A shake-up at the top of the league this week as Burlington rides a winning streak into first place!
Greenville Mutuals vs. Jackson Grays (2-1 Mutuals)
Fred Choate opened the series with a gem for Jackson, scattering nine hits in a complete game shutout while striking out eight Mutuals … The Mutuals struck back by pounding out 22 hits in the second game, led by Wheels Brown going 6-for-6 (stealing two bases along the way, and clubbing a grand slam in his last at-bat) … Grays were rolling in the third game before the Mutuals stunned Bull Zielinski with a pair of ninth inning homeruns, including a pinch hit two-run shot by Score Board Scott; Greenville also welcome Dog Dalhousie back from injury this game in what feels like the start of something big for the Mutuals. HOT: Brown (Greenville) Grossko (Jackson) NOT: Smythe (Greenville) Miller (Jackson)
Springfield Colonels vs. Fairview Saints (2-1 Saints)
The struggling Colonels shake up their lineup, benching Elbows Cockrell and bringing in Roy Fitzgerald to play first base and bat fifth; Fitzgerald doesn’t pass the “eye test” but he’s the only bat that’s shown results for Springfield on the young season.
Saints rode another strong start by Win Southerland to victory in the opener … Howie Razzo goes two innings to save a much-needed win for Springfield, though he owes an assist to the wind at Lake Front Field, which turned Hi Litmer’s potential go-ahead, pinch hit homerun into a long out to end the eighth … Saints break it open late to take the series, as Mel Voiselle goes the distance. HOT: Merrano (Fairview) Noyes (Springfield) NOT: Rauch (Fairview) Klaus (Springfield).
Asked about his teams woes after the game, Colonels skipper Cal Malone said, “Well, our problem is we can’t hit. And we can’t pitch, either.” It’s looking like a long season for Springfield.
Madison Maroons vs. Clayton Brown Stockings (2-1 Brown Stockings)
Home at last, and riding high from their series win in Greenvile, Gus Cross’ Brown Stockings arrive at War Memorial Park a happy squad, eager to stake uncontested claim to first place over the visiting Madison Maroons. Beef Burgo, especially, seems like a new man, convinced he can shake his recent cold spell thanks to an adjustment in his swing. The Maroons, meanwhile, are also a cheerful squad, feeling like they are playing with house money after bouncing back to win their own series versus Greenfield.
The opener was a “pitcher’s duel,” as Ned Vines went the distance for Madison despite surrendering eight runs on 14 hits (because his own guys managed 15 runs on 21 hits) … Clayton got length from the next day’s starter in Lou Trask, who went 7 2/3 to earn the victory, backed up by Dink O’Leary … Brown Stocking out-slugged the Maroons to take the rubber game in a series where both teams swung hot bats. Clayton team batting .296, Madison .306! HOT: Lettke (Madison) Rosen (Clayton) NOT: Goldsteain (Madison) Drucker (Clayton)
Burlington Pilots vs. Kingston Keystones (3-0 Pilots)
A leaping grab by First Baseman Dave Berg sealed the second straight complete game shutout for Burlington’s Joe Horton in the opener … A trio of Pilots pitchers combined to keep Kingston scoreless in a second straight game … Kingston tempers boil over after Digger Doughitt complains at being spiked when Ralph Blosell slid into second; Keystones were fired up, and finally scored a couple runs, but not enough to avoid getting swept at home. HOT: Blaylock (Kingston) Berg (Burlington) NOT: Van Duyne (Kingston) Cavano (Burlington)
Burlington Pilots vs. Centerville Blues (3-0 Pilots)
Two teams couldn’t have been more different coming into this series. The Pilots arrived on wings of angels, fresh fromn their sweep against Kingston, harmonious and stronger than ever thanks to the return from injury of Second Baseman Hands Callison. The Blues were as fractious as ever, fighting with each other and most of all with skinflint owner/manager Fred Bancroft, who couldn’t be bothered to put in fresh sod at Tri County Fairgrounds, leaving the park a minefield of crab grass and gopher holes.
The opener had a little bit of everything — including Hands Callison getting tossed for a suspect bat, and a bench-clearing brawl after Lyndon Motte buzzed one up and in to Dave Berg — but while the brawl fired up the Blues a bit, it was still a laugher for Burlington, as the Pilots plated ten runs on 17 hits … In the opener of the series-ending doubleheader, Blues end Joe Horton’s scoreless innings streak but still lose in extra innings, in a sloppy game where their concentration and fielding did them no favors … In the second half of the twin bill, the Blues ran out of pitchers and had to put a badly hung-over Mickey Hendricks on the mound, who was roughed up in a tie game to take the loss. HOT: Cavano (Burlington) Benson (Centerville) NOT: Callison (Burlington) Stevens (Centerville)
And so the Burlington Pilots ride an eight-game winning streak into first place in the Century League, while the Centerville Blues have hit bottom, and started digging. The difference in team chemistry was stark in this series, which every break going Burlington’s way. Something has to change in Centerville, or the Blues are going to burn their ballpark to the ground (which might improve its ambiance).
Standings after three weeks of play: