DUTCH LEONARD

GAMBLING WITH HARRY FRAZEE ...
Behind Dutch Leonard, the Red Sox beat Chicago
and take the American League lead

July 31, 1917 ... By beating the Chicago White Sox in the second game of the big series, the Red Sox moved into first place. It was the seventh consecutive victory for the Champions and they had the punch and everything else that a first-place team needs. Eddie Cicotte was smacked safely for 11 blows in the seven innings that he worked. Lefty Williams was brought in and gave up a couple more.

In the bottom of the first inning Jack Barry busted one that Buck Weaver bounced by him for a base hit. Dick Hoblitzell worked the hit and run perfectly, with the manager romping around to third, when Hobby's single bounced over Chick Gandil's head. Larry Gardner then hit a deep one to Shano Collins in right field, and Hobby took second after the catch.

Harry Hooper's freak home run clinched the game in the opening inning. The smash by Harry Hooper hugged the first base line as it rolled down into right field. Down near the foul pole it bounded inside striking the bleachers on the rebound and caromed against the arm of Shano Collins, taking another playful hop, skipping over the fence.

Coming as it did after the White Sox had opened by pounding Dutch Leonard and getting two runs in the top of the first inning, it was a lifesaver. The freak drive put the Champions in the lead by a score of 3 to 2 and they were off and running.

Dutch Leonard showed the White Sox something after the attack that they put on him in the first inning. It looked at first as it Dutch was going to have the curtain run down on him very early, but the way he came back was delightful. Only two of the Chicago batters got beyond first for the rest of the game. Needless to say, Dutch was supported excellently in the field. It is unusual for the Red Sox to do any hitting behind Leonard, and this time he was grateful for the support. He held the White Sox to seven hits, only allowing for after the first inning.

Duffy Lewis whacked out a double and two singles, as the Red Sox hit in every inning but the second. The White Sox however seem to lack their winning spirit after the punch was taken out of them in the first inning.

The Red Sox went on to score one more run in the fourth and one more run in the seventh to give them a 5 to 2 victory and first place in the American League.