The four-way race that existed on the 1st of July dissipated over the month as two of the teams fell off the pace with subpar performances while one of the other two began to assert its dominance over the League.
The Boston Beaneaters posted a 21-4 record in July to take control over the National League race. As the defending champs know however, their six-game lead could evaporate unless they continue to play sterling ball over the remainder of the season. The Beaneaters are being led by Rocky Hennessey, whose .358 average is third in the league while the pitching has been solid behind Pat Daly (19-7, 2.19 ERA), Bob Harrison and Stanley Sweetwater (14 victories apiece).
Brooklyn is currently sitting in the runners-up position, but are still well within striking distance. The Superbas feature the loop's top batsman in Harvey Cart, whose .373 average is four points ahead of St. Louis' Paddy Murphy, while Cart's 66 runs batted in also is tops in the National League.
The New York Giants and Chicago Orphans have fallen off the pace, with both now 12 games behind Boston. Surprisingly, it has been the Giants' offense that has been their downfall: only two clubs have scored fewer runs than the Gotham nine while their pitchers have the second-best mark in earned runs allowed.
Sean McGonigle - The Cincinnati rookie is hitting .354, currently fourth in the batting race.