders
By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
July 11th 1918
One day removed from celebrating their tenth consecutive triumph, the St. Louis Browns were brought sharply back to earth this afternoon, falling 4 to 2 on the road to their pennant rivals, the Philadelphia Athletics. The encounter between the league’s top two nines was marked by an early barrage from the home club that ultimately proved sufficient to end St. Louis’ stirring run. The setback leaves the Browns at 49 victories against 32 defeats.
The contest turned largely upon a troublesome third inning for the Browns. Though Hippo Vaughn rendered a determined performance upon the mound, working eight full innings while surrendering seven hits and four runs, the damage inflicted in that single frame loomed large. A ringing double by Braggo Roth of the Athletics accounted for two of the four tallies in the inning, providing the margin that St. Louis could not overcome.
Vaughn steadied thereafter, keeping the Athletics in check through the later stages, but the Browns’ bats were unable to fully answer the early deficit. Despite collecting eight hits of their own, St. Louis failed to deliver in the crucial moments, leaving runners unclaimed and the opportunity for a comeback just beyond their grasp.
“I gave the club what I could over the eight innings,” Vaughn said afterward. “That third proved costly, and against a club of their quality such lapses are dearly paid.”
Manager Harry Salisbury spoke candidly following the defeat. “Not taking anything away from them, but we swung the bats better than what it showed,” he remarked. “We had our chances, yet we did not seize them. Credit the Athletics for their early work, but we shall press on.”
Thus concluded a spirited struggle between contenders, the Browns’ fine streak halted, yet their resolve in the pennant pursuit surely undiminished.
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