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amead17 · 03-01-2026, 01:28 AM

HOUCK SETS NEW MARK IN GIANTS’ DEFEAT TO CARDINALS
Relief Ace Appears in 82nd Game as Record Falls

By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
September 17th 1918

A noteworthy achievement was recorded this afternoon at the Polo Grounds, though it came amid disappointment for the New York Giants, who fell 4 to 2 before the St. Louis Cardinals. The setback leaves New York with a mark of 63 victories and 74 defeats.

The Giants had secured an early advantage, but as the contest progressed the tide turned in favor of St. Louis. By the time the ninth inning arrived, the Cardinals held a 4–2 lead. Having already summoned two pitchers after Schettler departed early with a minor injury, the Giants once more looked to their bullpen in hopes of keeping the deficit manageable and affording their bats a final opportunity in the last half of the frame.

The call went, as it so often has this season, to the dependable arm of Byron Houck. The right-hander responded in stout fashion, retiring the side and holding the Cardinals scoreless in the ninth. His effort preserved the margin at two runs, yet the hoped-for rally in the bottom half did not materialize.

In taking the ball, Houck made his 82nd appearance of the season, establishing a new single-season record for games pitched. The previous standard had been held by Doc Ayers since 1914. For Houck, it was another testament to a year of tireless service.

The 27-year-old, who has labored diligently after spending several seasons removed from regular prominence, now stands at 9 wins and 9 losses, with 14 saves and a sterling 1.91 earned run average across his 82 outings.

“I have simply taken the ball when asked,” Houck remarked afterward. “If the club has needed an inning, I have tried to give it my best. The record is an honor, though I would sooner have seen us turn the score.”

Manager Kyle Jackson spoke in praise of his relief stalwart. “Byron has been invaluable to this club,” he said. “Eighty-two games speak to his endurance and his willingness to serve whenever called. He has given us everything he has.”

Thus, even in defeat, the afternoon furnished a figure of endurance and resolve — a record etched into the season’s ledger by a pitcher who has answered the summons time and again.

03-01-2026, 01:28 AM	#819
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	HOUCK SETS NEW MARK IN GIANTS’ DEFEAT TO CARDINALS Relief Ace Appears in 82nd Game as Record Falls By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times September 17th 1918 A noteworthy achievement was recorded this afternoon at the Polo Grounds, though it came amid disappointment for the New York Giants, who fell 4 to 2 before the St. Louis Cardinals. The setback leaves New York with a mark of 63 victories and 74 defeats. The Giants had secured an early advantage, but as the contest progressed the tide turned in favor of St. Louis. By the time the ninth inning arrived, the Cardinals held a 4–2 lead. Having already summoned two pitchers after Schettler departed early with a minor injury, the Giants once more looked to their bullpen in hopes of keeping the deficit manageable and affording their bats a final opportunity in the last half of the frame. The call went, as it so often has this season, to the dependable arm of Byron Houck. The right-hander responded in stout fashion, retiring the side and holding the Cardinals scoreless in the ninth. His effort preserved the margin at two runs, yet the hoped-for rally in the bottom half did not materialize. In taking the ball, Houck made his 82nd appearance of the season, establishing a new single-season record for games pitched. The previous standard had been held by Doc Ayers since 1914. For Houck, it was another testament to a year of tireless service. The 27-year-old, who has labored diligently after spending several seasons removed from regular prominence, now stands at 9 wins and 9 losses, with 14 saves and a sterling 1.91 earned run average across his 82 outings. “I have simply taken the ball when asked,” Houck remarked afterward. “If the club has needed an inning, I have tried to give it my best. The record is an honor, though I would sooner have seen us turn the score.” Manager Kyle Jackson spoke in praise of his relief stalwart. “Byron has been invaluable to this club,” he said. “Eighty-two games speak to his endurance and his willingness to serve whenever called. He has given us everything he has.” Thus, even in defeat, the afternoon furnished a figure of endurance and resolve — a record etched into the season’s ledger by a pitcher who has answered the summons time and again.