100 Years Ago Today 7/26/1920: Brooklyn Robins Salvage Ebbets Field Split with Pirates

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #94: Monday, July 26, 1920 - BR
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Uncle Robbie Gives Pfeffer Timely Hook; Sherry Smith Holds Pirates at Bay

Brooklyn gains a split with Pittsburgh at Ebbets Field, and at least for the next week or so finally rid themselves of those troublesome Pirates.  With a little help from their opponents, the Robins get most of their scoring done early.  A throwing error in the first inning by Bucs catcher Bill Haeffner leads to three unearned runs for Brooklyn.  Tommy Griffin, Zack Wheat, and Hi Myers, all score.  In the second inning with Jimmy Johnston at the plate, Pirates starter Hal Carlson unleashes a wild pitch allowing Rowdy Elliott to score all the way from second.  And in the third Pete Kilduff's base hit through the left side plates Myers giving the Robins a commanding 5-0 lead.  Or so they thought.  Facing Jeff Pfeffer in the fourth, the Pirates score four times on four hits and two walks, while getting two runs batted in each by shortstop Howdy Caton and Bill Haeffner.  When Max Carey doubles leading off the top of the fifth, Uncle Robbie gives Pfeffer the hook.  Sherry Smith goes on to pitch five scoreless innings allowing only three hits.  Brooklyn tallies some insurance in the sixth on Sherry Smith's two out triple to center scoring Elliott for a 6-4 final margin of victory.  Sherry Smith improves to 7-5 with a fine 1.98 ERA; for Jeff Pfeffer, a no decision.  Rowdy Elliott is 3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.  Ed Konetchy (.324) goes 2 for 4 with a double and run batted in.  Meanwhile, the rest of the league is idle.  Therefore Brooklyn adds a half-game to their lead over the second place Reds, whom arrive at tomorrow for a four game showdown at Ebbets Field.  Getcha' tickets, gonna be fun.

• RECORD: 54-39 (.580)
• First Place; 2.5 GA