100 Years Ago Today 9/13/1920: First Place Brooklyn Robins Open Five Game Lead

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #140: Monday, September 13, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Jeff Pfeffer Outperforms Chicago Great Pete Alexander

Uncle Robbie couldn't be prouder.  Brooklyn manager, yes, but he's a pitching guru at heart.  Wilbert Robinson witnesses his starter Jeff Pfeffer get the best of 24-game winner Pete Alexander.  Chicago opens the scoring in the first on Fred Merkle's triple scoring Max Flack.  In the Brooklyn second Hi Myers counters with a triple of his own scoring Zack Wheat.  Pete Kilduff drives home Myers and Jeff Pfeffer gives himself a hand by driving home Kilduff for a 3-1 Robins lead.  Brooklyn continues adding on through the eighth.  In the fourth Jeff Pfeffer wields his second hit and drives home his second run.  Zack Wheat and Ray Schmandt drive in runs in the fifth.  Ernie Krueger triples in Brooklyn's seventh and final run for the game.  Max Flack drives home two runs in the ninth against Pfeffer, otherwise no harm done.  Brooklyn takes game one by a seven to three final.  Hi Myers now leads the team with 76 runs batted in.  Pfeffer is charged with three runs on ten hits with one walk and four strikeouts en route to his fifteenth victory against nine losses with a 3.04 ERA.  Grover Cleveland Alexander entered the game with a 4-1 record and a 1.72 in five previous starts against the Robins.  Last time they met Grover Cleveland he shut them out.  On this day he is denied his 25th victory.  In the meantime, Brooklyn wins their season high ninth consecutive game.  The sun drunk Ebbets Field crowd approves.


Game #141: Monday, September 13, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Overflowing Ebbets Field Crowd Cheers on Tenth Straight Win and Twin Bill Sweep

A near mirror image of game one, except it's Rube Marquard joining with Al Mamaux toeing the rubber and hurling another timely victory.  Brooklyn chips away with runs in the first, fourth and eighth innings.  Ivy Olson stays hot going 3 for 5 with a triple and a run batted in.  Jimmy Johnston elevates his average to .298 with two hits in four trips, with a run scored and one run batted in.  Marquard yields two runs on seven hits and two walks with two strikeouts through four innings.  Al Mamaux follows with five innings of scoreless five-hit ball with two strikeouts for his tenth win.  The game ends on a 6-to-4 force out at second followed by a triumphant roar from the packed Ebbets Field crowd.  Easily 30,000 in attendance, the neighborhood trolley dodgers witness their team earn their season high tenth straight victory.  Brooklyn's present five game lead over the Reds is their largest for the season.  Conversely, the Robins have never been more than three games from the lead. The Reds lose at Philadelphia and the Giants win at the Polo Grounds.

• RECORD: 83-57 (.593)
• 1st Place; 5 GA

EXTRA: AMERICAN LEAGUE RACE

BABE RUTH HITS #49

The Indians will spend a second straight night just one-half game behind the Yankees.  Cleveland defeats the Philadelphia Athletics while the Yankees cut down the Detroit Tigers and therefore no change.  Carl Mays limits the Tigers to a pair of runs on nine hits and three walks en route to his 24th victory of the season against ten losses with a 3.25 ERA.  Ty Cobb musters a double, but no more.  In the sixth inning, Babe Ruth hits his 49th home run for the season - a two run blast into deep right, Wally Pip scores.

Revived New York Islanders Short Circuit Bolts in Game Three

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 2-1

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

II - TBL 2; NYI 1

III - NYI 5; TBL 3

THE LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR MOOD MANAGEMENT WELCOMES YOU

What's a Long Islander to do when the opposition shows up for work a few forwards short of a dozen?  You forecheck the crap out of whoever is left.  I do not say that facetiously.  The Lightning were forced to play five different forwards in excess of eighteen minutes each.  They might as well have had "Tenderize Me" stitched on the back of their jerseys.

Tampa is making a big mistake if they're trying to raise the physicality of this series instead of what worked for them in game one: dump and chase and speed to the puck.  Time and again in game one they made Islanders defensemen turn their backs and skates towards the boards.  Lately, not so much.

And there's the rub ...

Coming off the Flyers series, who said the Islanders would need a few games before they get their skates under them?  Who predicted the Isles would be down 2-1 after three games?  And who said they'd be better for it?

Thank you very much, although the latter remains to be seen.

Game two was very much an Islander type game.  But they blinked, twice, and Lightning struck.  It goes like that sometimes.  Make no mistake: the Islanders are feeling good again .. and feisty.  Game three's boxscore says Tampa out-hit the Islanders by a 66-42 margin.  You can believe that if you like.  After all, numbers don't lie.  But if you watched, you know that's not what happened.  Long Island makes up for a disparity in hits via several scrums.  Moreover, Matt Martin exacts a measure of revenge upon Barclay Goodrow on behalf of Brock Nelson and Jean-Gabriel Pageau gives Nikita Kucherov a much needed attitude adjustment.  On a more clandestine level, Long Island also keeps a closer eye on Ryan McDonagh.

If the Islanders let one get away in game two, they slammed the door shut on game three.  Not before Tampa nearly takes over this game, proving once again they can outscore mistakes and in this instance a shortage of available skaters.  The Lightning overcome a 3-1 deficit with two goals in the third period.  But the reinvigorated Islanders strike back.  Brock Nelson scores at 16:35 assisted by Anthony Beaulliviere and Josh Bailey.  At 19:24 Jean-Gabriel Pageau scores into an empty net.

The Islanders finally break through Andrei Vasilevskiy with four goals on 35 shots.  Semyon Varlamov faces 37 shots and makes 34 saves.  But he plays much better than the numbers indicate.

PIGSKIN 2020: WEEK ONE

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week One

WELCOME BACK and THANK YOU for making PIGSKIN one of my more popular features.  There is no PIGSKIN, nor a Brooklyn Trolley Blogger without you.  I can not express enough how appreciative and grateful I am for your time and continued interest.

The Giants department of my blog: DO IT FOR THE DUKE.  Just so you know, I am a blue bleeding Giants fan.  I was a novice in the mid 1970's when John McVay still roamed the sideline.  The disciplinarian Ray Perkins followed and guided the Giants through my first playoff experience.  Bill Parcells takes over the reigns in 1983, and the rest is history.

The Jets department of my blog: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE.  I am not a Jets hater.  If you follow me you'll concur.  I just call it like I see it.  I'm one who enjoys the mayhem that comes with having so many pro teams playing within our metropolitan area.  I remember Joe Namath's last season in green and was just as dismayed as any Jets fan to see him in a Rams uniform.  Joe Klecko belongs in the Hall of Fame!  What on god's earth is Canton waiting for?  I also derived no joy from watching Richard Todd throw three interceptions in the 1983 AFC championship game at Miami - the game that got Walt Michaels unfairly fired.

Please allow me to reiterate my appreciation for your support.

RULES of PIGSKIN

• This is a friggin hobby, okay!  I do this for fun and entertainment purposes only.  PIGSKIN is not DraftKings.  If you lose money following PIGSKIN advice, tell it to the Marines.
• Otherwise the PIGSKIN preferred unit of value is a good old Brooklyn deli BAGEL.  For what it's worth, my favorites are everything, pumpernickel and cinnamon raisin, in that order.  Each PIGSKIN pick is worth one Bagel; the Schmear of the Week is worth three Bagels.
• I usually post PIGSKIN picks by Friday evening.  But I have a real life, therefore sometimes my picks get posted on Saturday ... like today.  In fact, I may do more Saturday this season.
• regardless of posting day, PIGSKIN uses the NFL line from Friday's edition of the NYP/NYDN.
• PIGSKIN only cares about Football Sunday.  Exceptions are Thanksgiving Day and if the GIANTS/JETS play on Monday/Thursday, as is the case Monday night when the NYG take on PITT.
• PIGSKIN for several years has openly protested the Washington D.C. Football Club and sees no reason to stop now.
• PIGSKIN is cool.  Tell your friends.

Warm-Up

• COVID: The year 2020 offers no quarter.  Football will find out it's no different.  I bid health and a little luck this season to everyone.
• How the hell did the NFL start on time and manage to do it quietly?  Oh, right, no pre-season games.

Coin Toss

• Does Vegas have an over/under for potential games lost due to COVID?
• Fans or no fans ... prepare for both.  Just depends on the state.  Unless the game is in Florida where their governor could give a rat's ass.
• Is fans booing a moment of solidarity at Chiefs/Texans opener at Kansas City a sign of things to come?

FIRST and TEN

• THE.LAS.VEGAS.RAIDERS.ARE.NOW!  Just Win Baby!  If any team ever deserved a new stadium, it's them. #OAK #LA
• Tom Brady's First season with Tampa Bay ... TAMPA BAY!
• Odell Beckham Jr., and the Cleveland Steamers ... can't make this stuff up.
• Joe "Effing" Judge.

SECOND and SHORT

• Cam Newton Part II starts now!  Welcome to New England.
• Philip Rivers went from the Bolts to the Colts.
• After two seasons on the unemployment line, Mike McCarthy lands his second head coaching job with Dallas.
• Le'veon Bell enters his second season with the Jets.  Last season were his fewest rushes and yards gained over a full season since his 2013 rookie debut.

NO GAIN 

• Thursday's Opening Night ratings DOWN!
• After twenty season with New England Tom Brady is out of the division and the Jets still aren't in a position to win the AFC East.
• Teams already opting to stay in locker rooms during National Anthem.

PUNT!

• Roger Goodell continues fumbling the ball.  If NFL owners want to get and stay ahead of racial injustice and matters of equality, fire Goodell now.
• Andy Reid's face shield.

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE 

A Poor Case for Adam Gase

The Jets are arguably less talented than last season.  I'm being kind.  What a shame for a team that finished last season with a 6-2 record over their final eight games.  In any event, they ranked dead last in total offense.  Now they have a new, new, general manager, and therefore a new, new direction.  That is otherwise known as spinning in circles.  The question is can Joe Douglas finally put an end to it.  In the meantime, Sam Darnold enters year three.  He is improving but still has a ways to go.  He's playing behind a questionable, albeit transformed offensive line.  The collective improvement remains to be seen.  Meanwhile, Le'Veon Bell must be looking at the acquisition of Frank Gore like wtf?!  Adam Gase last season demonstrated little to no use for Bell, or at least that's the way it appeared on TV.  As a result Bell is coming off a season of rookie level proportions.  Circling back to Adam Gase, if Sam Darnold does not demonstrate marked improvement this season, what would be the sense in keeping him around?  Let Joe Douglas hire his own coach and stop this maddening habit of hiring alternating general managers and head coaches.

WEEK ONE

Friday Line ~ NYP

BILLS -6 1/2 Jets
I think the Bills win and cover.  Period.  End of statement.
WIN 27-17 Bills

Eagles -5 1/2 D.C. NAMELESS

The Eagles have a playoff record to speak of, the NO NAMES not so much.
Loss 27-17 NoNames

Seahawks -2 1/2 FALCONS

Falcons are in no way out of the mix yet.  But the addition of Jamal Adams seals it for me.  Russell Wilson is only getting started.
WIN 38-25 Seahawks

PATRIOTS -6 1/2 Dolphins

Can't trust the Fish outside of their tank, not yet.  Cam Newton missed practically all of last season.  Now he plays for Simon Bar Sinister.  Not ready to go cold turkey on the Pats now that their fix is gone.
WIN 21-11 Patriots

VIKINGS -2 1/2 Packers

I pooh-poohed the Vikes all last season, and they sacked me every time.  I actually think the Packers are overrated.  Matt LaFleur?
Loss 43-34 Packers

Colts -7 1/2 JAGUARS

Philip Rivers vs. Gardner Minshew.  I'll take Rivers playing behind a solid offensive line and one of the best centers in football.  Good running game too.
Loss 27-20 Jaguars

LIONS -3 Bears

This game screams stay away!  Matt Patricia's rebuilding continues, on and on.  But at least the Lions have somewhat of a clue.  I can't say the same for Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles.
Loss 27-23 Bears

RAVENS -7 1/2 Browns

The Browns are still in the Show Me stage.  Show me ...  The Ravens on the other hand will be one of the dominant teams in the AFC.  LaMar Jackson's interceptions will come down.
WIN 38-6 Ravens

Raiders -3 PANTHERS

I'm not saying they're bad, but there is just too much fluxing around going on in Carolina.  Even Vegas doesn't trust the home team.  New coach, no Cam, you get the idea.
WIN 34-30 Raiders

Chargers -3 BENGALS

The veteran Tyrod Taylor for the Chargers versus the rookie Joe Burrow going for the Bengals.  Oh, what's a gambling degenerate to do?  When starting center Mike Pouncey is out, I think twice.  But San Diego's defense should take care of this one.
PUSH 16-13 Chargers

SAINTS -3 1/2 Bucs

Game of the Week!  Drew Brees versus Tom Brady - two statues who've joined to throw for over 150,000 yards.  And the Gronk is back!  Tampa is better than I give them credit for.  Their defense is staunch.  But I think Tom Bundchen might be taking this too far.  Just pay attention to him and the overall speed of the game.  Might as well keep an eye on Brees as well.
WIN 34-23 Saints

Cardinals +6 1/2 NINERS

Another situation at center, 49ers Weston Richburg is out for the opener.  Otherwise, don't ever sleep on Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals.  Take the Cardinals and the points whenever you can.
WIN 24-20 Cardinals

Cowboys -2 1/2 RAMS

Rams, new stadium, paper tiger.
Loss 20-17 Rams

Schmear of the Week
Bills -6 1/2
WIN

Week One Record:  8-5-1
Overall Record:  8-5-1
Schmear of the Week:  1-0
Bagels in the Basket: +5

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Steelers -6 GIANTS

Big Ben is back and the Giants are gonna be in trouble. 
WIN 26-16 Steelers

As far as the team itself, I'm very interested to see what Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard and the return of Evan Engram can conjure under new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.  I'm also curious to see this transformative offensive line perform.  Nate Solder is out and as far as I'm concerned that's a good thing.  That's not a slight at Solder.  It just means we get throw first round draft selection Andrew Thomas into the fire.  Nick Gates is making his first career start at center.  That's where most of my focus will be.  Insofar as the defense, I have no expectations.

ICYMI:

• NYG: Head Coach Joe Judge is Now in Session
• NYG: Novice Nick Gates Is Latest Center of the Day

Good Luck and have a great Opening Week of football..!!

100 Years Ago Today 9/12/1920: First Place Brooklyn Robins Pulling Away From Reds and Giants

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS
1920 National League Champions

Game #139: Sunday, September 12, 1920

Chicago Cubs vs. Brooklyn Robins

Ebbets Field

Burleigh Grimes Whitewashes Cubs for #21; Robins Win Eighth Straight

Chicago great Hippo Vaughn's bid for an eighteenth victory dies on the bats of Jimmy Johnston, Hi Myers, Ray Schmandt and Pete Kilduff who account for all Brooklyn's runs batted in.  Hi Myers now leads the team with 75 runs batted in.  Schmandt giving Konetchy a spell at first base is 2 for 4 with a triple.  The Robins generate twelve hits in all.  Ace Burleigh Grimes handles the rest.  The spitballer limits the Cubs to just four hits and one walk with three strikeout over nine scoreless innings.  It's Burleigh's 21st victory of the season against ten losses with a 2.07 ERA.  It's also Brooklyn's second straight shutout following Sherry Smith's effort the previous day.  The Robins are 5-0 since returning home and have now won eight straight marking their longest win streak of the season.  The idle Reds are now three full games out of first.  The New York Giants bow to the Cardinals at the Polo Grounds, placing them 4.5 games out of the lead.  They were within 1.5 games as recently as four days ago.

• RECORD: 81-57 (.587)
• 1st Place; 3.5 GA

EXTRA: AMERICAN LEAGUE RACE

The Yankees roll to a 13-6 victory over the Tigers at Detroit.  Wally Pip is 2 for 4, with his tenth home run and five runs batted in.  Right fielder Bob Meusel and left fielder Duffy Lewis each drive in three runs apiece.  Tigers pitchers want nothing to do with Babe Ruth (.375) whom receives four bases on balls.  Starter Carl Mays yields three runs on five hits in the first forcing a quick hook from Miller Huggins.  Rip Collins allows three runs on nine hits and four walks but manages his 13th victory of the season.  Ty Cobb (.334). gets the best of both pitcher going 3 for 5 with a run scored and two runs batted in.  First baseman Harry Heilmann goes 2 for 3 with a double, three runs batted in and a run scored.  Cleveland defeats the A's at Philadelphia to remain one-half game out of first.

N.Y. Giants: Novice Nick Gates is Latest Center of the Day

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

IN SEARCH OF THE ELUSIVE

 ALPHA HOGMOLLIE

The New York Giants Latest Attempt at Center: Guard Nick Gates

It's ponderous to me how such an integral, physical, cerebral, technical position as center warrants so little consideration.  There's always some stop gap measure available to fill the slot, never a premiere talent.  Smart teams know better and reap the benefits, others not so much.  The Giants are grouped in with the latter and it drives me nuts.  I'm not just talking about Dave Gettlemen either.

The Colts recently made Ryan Kelly the highest paid center in the NFL.  Why do you think the Steelers locked up Maurkice Pouncey long term?  Remember in SB51 how the Falcons crumbled in the second half against the Patriots?  All that transpired after center Alex Mack sustained a broken leg late in the second quarter.  Atlanta's running game vanished from sight, pass protection was compromised and Matt Ryan came under attack.  Not even Bill Belichick can defend against a great center.  Ask him ... I'll wait .......  The Falcons ability to sustain first downs was completely wiped out all due to losing Alex Mack.  Just a few first downs, two first downs, one more first down, and the Patriots do not win.  A formidable New York Jets running game among other things withered away once Nick Mangold hung up his uniform.  Ask Tom Brady what he thought of Dan Koppen.

I can go on because I believe center is the fifth most important position on the field.  It's a multifaceted position.  No one touches the ball more.  Every play starts with them.  They're in charge of an entire unit - the offensive line.  On each and every play they must analyze and adapt to what is being presented before them, then disseminate this information and insure the line operates in unison.  In that regard, centers are not allowed to be wrong, unlike, say, a receiver running a wrong route or a running back rushing the wrong gap.  For as long as the line is operating as one, defective and broken plays can be altered and even saved.  Otherwise, a center needs to be correct with each and every call, be it pass protection or run blocking.  Defensive linemen will also tell you the shortest path to the quarterback goes through center.  They must identify the blitz despite being entangled with a nose tackle.  Thus centers work with quarterbacks and even help call audibles and influence play calling.  They must know a quarterback's snap count like his heartbeat.  How come you rarely ever see a center jump off-sides?  Because they're smart and disciplined, and they have the damn ball!

Show me a legitimate Super Bowl contender and/or winner and I promise you in most instances there is a Pro-Bowl quality center nearby.  This a not a foreign notion to the Giants.  Bart Oates was a five time Pro-Bowl center and member of the Super Bowl XXI and XXV champions.

In 2000, Dusty Ziegler is imported from Buffalo as the upgrade over Derek Engler and Brian Williams.  No Pro-Bowls, no Super Bowl victory either, just good enough for an NFC title.

In 2004 Shaun O'Hara is brought in to solidify the middle of the line.  It becomes a dominant offensive line that would set a record for most consecutive starts together.  O'Hara is a three time Pro-Bowler and center for the XLII Super Bowl champions.

George Young .. Bart Oates .. strong running game .. Lombardi trophies.
Ernie Accorsi ..  Shaun O'Hara .. strong running game .. Lombardi trophy.

Before the 2011 season O'Hara is cut and replaced with former San Francisco Niner David Baas.  He is decent but a noticeable downgrade.  Fortunately he is playing alongside four line mates chasing down a second Super Bowl trophy.  Any David Baas deficiencies where covered up by them.  He was never a Pro-Bowl quality center and was fortunate to win a Super Bowl (with the Giants).

Nick Gates is young, tenacious, willing and able.  Alas he is not a center.  Gates is a guard who will start the season at center.  This will be his second active season with the Giants.  He appeared in all sixteen games last season, but all at guard.  Which is to say this will be his first regular season experience at the new position.  He is 6'6", 318 lbs., out of Nebraska.  If I'm stereotyping line men, well then he fits the traditional description.  But can a novice master the responsibilities of playing center and still develop effective technique.  This very transition has overwhelmed many linemen in the past.  Center is a unique and demanding endeavor requiring a measure of leadership skills as well.

Gates replaces Spencer Pulley as the starting center.  However, both will man the position.  Pulley was the one who replaced Jon Halapio who couldn't stay on the field due to injuries.  Halapio was drafted in 2014 by the Patriots, but did not play his first NFL game until joining the Giants in 2016.  For you locals, Halapio in 2015 played for the Brooklyn Bolts at Coney Island prior to his arrival at MetLife Stadium.  What the heck does that tell you?

Fuhggeddaboudit..!!

The position of center has been problematic ever since the team and Shaun O'Hara parted ways.  That's on Jerry Reese and Dave Gettleman, who still doesn't seem to care.

But, hey, I hope Nick Gates wins the day.

100 Years Ago Today 9/11/1920 Brooklyn Robins Sweep Cardinals; Widen First Place Lead Over Reds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #137: Saturday, September 11, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Leon Cadore is a One Man Gang

Brooklyn rolls to a double-digit victory over the Cardinals, their third of the series.  The Robins score early, often and late.  Uncle Robbie's men offer no quarter to Cardinals pitchers Tony Lyons and Mike Kircher.  They generate twenty hits en route to a lopsided 15-4 victory.  Ivy Olson continues his torrid hitting going 3 for 5 with three runs scored.  Hi Myers drives home his team leading 74th run batted in.  Bernie Neis and Zack Wheat each drive in two runs apiece.  But the brightest star in the daytime sky over Ebbets Field is starter and wielder of bat, Leon Cadore.  The 28-year old right-hander is 3 for 4 at the plate, with a double, a home run to deep left, four runs batted in and two runs scored.  From sixty-feet six inches away he limits the Cardinals to four runs on ten hits and one walk with five strikeouts through nine innings full.  He improves to 14-12 with a 2.53 ERA.


Game #138: Saturday, September 11, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Sherry Smith Whitewashes Cardinals

Sherry Smith follows up Leon Cardore's extravaganza with a more workmanlike effort against the Cardinals.  Smith was 2 for 3 at the plate with a double, but alas no home runs or runs batted in.  That was left up to Jimmy Johnston and Zack Wheat.  Rather than swing for the fences Sherry Smith focused in on the Cardinals allowing five scattered hits and two walks with two strikeouts over nine scoreless innings for the complete game shutout.  Sherry Smith improves to 9-6 with a fine 2.16 ERA and is the only Robins batter to register multiple hits.  So take that!  Brooklyn sweeps Saturday's twin bill, they sweep the Cardinals series four to none, and achieve their seventh straight victory.  Today's bounty of victories gives the Robins a three game lead over the Reds, and a 3.5 games lead over the Giants.  The Braves sweep two from Cincinnati, but the Giants take a single game from the Cubs at the Polo Grounds.

• RECORD: 80-57 (.584)
• 1st Place; 3.0 GA

EXTRA: AMERICAN LEAGUE

The New York Yankees defeat the Cleveland Indians at League Park to take over sole possession of first place by a slim half-game margin over the White Sox.  Yankees southpaw Hank Thormahlen limits Cleveland to a pair of runs, one earned, on seven hits and one walk over nine complete innings pitched.  He improves to 8-4 with a 4.16 ERA.  Babe Ruth strokes a hit and a double in three trips.  Second baseman Del Pratt leads the way with two hits in three trips with four runs batted in.  Catcher Truck Hannah goes 4 for 5 with a double, run scored and one run batted in and Wally Pip goes 3 for 4 with a double, three runs scored and one run batted in.  Cleveland shortstop Joe Evans drives in Cleveland's only earned run.  Yankees now move on to Detroit for three.

N.Y. Giants: Head Coach Joe Judge is Now in Session

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

F-Bombs and First Downs, The Joe Judge Era Begins

The broader the view, the more Big Blue you see ...

Ray Perkins was a disciplinarian.  Hired in 1979, he gets the Giants back into the post-season in 1981 for the first time in eighteen years.

Bill Parcells follows.  He is also a disciplinarian and leads the Giants to Super Bowl victories in 1986 and 1990 and very well should have won another in 1989 were it not for Flipper Anderson.

I digress...

After realizing their mistake in handing over the reins to Ray Handley, George Young one day picks up his phone.  Hello?  Hey George, it me Dan Reeves, how bout giving me a crack at the Giants?  Okay you're hired.  To his credit, Dan Reeves in 1993 squeezes the last bit of goodness out of Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms, Rodney Hampton and the smash mouth era with one last playoff push and victory over the Vikings.  Dan Reeves wasn't one to take much crap either.  He was a serious guy and remained instrumental over the next two seasons whilst George Young went about restocking talent.  It was Reeves who switched Michael Strahan from right to left defensive end.  Strahan was of course resistant at first, but the rest is football history.

Once the team is rebuilt to a satisfactory level, George Young tells Dan Reeves thank you and hires Jim Fassell who is nowhere near the disciplinarian his predecessors were.  It's actually an odd hire.  However, he benefits from good coordinators.  Fassell connects with his players and together they turn the Giants into a viable contender again.  In 1998, new general manager Ernie Accorsi picks up where retiring executive George Young leaves off.  Fassell marches forward to capture an NFC title and gets the Giants back into the Super Bowl.  But an underwhelming performance against the Baltimore Ravens is the line a demarcation.  For the fun stops there.  The Giants unyielding recklessness, undisciplined play and mounting losses, some ponderous, ultimately costs Fassell his job.

Ernie Accorsi reverts back to disciplinarian with the appointment of Tom Coughlin.  Two Super Bowls later new general manager Jerry Reese, unlike George Young, fails to draft well and rebuild the Giants (offensive line) in a timely manner.  In turn the Giants spend the last decade mired with futility, reactive faulty reasoning, bad cap economics, successive poor coaching hires, scapegoating, Mara's micromanagement and a mountain of losses.  The Giants are 55-77 since winning Super Bowl XLVI and have posted double-digit losses in five of the last six seasons.  That's a lot of stimulus for repeatedly making bad decisions.  The teams constructed by Jerry Reese during the latter years of Eli Manning's career were nothing short of a disservice to his legacy.  Matters compound when Gettlemen is derailed by Mara's insistence to win now while Eli is still under contract.  If sometimes Gettleman seemed in control of the situation and other times he seemed absolutely clueless, this is why.  It's part of being the front man.  Jerry Reese's hiring of Ben McAdoo and Gettleman's hiring of Pat Shurmur were specifically selected with Eli in mind.  Mara's fingerprints have since been uncovered everywhere.  Disciplinarians?  Don't make me laugh.

Years of giving it one more go for the Gipper are finally over.  With Eli Manning out of the picture, this finally becomes Dave Gettleman's team, albeit two years too late.  Take that with a grain of salt.  But he no longer must fret the owner derailing his best laid plans.  In fact, he moves forward with a new head coach and a quarterback and running back in place, and a first round offensive lineman selection that hints at the course Gettleman is setting.  Both sides of the ball are also collectively very young.  I'm not one to declare fresh starts for peace sake, but in Gettleman's case and the Giants present condition it may be warranted.

Hopefully Joe Judge brings law and order to the Giants.  They've clearly reverted back to hiring a disciplinarian.  The question is will players buy in?  Off the top of my head I say yes.  This is a very young team throughout the lineup, all seeking to establish themselves same as their rookie head coach.  There's every reason for them to come together as one.  It's called camaraderie on a rebuilding club.  But if you're a rookie coach looking to bully your way through the bingo parlor, you better know what you're doing.  If we've learned anything about him so far, it's that he's an F-bomber.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Lest we forget how winning trumps all.

Joe Judge was part of three New England Patriots Super Bowls.  But if his resume seems a little shy of experience, that's because it is.  His NFL career consists of eight years, all with the Patriots, as special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach.  That's it, and he's only 38-years old.

Once upon a time Tom Coughlin was a wide receivers coach with the Giants when Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick still ran the room.  Difference is he would go on to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars to back-to-back AFC title games prior to becoming head coach of the Giants.  Once upon a time Bill Belichick also started out as a special teams and wide receivers coach prior to his employment with the Giants.

Apparently Joe Judge has Bill Belichick's blessings.  That was not the case when Eric Mangini left the Patriots Trust to accept the New York Jets head coaching position.  He meets my approval as well.

Judge is going to be tough and structured, or so he thinks.  But I do believe he will be better than Ben McAdoo and Pat Shurmur put together.

So, let's be hopeful.

Improvement speaks louder than f-bombs.

Just saying ...

N.Y. Islanders: Zapped Again

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 2-0

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

II - TBL 2; NYI 1

When Lightning Strikes the Same Place Twice

This is the type of game the Islanders wanted to play, proving game one was an aberration.  They had everything going their way.  Tampa enters the game with eleven forwards and seven blue liners.  Midway through the second period the Bolts were playing with only nine forwards - no Steven Stamkos; no Brayden Point; no Alex Killorn.  Long Island yields just 21 shots on goal.  They keep Tampa scoreless in three power play opportunities.  The Isles win more face-offs and inflict more overall hits.  And they play with an early lead.  Matt Martin scores at the 1:24 mark of the opening period.  After which, the Isles spend upwards of twelve minutes in Tampa's end to start the game. 

At 5:55 of the first, Alex Killorn is called for a five minute major and a game misconduct for his vicious boarding of Brock Nelson.  The Isles get off five shots on goal but come up empty.

By the eight minute mark Tampa appears to be recovering from Long Island's opening surge.  But the Isles veto that and continue applying pressure.  Midway through Long Island owns an 11-3 advantage in shots on goal.  At 13:54 Ryan Pulock is whistled for tripping.  The Isles kill the penalty without allowing a single shot on goal.  It's part of a ten minute stretch in which the Islanders prevent the Bolts from taking a single shot.  Once out of the box, Pulock continues covering Brayden Point like a blanket, clearing the way for Mathew Barzal being the best centerman on the ice.

COMMITTING CARDINAL SIN of HOCKEY NUMBER ONE:

In the closing moments of the first period the Isles are called for a ponderous icing infraction.  The stripes clearly get this one wrong.  Back in their end the Isles lose the ensuing face-off.  Victor Hedman, there's that name again, scores with 1:34 showing on the clock.

COMMITTING CARDINAL SIN of HOCKEY NUMBER TWO:

The score remains unchanged for the next forty-four minutes and fourteen seconds.  Tampa does not achieve their tenth SOG of the game until the fourteen minute mark in the second.  But then, Long Island commits a defensive zone turnover.  At 19:51 of the third an uncontested Nikita Kucherov beats Semyon Varlamov; the Lightning lead 2-1; overtime averted. 

Assist by Ryan McDonagh ... a hard cross-ice pass from deep down along the left boards that goes untouched by three defenders.  Kucherov was positioned and waiting the whole time.

For two fleeting moments in time the Islanders slept on Tampa and it cost them dearly.  For a second straight game Ryan McDonagh proves Long Island's phantom menace.  Tampa is being aggressive on the pinch.  Tampa is known to interweaves a forward through the defensemen in order to facilitate just that; no big secret.  But the Islanders are letting McDonagh get lost in the crowd.  McDonagh is alone and free and more than happy to assist.

And so the Islanders had everything going for them except the final score.

They certainly had their chances, many chances in fact.  However, they go 0 for 4 on the power play; costly was their inability to score during a five minute major to Killorn.  But more than anyone, Tampa goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy deserves all three game stars.  Just hand em over.  He has started all fifteen games for Tampa since the NHL's return to action.  In game two he faces 28 shots and stops all but one.  Another way of looking at it: he yields a goal 1:24 into the opening period then shuts out the Islanders the rest of the way.

Tampa also seemed to have it in for Brock Nelson who suffers not one but two major boarding incidents, only the second period infraction goes uncalled.

Otherwise, never allow a goal in the first two minutes or last two minutes of any period!

I still say a 2-1 series deficit is manageable.  But the Islanders must now win game three or else be faced with having to sweep the final four.  Winning four of the next five .. not out of the question.

100 Years Ago Today 9/10/1920: Victory Over Cardinals Gives Brooklyn Robins Full Game Lead Over Reds

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #136: Friday, September 10, 1920 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

Robins Tie Game in Ninth, Win in Eleventh Inning

This game was not for the squeamish or faint of heart.  Certainly not a good day for pitchers unless your name is Jeff Pfeffer who somehow escapes Friday's action with a victory.  Hi Myers opens the scoring in the first with a triple driving home Jimmy Johnston and Zack Wheat.  After which a passed ball by catcher Verne Clemons plates Myers for a 3-0 Robins lead.  In the top half of the second Rogers Hornsby connects off Rube Marquard for his ninth home.  The game remains a 3-1 affair through the sixth.  In the St. Louis seventh, Clemons drives home a run and first baseman Jack Fournier connects off Marquard for a three run home run to deep right.  Trailing 5-3 in the ninth, Brooklyn rallies against Cardinals starter Ferdie Schupp for three hits and two runs to send the game into extra innings.  Facing Jeff Pfeffer (in relief of Maquard and Sherry Smith) in the top of the eleventh, the Cardinals erupt for three runs.  Pfeffer yields three consecutive hits then walks Mike Knode with the bases loaded.  Right fielder Joe Schulz follows with a hit back through the box and into centerfield plating two.  Facing reliever Bill Sherdel in the home eleventh resilient Brooklyn counters with four runs, Hi Myers drives home the game winner.  Rube Marquard is happy to accept a no decision.  Pfeffer earns his fourteenth win of the season with a 3.05 ERA.  Ivy Olson is 3 for 6 with two runs batted in.  Hi Myers now has 73 runs batted in for the season.  Both the Reds and Giants are idle. 

BABE RUTH HITS #48

In the American League, New York's victory at Cleveland forces a first place tie between the Indians and White Sox with the Highlanders lurking a mere one-half game out.  Facing 18-game winner Ray Caldwell in the first inning at League Park, Babe Ruth (.374) connects for his unheard of 48th home run; with two runs batted in he now has 122 for the season.

• RECORD: 78-57 (.578)
• 1st Place; 1.0 GA

100 Years Ago Today 9/9/1920: Brooklyn Robins in First Place with Twenty Games Left

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #135: Thursday, September 9, 1920 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Robins
Ebbets Field

New York City Center of Baseball Universe

Empire City is delirious with pennant fever and in other instances just plain mad.  Fans throughout the five boroughs are chomping at the bit for a shot at the title.  Even the suddenly relevant Highlanders featuring a 25-year old Babe Ruth have something to say.  Acquired from the Red Sox and relieved of his pitching duties by the Yankees, George Ruth continues setting baseball's single season records aflame.  Never before has the game witnessed such abnormalities when a pitched ball comes in contact with the swing of his bat.  Ruth is indeed all the rage.  Everyone wants to see The Babe.  The Yankees are even outdrawing the Giants in their own home park and John McGraw is incensed.  Unlike Chicago in 1906, New York City is yet to experience a subway World Series.  The Yankees are engaged in a three way race with the Indians and White Sox.  Cleveland finishes the day with a one game lead over Chicago, and a 1.5 game lead over the Yankees.  Meanwhile, the third place Giants bow to the Cubs at the Polo Grounds and the second place Reds defeat Boston at Braves Field.  The Giants have 21 games left in their season in which to overcome a 2.5 game deficit.  But only in New York City can there exist another universe just eighteen miles away where the Robins are letting it be known to both neighboring clubs that the road to a championship goes through Brooklyn.  If Wilbert Robinson hasn't already earned John McGraw's ire, he's certainly doing a fine job of it now.

Back home at Ebbets Field, the Brooklyn Robins defeat the visiting St. Louis Cardinals to retake sole possession of first place.  With the borough's collective heart beating like a big bass drum, an estimated crowd of 7,000 welcome home with a roar of appreciation their first place Robins.  Starter  Burleigh Grimes and company do not disappoint.  The spitballer limits the Cardinals to a pair of earned runs on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts en rout to his twentieth victory of the season.  It's the first time in his five year career Grimes achieves the benchmark.  Meanwhile, his opponent, Bill Doak, is denied his 19th victory of the season.  Leading-off the Brooklyn half of the second, Zack Wheat hits his sixth home run deep to left.  Wheat drives home his second run of the game in the third.  Rogers Hornsby counters in the fourth with a two run triple.  But Ivy Olson and Ed Konetchy provide all the insurance required by Burleigh Grimes.  The heart of the order - Zack Wheat, Hi Myers and Ed Konetchy - are all batting above .300, while Brooklyn's team ERA remains the best in the league.

• RECORD: 77-57 (.575)
• 1st Place; 0.5 GA

N.Y. Islanders: Short Circuited by Bolts of Lightning

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

Lightning lead Isles; 1-0

I - TBL 8; NYI 2

GAME TWO

Tampa Bay Lightning

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

Canadian Hockey Bubble

I believe Monday's 8-2 final score is an aberration.

Either the Bolts were super charged up after sitting idle since August 31, or the Islanders were completely lagging coming off a seven game series involving three overtimes that didn't wrap up until Saturday, thus leaving them approximately forty hours to recover, fly from Toronto to Edmonton and prepare for the Lightning. 

Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between.

I normally lean towards momentum.  Last thing I want is my team sitting around for a week between games.  So entering game one I thought the Islanders would have that on their side.  However, the break clearly worked to Tampa's advantage.  The disparity in speed and energy was palpable.

Allowing 34 shots on goal is slightly above the Isles standard, but it's nothing uncommon.  Allowing eight goals, now we have a problem.  Seven penalties, just twelve blocked shots and eighteen giveaways additionally hint of lethargy.

Think not?

The Islanders commit one of the cardinals sins of hockey: they allow a goal inside the first two minutes of period one.  Brayden Point comes barreling down the left wing, fakes and freezes Ryan Pulock in place, then stick handles a backhand around goalie Thomas Greiss unopposed.  It was only Tampa's second shot on goal.

Within minutes the Islanders get a power play and Jordan Eberle ties the game at one (it ends up being Long Island's only goal in five power play opportunities).  Less than two minutes elapse when Andy Green is whistled and sent to the box.  Tampa then demonstrates to the Islanders just how bad the Flyers power play was.  Coming within seconds of achieving a successful penalty kill, Victor Hedman converts giving the Lightning a 2-1 lead.  It's the first of six Tampa power plays and the first of three conversions.  That's uncharacteristic for the Islanders.  But it's only a prelude of things to come.  At 10:46 still in the first period, the Islanders fail to account for blue liner Ryan McDonagh who gives the Bolts a 3-1 lead.  At this point Thomas Greiss is pulled in favor of Semyon Varlamov.  This is when the Islanders all but confirm they're simply not up to the task.  Tampa goes on to score two times in the second period and three more times in the third. 

Even without an injured Steven Stamkos, Tampa can outscore their mistakes.  They can be thrown off their game yet still score goals.  In game one Brayden Point is the best centerman on the ice with two goals and three assists.  However, the Bolts also have been knocking at the door for years but have yet to bust it open.  There's something to be said for that and I point my finger at coach Jon Cooper.  The Islanders on the other hand are strict adherents of Barry Trotz' system.  When thrown off their game they do not have the individualists that step in to save the day.  They're more akin to a four line glacier, strong and methodical in their approach.  They're also great counter-punchers.  Problem is Tampa in game one floated like butterflies and stung like bees.  On that note, eight goals is all the motivation Long Island needs heading into game two.  The hope is they recover and restore their energy no later than game three.  A two/one series deficit is very manageable when you're playing in a bubble.

HEY COACH, WHO'S THE GOALIE?

Monday's play in front of net was clearly negligent.

But who will Barry Trotz task, who will he trust with starting game two and beyond?

During the regular season Varlamov appears in 45 games; Greiss appears in 35 games.

In his first year with the Islanders, 32-year old Semyon Varlamov owns a career 2.67 GAA and .915SV% over twelve seasons with Washington, Colorado and Long Island.  He has made 39 career playoff starts to date.  So far in these playoffs he is 9-4 with a .913SV% and a 2.22 GAA.  Two years his elder and in his fifth season with the Islanders, Thomas Greiss owns a career .914SV% and 2.63 GAA over ten seasons.  So far through four playoff appearances and three starts Greiss has posted a .929SV% and 2.02 GAA, but it's obviously a small sample size of work.

Varlamov has now yielded 14 goals in only his last 222 minutes between the pipes (i.e., games five and six against Philadelphia and Monday's relief effort against Tampa).  Meanwhile, Greiss has allowed just six total goals spread out over four appearances and 178 minutes on ice.  Thomas Greiss pitches a shutout in game seven over the Flyers albeit facing just sixteen shots, but he at least earns the start in game one against Tampa.  It doesn't go well.  He yields three goals in the game's first ten minutes.

This is Thomas Greiss's second season playing for Barry Trotz; Semyon Varlamov his first.  Varlamov has started all but two of thirteen games since entering the bubble.  Greiss has now made three starts with a relief appearance.  Greiss made just one relief appearance in last year's playoffs.  If you remember Barry Trotz stuck with Robin Lehner through all eight playoff games.

What does that say about Barry Trotz' trust in Greiss?

100 Years Ago Today 9/8/1920: Brooklyn Robins Reclaim Share of First Place

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #134: Wednesday, September 8, 1920 - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Robins Returning to Brooklyn for the Final Home Stretch

Wednesday is a productive day for the Robins.  In defeating the Phillies they gain the series win, extend their winning streak to three and reestablish a tie for first place with the Reds.  Philadelphia's Cy Williams is 2 for 4 with a double and three runs batted in and catcher Walt Tragesser homers in the seventh, but it's not enough.  Brooklyn starter Jeff Pfeffer, who extends his record to 10-1 over his last fifteen appearances, goes the distance yielding four earned runs on ten hits and three walks with five strikeouts for his thirteenth victory of the season with a 2.94 ERA.  Brooklyn executes a double steal with Jimmy Johnston swiping home as part of a three run third.  They score twice more in the fourth on Ed Konetchy's home run and a sac-fly from Ivy Olson.  After which the Robins hold on for a 7-4 final.  Ivy Olson is 2 for 4 with a double, a run scored and two runs batted in.  Getting the start in right field, Bill Lamar goes 2 for 5 with a double, a run scored and one run batted in.  The Cincinnati Reds are idle, but the New York Giants sweep a twin bill at Braves Field to close within 1.5 games of first place.  The Robins have 21 games remaining on their schedule, with all but two slated for play at Ebbets Field.  Cincinnati visits Brooklyn mid-month who then close out the regular season with a five game home and home series against the New York Giants and a one game finale against the Braves.

• RECORD: 76-57 (.571)
• 1st Place; Tied

In Memory of Tom Seaver with FAFIF's Greg Prince on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

with SAM, RICH and MIKE

GUEST

FAITH and FEAR in FLUSHING

GREG PRINCE

a/o 9/7/2020

A Metsian Podcast commiserates the life and career of George Thomas Seaver, also known as The Franchise, who passed away one week ago today.  Sam, Rich and Mike, reconvene this holiday afternoon in what is sure to be an emotionally solemn fan mourning of Tom Terrific.  Faith and Fear in Flushing's Greg Prince joins the podcast as witness and testament to Seaver's brilliance on the mound.  Please join them as they reminisce over the Hall of Fame career of not only the greatest player in Mets history, but one of the all-time titans in all New York City sport.  

N.Y. Islanders: Eastern Conference Final Preview

From the desk of: NO SLEEP TILL BELMONT

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2019   EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS   2020

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

vs.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

FROM

EDMONTON BUBBLE

The Islanders are in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1993, twenty-seven years ago, when they fall to the Montreal Canadiens four games to one. 

The last time the Islanders and Tampa met in the playoffs was in 2015-2016 during the second round, taken by the Bolts four games to one.  After which the Islanders fail to qualify for the playoffs for two straight seasons.  Enter Barry Trotz who last season is hired as head coach and the Islanders return to the playoffs.  They sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins in round one, but suffer the same fate in round two against the Carolina Hurricanes.  Long Island now arrives in Edmonton after defeating the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has been banging on the door since 2014-2015 when they lose the Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Blackhawks.  The following season they bow in the conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  They fail to qualify for the playoffs in 2016-2017, then fall against the Washington Capitals in the 2017-2018 conference finals.  Last season they are bounced out of the playoffs in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets.  The Bolts arrive in Edmonton having defeated the Blue Jackets in round one and the Boston Bruins in round two. 

Tampa has been idle since last Monday after dispatching the Bruins in five and have played fewer games than the Islanders since entering the bubble.

The major question for Tampa is whether or not Steve Stamkos plays.  He is skating but has yet to return to action since sustaining a leg injury in July.  For the Islanders, Johnny Boychuck remains out after taking a hard hit to the head in game one against the Florida Panthers.

REGULAR SEASON MATCH-UP:

• Nov. 1 - NYI 5; TB 2
• Dec. 9 - NYI 5; TB 1
• Feb. 8 - TB 3; NYI 1

Semyon Varlamov or Thomas Greiss: that is the question.  Barry Trotz will decide which is noblest.  Coming off Saturday's whitewashing of the Flyers, I suspect Greiss makes the start in game one against Tampa.  Greiss faces just sixteen shots in Saturday's clincher against the Flyers, but nevertheless stops them all.  Varlamov is 9-4 with a .921 SV% and Greiss is 2-1 with a .960 SV% albeit with a smaller sample size.  Through thirteen games Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is 10-3 with a .931 SV% and 1.91 GAA.

In almost every respect, be it even strength or on the power play, these teams are near even.  Both feature depth of lines and scoring ability throughout.  Through thirteen games the Bolts are averaging 3.0 goals per game, while the Isles are averaging 3.3 goals per game.  On defense, the Bolts are allowing an average of 2.3 goals per game while the Islanders are allowing a stingy 1.9 goals per game.

So far, advantage Islanders.

100 Years Ago Today 9/7/1920: Brooklyn Robins Sweep Twin Bill at Baker Bowl

From the desk of: FINGERPRINTS OF THE BUMS

100th Anniversary

BROOKLYN ROBINS

1920 National League Champions

Game #132: Tuesday, September 7, 1920, GAME ONE - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Leon Cadore Whitewashes Phillies

Leon Cadore ends Brooklyn's two game skid rather brilliantly with nine scoreless innings of five-hit ball.  He walks three and fans four while improving his record to 13-12 with an improved 2.47 ERA.  Brooklyn scores two early runs and two late runs en route to a 4-0 whitewashing.  Pinch hitter Bill Lamar, Jimmy Johnston, Ed Konetchy and Ernie Krueger all drive in a run apiece.


Game #133: Tuesday, September 7, 1920, GAME TWO - BR
Brooklyn Robins vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Baker Bowl

Pete Kilduff Leads Hit Parade; Robins Complete Sweep

Brooklyn must work a little harder in game two but find their way towards a 9-5 final for a twin bill sweep at Baker Bowl.  The Robins muster all their scoring off Phillies veteran starter Eppa Rixey who allows nine runs, six earned, on a dozen hits and three walks with three strikeouts.  It marks his twentieth loss of the season against just ten victories.  Al Mamaux and Sherry Smith join forces in limiting the Phillies to five earned runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts.  Sherry Smith earns his eighth victory with 4.2 innings in relief of Mamaux.  Pete Kilduff leads the Robins with four runs batted in.  Bernie Neiss is 3 for 5 with a double, three runs scored and two runs batted in.  Hi Myers drives home his team leading 70th run batted in for the season.  Brooklyn gains a full game on the idle Reds while the idle Giants lose ground behind the Robins.

• RECORD: 75-57 (.568)
• 2nd Place; 0.5 GB