September 21, 1908: A ray of hope! Cubs sweep doubleheader, Giants lose, and the gap is closed to

What a difference a day makes. After basically signing the death certificate of the Cubs two days ago, now hope springs eternal again as the Cubs sweep a doubleheader from the Phillies, the Giants lose, and the gap is now closed to two games with an upcoming four game series against those very Giants.

The Tribune wrote "hope flared up in the bosoms of the Cubs like a blazing tar barrel," which I'm guessing is 1908-speak for "we feel a lot better today than we did yesterday."

Game one saw the Cubs come from behind and tie the game in the 9th on a Frank Schulte one out single that scored pinch hitter Del Howard. The Cubs then went to extra innings for the third straight game and promptly ripped off two runs in the top of the 10th for the victory.

Rube "Kid" Kroh pitched nicely for the Cubs in one of only two games he played for the squad all year, today subbing in for the ailing Jack Pfiester who was dealing with a sore arm. Unfortunately for Kroh, he didn't get the win after getting pinch hit for in the 9th with what ended up being the tying run. Not only that, but the only Phillies run of the game was unearned thanks to a 6th inning error from third baseman Harry Steinfeldt, so he really deserved the W.

Ultimately, the Cubs were happy to take a win any way they could get it, with a 3-1 final score.

Game two saw another relatively Cub newbie on the mound. This time Andy Coakley fired a five hit complete game for a 3-2 victory. Again, this was yet another game that came down to late inning heroics.

OK, "heroics" probably isn't the right word ... more like "Phillies screwups." With the score tied 2-2 in the 9th, player-manager Frank Chance led off with a walk. The next batter, Harry Steinfeldt laid down a sac bunt and pitcher George McQuillan tried to nail Chance at second. The ball shot into centerfield, got by Fred Osborne, and Chance rumbled home all the way from second with the eventual winning run. Final score 3-2.

I'll take it!

As I mentioned, the Giants also lost, so the gap was now closed to just two games, and with perfect timing as the Cubs head to New York for a four game series that sets the stage for a historic battle for first place. [Editor's note: Do NOT miss this week ... some historical events happen that people still talk about today!]

Naturally, in an effort to exhaust themselves as much as possible in an already grueling 25-game road trip that has featured three extra innings games in the last four, the Cubs will also now play their THIRD STRAIGHT DOUBLEHEADER as well. This is making me feel like going and taking a nap!

Tune in tomorrow as the 1908 season starts to hang in the balance!