The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-17
BY BILL AK.

DI 0iGE PH'
 Montgomery. April 6.-(Special.)-The sleepers got off with the first game of the season. after all winning it this aft ernoon with an easy margin.
 It was a peculiar game in more respects than one. In the first place Robertailie, who had everything in the world, was knocked out of the box in the third in- ming after having been touched all the way from a Texas leaguer to a home run.
 In the second place Van Anda escaped beating. although the Barons hit 13 line drives to the outfield.
 The final score of the game was to l. After the retirement of Robertaile, Man. ager Vaughn sent Rip Ragan to the slab' The first ball he pitched was converted into. a double play and the side was re- tired.
 McNeal was substituted in the fourth, and the big fellow did magnificent work, holding the victorious Pretzels to two lit tie singles.
 The game as a whole was devoid of feature. save the terrific slugging of the Pdetzels Raub was Birmingham's star catching fine game, hitting like hend and backing up third and first with con summate ease. In the ninth inning DOW nev made a one-handed stab which was sensational in the extreme, and elecited warm applause from the spectators.
 For Montgomery, the attendance this afternoon was enormous. However, Sec retary Tyson of the Birmingham club stated after the battle that he had re- ceived very little save rain checks issued yesterday
 The field was well filled, however, and the bleachers were overfowing. It was a most enthusiastic audience, too. the cheering at times. especially when aged Jimmy Ryan connected safely with ben der that went over the fence. reaching the city. disturbed those mapping at the Ex- change hotel. The spectators, indeed, behaved as if they had never before seen a ball game in which their favorites achieved victory.
 The Barons started off like champions. After Houtz had gone out in the first Molesworth pasted the spheroid over the initial corner for base, after Meek had flied to left Molesworth purloined the keystone Reagan following, was passed, and the two on bases executed lightning double steal, concerning which the fans here are still talking. There was no scoring however, for Demontreville famed. \ Tn the second, however, Tommy Rauh started the ball to rolling with double over third Downey put him down the next pillow, and he scored when Walters hit by Pope. Tn the meantime the Pret- gels had got busy also. In spite of Dow ney's error. which placed Ryan on third while but one was down. in the first and Baxters stolen base. fl was only in the second that the Montgomery players crossed the pan. It is heGrt rerdin9. how ever to contemplate the second and third innings Every ball that Robertaille hurled across the plate was met by an oaken club, and he was driven to every corner of the lot. In the second. after Perry had flied to Walters. Persons sin gled and Pope and Shannon doubled which opened the plate to Persons and Pope. In the third Ryan smashed the first ball thrown over the plate to deep left hit which cleared the fence. Bax- ter $ strike-out brought short-lived relief Greminger followed with double. Per sons then tripled. Pope singled. Ryan, Greminger, Perry and Persons counted in this inning Ragan relieved Robertaille at this juncture. and Shannon cut into a double, retiring the side.
 McNeal who worked throughout the re- maining five innings was in magnificent shape. not only checking the scoring but holding the hard Emitting Pretzels to two scratch singles. The big fellow had great control, and his delivery was pleasing to the eye. His speed was remarkable and his curves were treacherous.
 Manager Vaughn announced tonight that "Ginger'' Clark would do the twir- ling tomorrow, and for the first time in his life the veteran leader placed a bet on the result of the game. The wager was a small one. s. but the venture is significant as it is the first the manager ever dared.
 Montgomery- AB. R. Fl. 20. A. E. Ienllne If. 0 0 o