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NANCE REACHES 2,000 HITS AS WHITE SOX EDGE ATHLETICS
Veteran’s Timely Blow Helps Chicago to Rare Road Triumph
By Charles H. Wentworth
Sporting Times
August 7th 1919
The season has proved a trying one for the Chicago White Sox, whose struggles have left them anchored at the foot of the American League standings for much of the campaign. Yet today brought a welcome measure of cheer for the Chicago nine, as they secured a narrow 3–2 victory on the road against the Philadelphia Athletics. The triumph raises the White Sox mark to 38 victories against 58 defeats.
The afternoon’s success was made sweeter by a notable personal achievement from veteran left fielder Doc Nance, who collected the 2,000th hit of his long career during the contest.
Nance has enjoyed a fine season at the plate, entering the day batting .313, though his opportunities proved limited in the tight struggle. The veteran managed a single hit in four attempts, but that lone safety proved decisive. It arrived in the top of the seventh inning, when Nance lifted a neatly placed fly-ball single over third base that dropped safely into shallow left field. The blow enabled the runner stationed at second to round third and dash home, giving the White Sox a 3–1 advantage.
That run ultimately provided the margin of victory, as Chicago held firm to claim the 3–2 decision.
For Nance, now 43 years of age, the milestone adds another chapter to a lengthy career. His record now stands at 2,000 hits, accompanied by a lifetime batting average of .263 and a total of 856 runs batted in.
Speaking after the game, the veteran expressed quiet satisfaction with the moment.
“It is pleasing to reach such a mark, though I am more glad that the hit helped the club win the ball game. Every victory counts, no matter where a team stands.”
White Sox manager Peek-A-Boo Veach praised the veteran’s steady hand and long service to the game.
“Doc has been a dependable man for many seasons, and to see him reach two thousand hits is a fine tribute to his perseverance. It was fitting that the blow should come at a moment that helped carry us to victory.”
Though the White Sox remain deep in the standings, the day provided both a rare triumph and a memorable milestone for one of the game’s seasoned campaigners.
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