1908 World Series Game 2 vs Tigers

Lore & Background

Game 2 was a scoreless tie until the bottom of the eighth inning, when Joe Tinker's two-run homer launched a six-run Cub outburst. Tinker's blast was the first World Series home run since Patsy Dougherty in 1903. After a ground-rule double and groundout, RBI singles by Jimmy Sheckard and Johnny Evers and an RBI triple by Frank Schulte (the last two hits coming off after stolen bases) scored a run each. A wild pitch to Frank Chance scored the Cubs' last run. The Tigers avoided a shutout in the ninth when Davy Jones drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a groundout and scored on Ty Cobb's single. Orval Overall's complete-game win took just 90 minutes. The final score was Cubs 6, Tigers 1.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled off the Detroit river, carrying the scent of coal smoke and autumn leaves into Bennett Park. On the mound, Jack Pfiester wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on Ty Cobb in the batter’s box as the crowd roared—a sea of blue clashing against red. By the bottom of the ninth, with one out and runners aboard, Frank Schulte stepped into the box to face Bill Donovan. The pitch arrived low; Schulte swung with everything he had. The crack of the bat was sharp, echoing through the stadium as the ball soared deep into right field, clearing the fence for a historic blast that would clinch the game.

Reader's Guide

The Cubs won the 1908 World Series 4 games to 1. Game 2 was played in Chicago. The Cubs' victory in this game gave them a 2-0 lead in the series.

Did You Know?

• Joe Tinker's home run in Game 2 was the first World Series home run since Patsy Dougherty in 1903.
• Game 2 took just 90 minutes to complete.
• The final score of Game 2 was Cubs 6, Tigers 1.