Baseball in Boston -- 1901 & Beyond

[OmahaBaseball]

The dominant pitching performance of Noodles Hahn provided the spark needed for his Boston Americans (61-45) to take a 2 to 0 victory over the Detroit Tigers (53-53). The victory keeps the Americans in a tie with the Washington Senators (61-45) for the American League lead.

In twirling his 3rd shutout win of the season, Noodles Hahn (16-10) scattered 4 hits and 2 walks in his 108-pitch effort; Game Score 83. Despite the loss, recently acquired pitcher Kid Nichols (1-2 / 11-16 season) limited the opposition to 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks in 8 innings of play; Game Score 63. Jim St. Vrain covered the final inning in a scoreless performance.

At the plate, the Americans were led by Solly Hofman (2 for 4, Triple, Run, Walk, Stolen Base) and Fred Clarke (2 for 3, Double, RBI, Sacrifice Fly). Jim Delahanty (2 for 4) and Larry Schlafly (1 for 1) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #16 / Career: #77)

[OmahaBaseball]

I was really hoping that Johnny Lush could keep his dominant pitching going, but he ran into a tough Detroit Tiger team that got the best of him. On the day, the Tigers (54-53) topped the Boston Americans (61-46) by a 6 to 5 score. Despite the loss, the Americans remain in a tie for the top spot in the American League race.

Tigers ace Bob Ewing (14-11) picked up the win despite allowing 5 earned runs on 9 hits and 3 walks; Game Score 50. Johnny Lush (14-12) was tagged with the loss after he surrendered 6 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits, 3 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 8 innings of play; Game Score 43.

Leading the way in victory were Dave Fultz (1 for 4, 2 Runs, Walk, 2 Stolen Bases), Mike Donlin (1 for 4, Triple, Run, RBI, Hit by Pitch), and Charlie Hickman (2 for 4, Run, RBI). Bill Lange (3 for 5, 2 Runs, Stolen Base), Chick Stahl (1 for 3, Run, RBI, Walk), and Dave Brain (2 for 3) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Bob Ewing

[OmahaBaseball]

A match-up that was close through 7 1/2 innings, when the Boston bats came to life and pounded out 8 runs to pull away from the visiting Philadelphia club. In the end, the Boston Americans (62-46) thumped the Philadelphia Athletics (53-55) by an 11 to 2 score to the great joy of the 8,245 fans in attendance. The Americans remain tied for the American League lead.

Jesse Tannehill (12-14) picked up the win for the Americans, allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 in his 119-oitch effort; Game Score 73. Earl Moore (11-10) was tagged with the loss after he served up 9 runs (7 earned) on 10 hits, 2 walks, 1 wild pitch, and 1 hit batsman in 7 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 28. Lave Winham was called in for the final 1/3 inning, though he allowed 2 unearned runs on 2 hits.

Collectively, the Americans had a fine day at the plate led by Bill Lange (2 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, 4 RBIs), Fred Clarke (3 for 5, Double, 2 Runs, RBI), Danny Shay (2 for 4, Double, Run, 2 RBIs, Stolen Base), and Frank Chance (1 for 3, Run, Stolen Base, Hit by Pitch). Honus Wagner (2 for 3, Double, RBI, Walk) and George Davis (2 for 3, Walk) played well for Philadelphia despite the loss.

Player of the Game: Jesse Tannehill (Season: #11 / Career: #69)

[OmahaBaseball]

An easy win for the Sam Leever led Boston Americans (63-46), as they topped the visiting Philadelphia Athletics (53-56) by a 7 to 1 score. As the 8,363 fans in the stadium cheered him on, Leever remained sharp as the game progressed. Boston remains tied atop of the American League standings.

The magic of Sam Leever (18-7) continues, as he kept the Athletics in check by limiting them to just 1 earned run on 5 hits and 2 walks in his 131-pitch effort; Game Score 74. Taking the loss for Philadelphia was Mordecai Brown (13-15), who permitted 7 runs (6 earned) on 9 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings of play; Game Score 26. Mal Eason was called in for the final 2 innings and allowed just 1 hit and 1 walk in his scoreless performance.

Not only did Leever hurl a gem today, he was locked in at the plate (3 for 3, 2 Runs, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base) along with Solly Hofman (2 for 5, 2 Doubles, Run, 3 RBIs), and Fred Clarke (1 for 3, RBI, Walk). Honus Wagner (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, Run) and John Titus (2 for 3, RBI, Walk) played well in defeat.

Player of the Game: Sam Leever (Season: #14 / Career: #50)

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston continues to win, as they swept the visiting team before an attendance of 8,928 fans. In a dominant pitching performance by Noodles Hahn, the Americans (64-46) cruised to a 6 to 1 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics (53-57). Boston now enjoys a 1-game lead in the American League race.

The Americans rightly turned to their ace to lead the team to victory, as Noodles Hahn (17-10) allowed just 1 earned run on 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 3 in his 108-pitch effort; Game Score 73. Joe Turner (9-12) was burdened with the loss after permitting 5 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits and 1 walk in 7 innings of play; Game Score 40. Happy Townsend covered the final inning, though he did allow 1 earned run on 2 hits.

Boston's offense was led by Fred Clarke (2 for 4, Triple, Run), Noodles Hahn (1 for 3, Double, RBI, Walk), Solly Hofman (1 for 2, Double, RBI, 2 Sacrifice Bunts), and Johnny Lush (3 for 4, 2 Doubles). For the Athletics, Larry McLean (2 for 3, Double, RBI) and Honus Wagner (1 for 3, Walk, Stolen Base) played well in the loss. Wagner currently leads MLB with a .358 batting average.

Player of the Game: Noodles Hahn (Season: #17 / Career: #78)

[OmahaBaseball]

This was a great pitching matchup that featured two of the games best young stars. In the end, Johnny Lush led his Boston Americans (65-46) to a 1 to 0 victory over Weldon Henley and the St. Louis Browns (54-57). Boston now has a 2-game lead in the American League race.

While once again getting little run support from his team (season average of 3.6 runs per game), Johnny Lush (15-12) tossed a 6-hit shutout gem in which he walked 2 batters and struck out 5 in his 112-pitch outing; Game Score 78. Weldon Henley (14-14) was the tough-luck victim in this matchup, as he limited Boston to just 1 earned run on 5 hits, 1 walk, and 1 wild pitch; Game Score 75.

While offense was limited today, there were a few noteworthy performances that warrant mention. For the Americans, Johnny Lush (1 for 3, Double, Run) and Homer Smoot (1 for 1, RBI) played well, while for St. Louis Charlie Babb (2 for 3, Double, Walk) and Bill Fallon (2 for 4) hit the ball well.

Player of the Game: Johnny Lush (Season: #17 / Career: #17)

[OmahaBaseball]

The July development report is out from Boston lead scout Dave Radovanovic. There were several nice improvements, including George Moriarty and Bob Unglaub. I have a soft spot for Willie Garoni (from prior league in OOTP 21) and hate seeing him regress with his control, as this follows previous declines.

[OmahaBaseball]

Pittsburgh Pirates hurler Barney Pelty had a solid week on the mound, so much so that he took home National League Player of the Week honors. In picking up his 1st PofW award, Pelty posted a 2-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in 18 innings of play.

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston ace Noodles Hahn picked up his 2nd career American League Player of the Week award. Hahn's domination translated into a 2-0 record with 9 strikeouts and a 0.50 ERA in 18 innings.

[OmahaBaseball]

As the trading deadline has passed and we move into August, wanted to provide a snapshot of how things stand for the Boston Americans.

An outstanding July record of 19-10 gives the Americans a 2-game lead in the American League race with a MLB best 65-46 record. Despite the solid play, the team's Pythag record shows the team should be even better with a 67-44 record. While they haven't been particularly good on the road (27-26 record), Boston has dominated at home (38-20 record).

The Americans lead the American League in nearly every offensive category. As has historically been the case, they simply don't have the long-ball hitters on the team (6th in AL). Speed and smart baserunning continues to be a Boston hallmark.

On the pitching side of things, the team ranks in the top-2 in nearly every facet of the game, though the bullpen ERA is a disappointing 6th in the league. Additionally, the pitching staff has given up far too many homeruns (6th in the league. Much to my surprise, team defense is the best in the American League.

[OmahaBaseball]

A view of player hitting stats through July 31st; sorted by PA. Bill Lange, Fred Clarke, and Frank Chance each have 5.5+ WAR and are the core of the team hitting. While he has proven to be a valuable pitcher, Johnny Lush has been a pleasant surprise on offense as he has generated 2.1 WAR on offense.

[OmahaBaseball]

Pitching stats sorted by IP. There is no question that Noodles Hahn (17-10, 5.7 WAR) and Johnny Lush (15-12, 5.5 WAR) are the aces of the team. Jesse Tannehill has lost something with his pitching, but still is effective for a #3. Not sure how Sam Leever is doing it, but his 18-7 record has far exceeded his ratings and it will only be a matter of time before he comes back down to earth.

[OmahaBaseball]

MLB standings as the new month begins. The Boston Americans (65-46) lead the American League by 2-games over the Washington Senators (63-38). The Chicago White Sox have an MLB worst 44-67 record. The National League is led by the Philadelphia Phillies (62-49), though there are several teams within striking distance.

[OmahaBaseball]

New York Giants pitcher Ed Walsh was named July's National League Rookie of the Month. The #1 overall selection in the 1903 draft did not disappoint last month, as he posted a 5-3 record with a 1.31 ERA in 75 1/3 innings of play that generated 1.5 WAR. This is Walsh's 2nd RofM award and he has the makings of being an MLB ace.

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston rookie sensation Johnny Lush was named American League Rookie of the Month. In picking up his 2nd career RofM award, Lush posted a 5-2 record with a 2.04 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings pitched. His efforts generated 1.7 WAR on the month, and things are looking positive for this ace in the making.

[OmahaBaseball]

While his Pittsburgh Pirates sit in 4th place (5-games out) in the National League race, Harry Howell is doing everything he can to keep the playoff dream alive. In earning his 2nd career National League Pitcher of the Month award, Howell posted a 7-1 record and a 2.19 ERA in 74 innings of work.

[OmahaBaseball]

Just when you thought he couldn't get better, Washington Senators superstar ace pitcher Rube Waddell did it again. In picking up his 6th career American League Pitcher of the Month award, Waddell dominated by posting a 6-1 record with a 1.50 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 66 innings of play that generated 2.1 WAR and 1.8 WPA on the month. There is little doubt that Waddell is the best pitcher in MLB.

[OmahaBaseball]

Pittsburgh Pirates veteran 1st baseman Fred Tenney is having a career year, and for his recent efforts took home the National League Batter of the Month award. Earning is 1st career PofM award, Tenney batted .389 (37 for 95) with 4 Doubles, 3 Triples, 18 Runs, 18 RBIs, and 16 Walks for a slashline of .389/.474/.495 that resulted in 2.0 WAR for the month.

[OmahaBaseball]

No stranger to baseball accolades, Philadelphia Athletics superstar Honus Wagner earned his 3rd career American League Batter of the Month award by smashing the ball to the tune of a .372 batting average (42 for 113). To go with this high average, Wagner hit 13 Doubles, 4 Triples, 1 Homerun, scored 16 Runs, had 16 RBIs, had 11 Walks, and Stole 12 bases. His slashline for the month was .372/.424/.584 that churned out 2.2 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Another close game that ultimately turned on the sloppy defensive play in which 5 errors were committed by the visiting Americans. In picking up the 2 to 1 victory, the St. Louis Browns (55-57) relied on the pitching of Tom Hughes. In defeat, the Boston Americans (65-47) squandered a fine outing by Jesse Tannehill. With the loss, Boston's lead in the American League race is down to 1-game.

Pitching one of his best games of the season, Tom Hughes (12-7) limited the opposition to 1 earned run on 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6 batters; Game Score 74. Jesse Tannehill (12-15) was saddled with the loss despite allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 1 hit batsman in his 113-pitch outing; Game Score 67.

With both pitchers doing well, offense was limited today. A few players to spotlight include St. Louis infielder Bill Hassamaer (2 for 3, RBI), and Boston's Solly Hofman (2 for 4, Stolen Base) and Jesse Hoffmeister (1 for 3, Triple, Run).

Player of the Game: Tom Hughes