The Washington herald., 1908-04-23

surrounded by the greatest crowd that
ever Witnessed ball game in this city,
Joe Cantillon's rejuvenated Nationals
were beaten yesterday by the Boston Red
Sex IN the inaugural contest Of the local
professional season by ) TO 3
Washington's downfall was due to the
unwonted liberties that the visitors took
with Charley Smiths curves. More than
anxious TO make a favorable impression
in the opening game. Joe CantiIion re-
served - dean Of the pitching corps for
yesterdays contest, but it was rot
Smiths day. In the opening game al
Boston the tall twirler. despite the fact
that he was beaten by the red0ubtable
Cy Young, gave a mastertul exhibition,
holding the Red Sox TO a few hits. but
was unfort anate in receiving poor sup
port.
Yesterday It was exactly the reverse
Although charged with two errors, the
Nationals played fast ball in the field and
would have been able 10 exc out a VIC
tory had Smith had better luck in fool
ing his opponents. In every inning he
pitched the home twirler was touched Up
for one or more hits. and finally, after
Boston had amassed 1--WE runs, he gave
way in favor Of Falkenberg. who finished
the game in good shape. allowing only
one safety during his three rounds Of SER
vice.
Winter a Puzzle.
While Boston was. touching Up smith in
lively shape, George Winter was holding
the Nationals safe While he struck
out only one man during his seven in
nings on the rubber, Winter succeeded
I'm tightening Up whenever Cantillon's crew
showed symptoms Of tying the score.
As Winter was not in the best physical
condition. ne was excused at. the end Of
the seventh inning, and Cy Morgan
served them up in the two remaining
rounds
Had roofing been a factor in the game.
the Nationals would have won as they
pleased. Never before has National Park
seen such a throng. and never has
team received better reception than
was afforded the home players when
they tr0tted cut onto the field TO prac-
tice. Later each individual playes re-
ceiycd an ovation as he took his place
at the bat Long before the time set
for the beginning Of h0suliues every.
seat in the spacious grand stand, pavil-
ions, and bieacheTs was occupied, WhiiO
several hundred fans who were not
fortunate enough TO obtain a place in The
stands sat on the grass on either Eide
of the diamond An hour before Umpire
Connolly called the game and COMMISSION
er West threw out the first ball there was
such congestion outside the gates thar
the sale of seats for the bleachers was
stopped and there were fully 2,e00 fans
who made the journey to the park who
we're unable to get inside the gates. The
crowd was estimated at y zoo
Ideal Conditions Prevail.
It was an ideal day for bali gsme-
not too cold fer the players nor TOO warm
for the spectators. and il was not sarprls-
ing that all records for attendance were
broken. for the fans were over anxious
TO get a iook at the new club that
is TO represent this city in what promises
to be one OF the greatest races IN The
annals of the national pastime.
When Joe Cantillon took charge last
year he announced that it would be nee
essary 70 completely reorganize- Since
last April he has gotten together praCti-
cally q whole new team. Tor OF the nine
players in the first lineup yesterday only
one-Charley Smith-was a member OF the
local club when the present manager took
charge
The crowd was familiar with the work
Of Capt. Ganley. Clymer Shipke, Dele
hsnty. and Smith. and so the fans con-
centrated their attention during the
greater part of the afternoon TO the new
men-Pickering. Mcbride, Freeman. and
Street. While the veterans each came n
for their need OF applause, the new-conl-
ers were given TO understand that they
we're welcome. and would be given every
encouragement TO make good. OF ths new
men, Ollie Pickering did the n }st nleri-
torious work, getting on tire bases three
times. twice on balls and once on an
error, and scoring two Of Washingt0n's
three runs Freeman was unable 10 get
on the bases but in the field he accepted
ten chances. after dropping a thrown
ball in the second inning
street could DO nothing IN the way CT
batting. but his reputation as a perfect
thrOwer kept the Red SOK glued 10 ths
bases at every stage after Thoney had
been made to look foolish in trying 70
steal second in the hrst inning. Mcbride