In a very exciting and even game the University nine defeated Michigan on Saturday by 5 to 4. Harvard took the lead at the start, but Michigan tied the score in the sixth, and in the seventh gained the lead. Then in the ninth inning Harvard filled the bases with one out, and Frantz sent in the two winning runs by a long hit over the centre fielder's head. It was good for a home run, but a two base hit was all that was necessary to score the winning run. The game was full of excellent playing. In the field Harvard did some brilliant work, two fast double plays being especially notable, and Michigan's smooth and easy fielding was the best done on Soldiers Field this year. At the bat Michigan did not make as many hits as Harvard, but of them were harder and came more opportunely. Taking into consideration the cold weather and slippery ground, Harvard's general playing was faster and more accurate than normal.
Clarkson was greatly affected by the cold, damp air, and it was only with the greatest effort that he attained his speed and control. He gave three bases, made a wild pitch, and allowed seven hits, two of which were for three bases. He was remarkably steady in the eighth and ninth innings, however. The playing of Frantz was the most valuable for Harvard. Aside from bringing in the winning runs, he made a throw to second in the eighth, which resulted in a double play. Reid did not hit as well as usual, but played his position well, his speed in fielding an infield hit in the fifth making a difficult double play possible. He showed good judgment in sending Stillman in to bat for Clarkson in the ninth inning. Clark continued his improvement in batting, getting two hits; and accepted his fielding chances in good style. Coolidge made two errors, one of which was inexcusable, but these were counterbalanced by his fielding of several hard chances and his timely hit in the eighth inning. Wendell made two clean hits which made his two runs possible, but when he batted at critical times he weakened and made easy outs. Devens got a good lesson in speed from Davies, who several times almost retired men at first base after they had hit to right field. Murphy, Putnam and George were not up to form at the bat.
In the first inning Harvard scored a run on Wendell's single, Touhill's error at second and Bleucoe's muff of a throw to the plate. Wendell opened the third with another single, went to second on Reid's sacrifice and scored on Clark's two-base hit. In the fourth Michigan made a run on Davies' three bagger and Weber's long fly; and tied the score in the sixth on Bleucoe's single, Touhill's out at first and Flesher's single. In the seventh Michigan took a lead of two runs on Utley's single, Condon's three-bagger and Coolidge's error in handling the throw in. Harvard caught up one run in the eighth. Frantz singled and Clark was hit by a pitched ball; but on an attempt at a double steal Frantz went out. Clark scored a moment later on Coolidge's single. In the last half of the ninth Stillman, who batted in Clarkson's place, singled, Murphy got to first on Condon's error and Reid was given a base on balls. Then Frantz drove a line hit over McGinnis' head, and all the runners came home. The second run ended the game, so Frantz got only a two base hit.
The score: Earned runs--Harvard 1, Michigan 3. Three-base hits -- Condon, Davies. Two-base hits--Frantz, Clark. Sacrifice hits -- Reid, Coolidge, Condon, Davies. Stolen bases--Reid, Frantz 2, Clark, Coolidge, Davies, Flesher. Double plays--Reid to Frantz to Coolidge, Devens to Frantz. Bases on balls--by Clarkson: Condon, Touhill; by Utley: Reid 2. Hit by pitched balls--by Clarkson: McGinnis; by Utley: Clark. Struck out--by Clarkson: Condon, Snow Bleucoe, Flesher, Utley 2; by Utley: Murphy, Putnam. Wild pitch -- Clarkson. Time--1h. 50m. Umpire--Kelly. *Batted for Clarkson in the ninth. *One out when winning run was made.
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