Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-26
THRILLING DAY IN
BASE BALL HISTORY
Surprises in New York, CIeve-
land and Detroit.

Perhaps never before in the history of
base ball was day fraught with such
unexpected upheavals and surprises as
marked yesterdays struggles in the clos
ing pennant races in the two big leagues,
the most exciting and sensational that
have ever served to keep world of fans
in state bordering delirium. First (and
saddest to New York enthusiastic the Gin
cinnatis uncovered a stiff wallop to the
jaw of Gotham hope by twice humbling
the Giants in double-header at the Polo
Grounds. The double header discovered
the sad truth that Manager McGraw
must depend on his already worn pitchers
for a pennant. as his youngsters. Mar
guard and Durham, are not yet ready for
the big task.
The Cubs moved up to practically tie
for the lead with the Giants, by soundly
trouncing Brooklyn. Boston set back
Pittsburg temporarily by taking one game
of a double-header.
In the American League Cleveland lost
its fine lead by dropping a game to Wash
ington. while Detroit was climbing back
to the front by two victories over the
Athletics.
The great finish of Washington at Cleve-
land, which was such a blow to Lajole
and such a boon to Jennings, while one of
the most spectacular of a day of unpre-
cedented surprises, has withal its sadder
phase, Prank De Hass Robson, the we'll
known base ball magnate of the ST. Louis
Cardinals, who witnessed the thrilling
game in the Forest city, dropped dead
from apoplexy as a result of excitement.
engendered by the unexpected triumph of
the Capital city club in the eleventh
hour.
Puts Tigers Near Top.
Undoubtedly the greatest feat of the day
was the remarkable performance of Eddie
Summers of the champion Tigers. who
| worked in both games of the double
header against the Athletics, and whose
grand work put Detroit once more in
the reckoning. After winning the first
game he came back with a two hit to 0
shut out in ten innings. Boston beat the
st. Louis Browns and put McAleer's team
hopelessly out of the running to wind up
the chapter of establishment.
The double defeat of the Giants and
triumph of the Cubs Is of vital interest to
New York. as it leaves the National
League winner as much of a mystery as
before. In but one department do the
world champions outclass the forces of
McGraw. Chance has undoubtedly the
greatest staff of pitchers boosted by any
major league club Mathewson just now
is the only reliable twirler on the New
York roster. If Chicago wins a third pen
nant the pitchers will turn the trick.
cided advantage In this respect, perhaps
the handicap Of schedule will more than
counterbalance this in favor of McGraw.
The Giants have still an even dozen
games to play, while Chicago has but
eight OF these the Giants will play eight
games at home; the Cubs but two on their
own grounds. These will be with Pitts
burg, sturdier foe than any the Giants
Will be called upon to face. After today
the Giants will meet only the Phillies and
Doves, both of whom have proven easy
for New York to date. Thus 1t will be
seen the Giants, by finishing later than
the Cubs, may be behind the champions
when the latter wind up their campaign
and still get the verdict.
Disputed Game Big Factor.
Much may depend on the disputed game
between the Giants and the Cubs. Pres
ident Harry Puliam has served notice
that in accordance with the bylaws of
the National League the New York club
has entered protest to the ruling of the
umpires and has notified the Chicago
club that 1t has five days in which to
file its answer. In case either team pro-
tests the decision of the league executive.
which will then be handed down, the
matter will be brought to the attention of
League for final hearing. The New York
club is now busily engaged securing the
affidavits of innumerable spectators to be