Americans Lose First Game To Orioles (4/26/01)

It was an auspicious debut for the brand new Boston Pilgrims of the American League. After rain postponed what should have been Opening Day on Wednesday and Thursdaym the Pilgrims were beaten by John McGraw's Baltimore Orioles in front of 10,371 fans that came out to see the new league with some old faces. The cantankerous McGraw's Orioles were contracted from the National League after the 1899 season and are back in Ban Johnson's circuit. Today the Orioles outslugged the Pilgrims in a game that was exciting if you like offense. The Orioles broke out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning and led 6-1 after seven innings. Player/manager Jimmy Collins' club rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning but Boston starter Win Kellum (0-1, 11.25 ERA) failed to hold the fort. The Orioles struck for four runs in the bottom of the eighth to seemingly put the game away. The Pilgrims then took Baltimore starter Joe McGinnity to the limit by scoring three more times in the top of the ninth. Ultimately it wasn't enough as the Orioles took the first game of the season in the new league 10-6 at Oriole Park.

                         Boston Beaneaters manager Frank Selee laughs at the Pilgrims

Jackass of the Night is Win Kellum. He allowed all 10 runs the Orioles scored including the four runs in the eighth that put the game out of reach.

                                                                 Jackass Kellum

The Good:

Buck Freeman was 1 for 3 with a walk and an rbi.

Lou Criger was 2 for 4 with two runs scored.

Larry McLean pinch hit for Kellum and doubled home a run before scoring one himself.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Tommy Dowd was just 1 for 4 but drove in 4 runs and stole a base.

Charlie Hemphill was 0 for 4 but walked.

Chick Stahl was just 1 for 5.

Jimmy Collins was just 1 for 4 with and error but scored a run.

Freddy Parent was 0 for 3 but walked.

Hobe Ferris was 0 for 3 but scored a run.

Final Thoughts:

Not the start the franchise was looking for, especially on the mound. Allowing 10 runs in your first game isn't going to "win" any fans for Kellum, no pun intended. The recently turned 25 year old wasn't ready for battle today and it showed. The batters came to play though, knocking in six runs off 8 hits while taking advantage of 3 errors by the Orioles. Round 1 of the season long battle between Jimmy Collins and John McGraw goes to McGraw. His boys knocked Kellum around and earned the victory for sure. The Pilgrims are back in action tomorrow afternoon with their best pitcher, Cyclone Young making his American League debut against Harry Howell of the Orioles. The game begins at 1:00 PM at Oriole Park.