On This Date: Munch Battles Jess for 16 Innings

Monday, August 2, 1897 - Despite Josh Reilly's erratic play, which ultimately meant the end of his career in Fargo, the Divorcees played well against the recent league champions from Moorhead. After three innings, the two teams were tied 2-2, but it would require thirteen additional innings to break the deadlock. For Fargo, Gus Munch started and pitched the entire sixteen innings, scattering nine hits and allowing four runs, just one of which was earned. Ed Jess was the marathon twirler for Moorhead, also going the distance, allowing eight hits and two runs, with neither run earned. Former Fargo outfielder Charles Jahnke helped break the tie in the sixteenth, doubling off Munch, moving to third on a sacrifice, and scoring on a Jack Page triple. Page later scored on an error by Fargo shortstop Bill Zink, one of four the husky Iowan made on the day. The contest was an exciting opener for the new version of the Red River Valley League.
 
Also on August 2, the Grand Forks Senators expected to host the Wahpeton-Breckenridge team, now set to be sponsored by the city of Crookston, MN. Manager Ed Corbett telegraphed the Senators in the morning, indicating he would not be able to have his team in Grand Forks to play the opening game until Tuesday afternoon. Though the series was scheduled to begin Monday, the W-B team's transfer apparently was not yet completed. To make up for lost time, the two teams would play a doubleheader Wednesday.

In other news, Lee Roberts was scheduled to return to pitch for the Fargo team August 4 or 5.


Fargo Forum and Daily Republican August 2, 1897 p.4 "Notes"; August 3, 1897 p.4 "Stuff Is Off" and "Sixteen Innings - 4 to 2"