[Big Six]

Boston Globe, October 6, 1913


BOSTONS KEEP SERIES HOPES ALIVE!!
Red Sox Bats Boom Out 16 Hits, 10 Runs
Pruiett, Surprise Starter, Pitches Well

BOSTON--Those of us who have played for the Red Sox for several years have learned that when a game must be won, Jimmy Collins can cook up the strategy to do it as well as any man who has ever managed a ball team.

He did it again yesterday, surprising the Reds by giving the ball to Tex Pruiett to start the game on the mound. They had expected to face Chuck Rose. WhenTex, who had been warming up with Bill Peterson behind the grandstand while Chuck threw to Bill Carrigan in full sight of the Reds and the crowd, emerged, the big gathering of rooters at Fenway Park first gasped and then let loose a mighty roar.

Tex has a tremendous amount of experience in Series play, with a record of heroics in this setting that match that of any twirler. And, with Rose at the ready if Pruiett faltered, we took the field with renewed confidence and ginger.

"Rough" Carrigan, too, was a surprise starter, and he commenced the proceedings offensively by tripling past Oakes in center field to lead off the second inning. Jansen then clubbed a long two-bagger, followed by Thomas with another, and the Fenway fans tossed their hats into the air. It is unusual for any team to treat a great pitcher like the Reds' Del Mason so roughly, and the rooters celebrated this turn of events with much glee.

Before the smoke cleared, we had put five runs across the plate. I contributed to the tally by singling home Harry Hooper, my second hit in two innings; I had skipped a grounder between second and shortstop in the first inning as well, and stolen second base ahead of a fine throw by Larry McLean.

We scored single runs in the fourth and fifth frames, and then burst out in the seventh for three more. I enjoyed the most thrilling moment of the Series in a personal sense in that inning, too. With one out, and Hooper, Chadbourne, and Speaker filling the bases, I hit a fast ball from Mason right on the nose. All three baserunners scored, and I lowered my head and ran as hard as I could until I pulled in at third standing up.

To this point, I had enjoyed very little success at bat in the Series, and to be able to stand at the third base bag and remove my hat to the wild cheers of the Boston rooters was a very gratifying thing indeed.

The Reds, to their credit, did not bow their heads, but came back in their half of the eighth inning to score twice against Pruiett. The Reds are a very game club, filled with men who know well what kind of effort a World Series victory takes. No doubt, they will return to the park tomorrow having put the pain of today's loss behind them, knowing once again that one win will give them the Series. Roy Hitt will almost certainly be given the task of pitching this decisive game.

Of course, we know the same thing now, and we will have the advantage of playing at home, before a supportive crowd. Furthermore, Collins announced at the conclusion of the game that Joe Wood will be on the mound for us. While Chuck Rose would naturally like the opportunity to pitch such an important contest, he smiled when he was asked about the situation.

"Joe has the Reds' number," he said with a wink. "I'd give him the start if I were Collins, too. I'll be ready if Joe needs any relief."

Hopefully, this time tomorrow I will be able to describe for you a grand celebration on the field as we bring the World Series flag back to Boston, where it belongs.