1914

Rankin Johnson’s first of 13 starts for the Red Sox came in Washington in 1914. It was Rankin Johnson vs. Walter Johnson. And the Johnson who threw a 5-0 shutout was rookie Rankin. He held the Senators to six hits, only three getting as far as second base. Then came a rematch with Walter Johnson in the first game of a five-game visit by the Senators to Boston. Both pitchers were in good form. Rankin again allowed six hits, but Walter allowed Boston only two and won the contest, 1-0. The two Johnsons matched up again, in the fifth game of the visit, and it was another 1-0 game. This time, Rankin Johnson reclaimed the edge; each pitcher allowed his opponent just five hits ...

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