 After 1891 , Nicol went back to the Illinois – Iowa League and joined the Rockford Hustlers . He pitched well throughout the 1892 season — though his record was 16 – 16 , he had a 1 @.@ 47 ERA , 230 strikeouts in 288 innings pitched and pitched five shutouts . He limited his opponents to two hits in five different complete games and threw a one @-@ hitter . The league , however , was struggling financially and after the end of the league 's postseason , his request for release was granted . 
