The American League's Boston Red Sox and the National League's Cincinnati Reds, both made it to the 1916 World Series on the backs of a strong rotation. Boston may have a little more hitting, while Cincy has a stronger bullpen. In real life, the 1916 World Series was the Boston Red Sox defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers, 4-1.
Prior to the World Series, the Red Sox lost Dutch Leonard for the season, while Ernie Shore is battling back spasms -- leaving their rotation vulnerable. They will have to rely heavily on young stud Babe Ruth's left arm, if they plan to repeat as World Champions. The Cincinnati Reds didn't go unscathed as well, as they lost starter Red Ames for 3 weeks.
Game 1
The Reds' backstop Ivey Wingo hits a two-run triple off Babe Ruth during the 2nd inning, as his teammates join the fun making it a 5-run inning. That would be all they need against 'The Babe', winning the series intro, 5-2. Wingo took over catching duties just prior to the end of the season, due to regular season starting catcher Tommy Clarke struggling down the stretch. Plus Wingo is a more reliable catcher defensively.
Game 2
Cincy takes a 2-0 series lead, as rookie Phil Douglas (26-6, 1.62 ERA & 164 K's) notches the win, with 8 strong innings. The Red Sox' Duffy Lewis came up to the plate against the Reds' closer Pete Schneider, with the tying & winning runs on base & bases loaded, with two outs. Schneider gets Lewis to ground out for the save, while they now head to Boston with a strong series advantage. Douglas would go on to win the 1916 N.L. Cy Young Award.
Game 3
The Red Sox would have to go with Rube Foster in Game 3, due to Shore's back spasms still bothering him. It wouldn't be a thing though, as Foster goes on to pitch a 6-hit shutout, as the Red Sox win big, 12-0. The Sox' 3B Larry Gardner hits two triples while amounting 4 ribbies, while Duffy Lewis added a home run.
Game 4
The Red Sox look to even the series with Babe Ruth looking to rebound in Game 4. Ruth goes on to pitch a great game, allowing only 4 hits by the Reds. The only problem is that the Reds would go on to edge Boston, 3-2. The Red Sox end up stranding plenty, while the team also had 10 hits. The Reds' Fred Toney collects his 2nd win of the series, while Ruth (0-2) is credited with the loss. Reds now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Game 5
Ernie Shore returns to the mound, to make his debut this series. Shore hopes to give the 'Fenway Faithful' some hope, and send this series just a game away from evening up the series. The game would remain scoreless until Boston's superstar Tris Speaker stepped up and delivered a two-run double during the bottom of the 8th inning. Shore would pitch 8 scoreless innings, allowing only 5 hits. The Reds' Phil Douglas (1-1, 0.57 ERA) is credited with the loss. Reds lose 2-1.
Game 6
The Cincinnati Reds would go on to win the World Series, as they win Game 6 by the score of 5-2. The Red Sox' 'Smokey Joe' Wood (0-2, 3.38 ERA) could not hold off the Reds' Heinie Groh, who batted 2-4 during the game with an RBI, 2 runs. Groh would go on to win the World Series MVP, batting .391 with 4 RBI (9-for-23) during the series.
Hope you enjoyed the season, as we continue towards the 1917 MLB Season during this Alt-Federal Timeline.
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