1905 replay update: “Lajoie Day” in Game Two

by Scott Fennessy

New York, NY
10/11/1905

The Indians and Giants meet for game two after a thrilling game one. Today’s game features Earl Moore (32-10) and Joe McGinnity (37-10). Considering how great these two are, I am expecting another low scoring game.

The Indians strike quickly as they used their standard formula. Harry Bay leads off with a single and moves to second on a Cotton Turner ground out. Napoleon Lajoie then gets a single to center and just like that the Indians have a run. McGinnity stops the rally and the Indians lead 1-0. The Giants waste a first inning opportunity of their own as they had runners on second and third with two outs, but come away empty handed.

The score was the same until the Indians come back for more in the third. Turner ropes a two out single to right and the hit and run is on as Lajoie rocks one to right center for an RBI double. Elmer Flick grounds out to end the inning, but the score is now 2-0 Cleveland. The Giants try to get the run right back again, but the rally falls short as a great play by Turner at shortstop cuts down a runner at third and the rally dies off again.

From this point on both pitchers are strong and the score was still 2-0 in the bottom of the ninth when the Indians finally give in. Dan McGann hits a grounder that Turner throws into the seats to put a runner on second with no outs paves the way as he moved to third on George Browne’s ground out. Mike Bowerman then hits one deep to center field and Bay finally makes a running catch near the track. This allows McGann to score the Giants first run of the series. Sammy Strang grounds out weakly to Bill Bradley at third and the game is over.

Both teams have had great pitching, but the Indians bats have provided just enough to win. Lajoie went 4-4 with two RBI and a stolen base. He now has 5 hits in two days. The show moves over to Cleveland where the Giants hope to put together something quick or this will be a short series indeed.