Rube Marquard Starts the Season 19-0.

On this date (July 3) in 1912, Giants’ southpaw Rube Marquard (seen passing out some pitching tips in the photo) pitched a gem in the first game of a doubleheader against the rival Brooklyn Dodgers.  Marquard went the distance in the 2-1 victory, often pitching out of trouble (he gave up nine hits and three walks – but just the one tally).

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The game wasn’t significant in the standings (the Dodger were 25-30, the Giants 53-11), but it was notable historically.  It ran Marquard’s season record to 19-0 … and his record of 19 victories without a loss from the start of a season still stands.

Those 19 wins came over a span of 21 mound appearances. During the streak, Marquard threw 160 1/3 innings, giving up just 138 hits and 29 earned runs (1.63 earned run average). He fanned 99 and walked 39. The 21 games included 18 starts (16 complete games) and three relief appearances.  He won all 18 starts and picked up one win in a June 19 relief appearance of 2 1/3 innings. Marquard’s streak was broken on July 8, when he gave up six runs (five earned) in six innings in a 7-2 loss at Saint Louis. He then lost two more games before getting back on the winning track. On the season, the future Hall of Famer went 26-11 (leading the NL in wins), 2.57.

Carl Hubbell holds the record for most consecutive wins over multiple seasons, fashioning a 24-game victory streak from July 17, 1936 through May 27, 1937. Over his streak, Hubbell appeared in 27 games (22 starts), threw 19 complete games.  He pitched 207 1/3 innings and gave up 42 earned runs (1.82 ERA).

 

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