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BEAUMONT MARKS 1,000TH RBI IN EXTRA-INNING DEFEAT
Veteran’s Pinch Hit Highlights Cardinals’ 6–5 Loss to Reds
By Arthur H. Leland, Sporting Times
October 5th 1918
Though the St. Louis Cardinals have already secured the National League pennant, their journey through the season’s final engagements continues to provide moments of distinction. This afternoon, in a 6 to 5 defeat over eleven innings at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds, veteran centre fielder Ginger Beaumont achieved a notable personal milestone.
The 42-year-old, whose opportunities for regular play have been fewer than he might wish, began the contest upon the bench. Called upon late as a pinch hitter, Beaumont delivered in decisive fashion. His blow not only aided the Cardinals’ cause but also marked the 1,000th run batted in of his long career.
In the ninth inning, Beaumont’s timely hit and the run he subsequently scored helped place St. Louis ahead, 5 to 3. The Reds, however, rallied in the bottom half to draw level and eventually claimed the decision in the eleventh frame. The loss leaves the Cardinals’ record at a still-imposing 91 victories against 62 defeats.
For the day, Beaumont’s account was a perfect one at the plate — one hit in one attempt, with a run scored and an RBI. In the present campaign he has compiled a .302 average across 18 starts and 95 appearances from the bench. Over the span of his career, Beaumont holds a .292 batting mark, with 1,166 runs scored from 2,452 hits.
“It was gratifying to lend a hand,” Beaumont remarked afterward. “A man plays for the club first, but to reach a thousand driven in is a mark I shall cherish.”
Manager David Stevens spoke warmly of his veteran outfielder. “Ginger has answered the call whenever asked,” he said. “Today’s stroke shows that experience and poise do not fade with the years.”
Thus, even in defeat, the afternoon afforded occasion to salute a seasoned campaigner whose name is now inscribed among those who have driven in a thousand runs in the service of the game.
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