Pilgrims Win First Game, Defeat Athletics in Ten (4/30/01)

It took four games but the brand new Boston Pilgrims have their first win in franchise history. Let the record books show it was a come from behind victory against the Philadelphia Athletics. Cyclone Young (1-1, 6.32 ERA) went the distance for the Pilgrims, hurling all 10 innings and allowing just 3 earned runs. The Athletics jumped out to a 6-2 lead after three innings as Buck Freeman and Tommy Dowd committed big errors. The Pilgrims stormed back with runs in the sixth and the seventh inning. Buck Freeman saved the day in the top of the ninth with a two run home run to tie the game. The Pilgrims scored another two runs in the top of the tenth and Young slammed the door on Connie Mack's club in the bottom of the frame. The Pilgrims won their first game in franchise history 8-6 in 10 innings at Columbia Park.

                                                          Frances Cleveland approves of the win

Hero of the Night is Buck Freeman, His two run home run saved the game to put the Pilgrims in a position to come back.

                                                               Freeman The Hero

The Good:

Charlie Hemphill was 2 for 6

Chick Stahl was 2 for 5 with a walk, stolen base, rbi and 2 runs scored.

Jimmy Collins was 2 for 6 with an rbi.

Hobe Ferris was 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

The Bad:

None

The Ugly:

Tommy Dowd was 2 for 6 with a stolen base, rbi and a run scored but committed two big errors.

Freddy Parent was 0 for 3 but walked and scored two runs.

Lou Criger was just  1 for 4 but walked and scored a run.

Cyclone Young earned the win but allowed 6 runs although only 3 were earned. He was 2 for 4 with a walk and 2 rbis at the plate.

Final Thoughts:

Mark the date down folks. April 30, 1901 was the date of the Boston Pilgrims first victory. Thanks to the efforts of Young and Freeman the Pilgrims didn't start the year with four straight losses. The season is still early so there's plenty of time to turn things around. The defense and the pitching haven't been up to snuff but that may come around. Hopefully this win will put the Pilgrims on a nice long winning streak. Jimmy Collins' lineup has been working out just fine but he and owner Charles Somers may need to find better pitching to help them win the first American League championship pennant this year. Cyclone Young can't do it all himself. The Pilgrims are back in action tomorrow afternoon against these same Athletics. Win Kellum (0-1) goes for Boston against Wiley Piatt of Philadelphia. The game begins at 1:00 PM at Columbia Park.