Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-09
COMMENT ON THE GAME.

work of last week in Philadelphia and
demonstrated that he is one of the star
twirers of the local staff. He had every
thing i'm the exciting ninth that he had
used in the other eight innings, but it
seemed that he was fated to be hit, and
luck is the only explanation of the bonn
bardment. Hughes has taken up the spit
ball. as he discovered that the opposing
tatters had gotten ION to his curves,
and as result the combination of speed
and saliva has restored him to his old po-
sition as one of the best twirlers in the
country. Two singles and a double, all
scattered, were the best the Athletics
could do yesterday for eight innings. and
not run scored. which is certainly go
ing some in the pitching. line.
Catcher Charley Street had the time of
his life yesterday backing up the pitch
ing of Hughes. 1t seemed almost impos-
sible to hold onto the ball on account of
Its dampness and. in addition. the speed
and quick break had him digging into the
ground on almost every throw. But nary
ball got by Street. except the wild
heave in the ninth inning that: was
yard outside the box. and he was on his
toes every minute OF the battle. Street
has yet to learn the ways of the players
of the American League to be classed up
with the 'top-notchers, but one trip
around the circuit will just about complete
his education.
Manager Connie Mack certainly wanted
that game yesterday. especially after the
rally that was developing in the ninth.
he sent Eddie Collins to run for the stout
receiver. But the substitution was use
less as Coombs could only pop up a
little fly to Street. Had Coombs sent
long fly to the outfield. Collins speed
would have come in handy.
Big Chief Bender did some high-class
twirling after he got started. not hit
being made in the last three innings. but
the damage had already been done by the
locals. Manager Mack has been anxious
to get just such a days work out Of
Bender. as the big fellow needs the exer-
else to get going into his stride. Another
game like yesterday and Chief will be
ready to win games. He made pretty
play on Altizer yesterday. although it
was Of the chance variety. 1t was In the
eighth inning and Dave was the first
man up. He met the ball sauarely. and
1t went on a line about a foot high from
the ground. through the pitchers box.
Bender thrust down his bloved hand and
the ball stuck. saving single at least
as neither Murphy nor Nichols could
have headed the ball of.
The Athletics looked dangerous in the
first second and fifth innings. but Hughes
was SO effective that ciphers instead of
runs were hung up. In the first Hartsel
led Off with a fast roller to right that
Freeman captured. but the batter beat
Hughes to the bag. Nichols sacrificed
Hartsel to second but he was headed on
to Hughes. In the second with one down.
Smith whipped pretty double into CEN
ter. but he stayed at second while Oldring
and CoOmbs were thrown out at first. In
= bo cd off xxyif a al
quickly stole second Coomts then famed
and Oldring dashed to third while Nc
Bride was throwing out Bender Hughes
used his noodle" then in passing Hartsei
for Nichols. and 1t proved all right. as
the Montgomery county boy persisted on q
roller to Altizer.
| Manager Cantillon will probably work
| the big southpaw Burns today and place
Jack Warner behind the bat. he is
| anxious to win again from the Athletics.
Another win today will place the Ma
| tfonals strictly in the running with the
other clubs further up the championship
ladder and there is no telling what the
| final result will be. as two victories will
ginger up the boys great deal. Man
aged Mack said yesterday that he would
| game. but as the New Yorks have pushed
the Athletics out Of first place he may
decide to sidetrack experiments and work
RUDE Vickers. who has been twirling very
effectively this spring.
Jim Delehanty was out at the park yes
terday. walking with cane. and said he
thought he could get back to work next
week. He is compelled to wear shoes
| that have to be cut out at the back and
sides. on account of the spike wounds on
the ankles and for fear OF breaking open
| the sores does as little walking as posi-
| BILE. Jim turned himself into a regular
| fan" yesterday and yelled with all his
might whenever good play was pulled
off by the locals or Hughes worked him
self out Of hole. He certainly has his
| heart in the game this year. and ii is to
be deplored that injuries keep him off
the field for so long a period.
Christian Xander. the wine merchant
! who died Thursday night, was one of the
! greatest base ball enthusiasts in WASH
| ington. Up until the last hours of his
| life he was talking base ball with his
had the doings of the Nationals read to
him daily He had great faith in the
local club doing we'll this year and told a
| friend few weeks ago that one Of his
| chief regrets was that he could no, live
| to see the end OF the base ball season. as
| he felt confident the Nationals would
make good showing in the pennant race
Manning Fools Boston.
BOSTON. May 9-New York punched
hits off Winter in the first and eighth in
nings yesterday and shut out Botson by i,
to 0. Manning held the locals safe with
men on the bases. The field was muddy
and fast fielding was impossible The
| score:
1 ROsfo II A