The Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, and Joss's Cleveland Naps were engaged in a race for the post-season at the time of the game, with the Tigers seeking their second straight pennant, the White Sox trying to win their second in three years, and the Naps looking for their first. Three games remained in the regular season and the Naps were a half-game behind the Detroit Tigers as they headed into a match-up against theChicago White Sox, who trailed the Naps by one game.[1] Game attendance was announced at 10,598.
The Naps faced future Hall of Fame pitcherEd Walsh and recorded four hits; they were struck out by Walsh 15 times. The Naps'Joe Birmingham scored the team's only run, which came in the third inning. In the ninth inning, Joss retired the first two batters, then facedpinch hitterJohn Anderson. Anderson hit a line drive that would have resulted in adouble had it not gone foul. He then hit a ball to Napsthird basemanBill Bradley which Bradley bobbled before throwing tofirst basemanGeorge Stovall. Stovall dug the ball out of the ground to preserve the Naps' 1–0 lead.[2] Joss's catcher in the game was the much traveledJay Clarke.[1]
With the win, Joss recorded aperfect game, the second in American League history. He accomplished the feat with just 74 pitches, the lowest known pitch count ever achieved in a perfect game.[3] Fans swarmed the field after the win.[4]
The perfect game was the first of twono-hitters Joss pitched during his career. He no-hit the White Sox a second time on April 20, 1910, also by a 1–0 score. He was the only pitcher to throw two no-hitters against the same team untilSan Francisco GiantTim Lincecum no-hit theSan Diego Padres on July 13, 2013, and June 25, 2014.
Established in1894 Former names (all in Cleveland unless noted) -Grand Rapids Rustlers,Lake Shores,Bluebirds,Bronchos,Naps,Indians Based inCleveland, Ohio
