The Washington herald., 1912-07-24

The Nationals defeat yesterday opened
the gap a trifie wider between Grin {
Climbers and the Boston Red Sox. The
standing Of the clubs reveals the fact
that Washington is now eight games be-
hind Stahrs crew, and the Beaneaters re-
fuse to slump.
The Tigers, by virtue Of winning. jump
ed into fifth place, passing the Cleveland
Maps.
The Athletics seem to be having a
picnic with the lowly Browns, and unless
the Nationals capture the next two games
from the Tigers. Washington and Phila-
delphia may start West on even terms.
Walter Herral. the Washington sandlo,
pitcher whom 1t will be remembered was
given a trial by Jim McAleer last season
is back in town. and Griff has promised
TO look Herral over to-day. when the
youngster will be ordered to pitch to the
batters in morning practice.
Herra! was sent TO Johnson City, Tenn.
last year. and made good. He has also
been pitching fine ball for that club this
season. and believes that with his added
experience he can make a much better
showing with Washington than was the
case last summer.
Griff is not overlooking any bets, and
Herral will get a thorough trial.
Yesterdays crowd at the Concrete Coli
scum witnessed one of the mysteries of
baseball. when Detroit got to Bob Groom
in the ninth inning and sent over seven
runs.
Groom has always pitched winning ball
against the Tigers; in fact, when he had
a poor run-getting team at his back he
was able to win games. and II looked
like a so to / shot that the lanky finger
would pull through on top yesterday. The
unexpected happened. however, just as II
is likely to happen any time.
Sam Crawford. who seldom hits Groom,
smashed one TO the right field fence the
first time he faced the toothpick twirler.
Bases on balls really caused Groom s
undoing in the fatal ninth, and up to
that time he only issued one pass.
1t is such uncertainties that make
baseball the greatest game in the world.
Groom's defeat was just one OF those
things which nobody attempts to ex-
plain, for the reason that no answer can
bs found.
For to-day's game Tom Hughes will
most likely be in the box for the Ma
tionals and George Mullin or Dubuc will
oppose him. most likely the latter.
The last time Dubuc pitched against
the Climbers. in Detroit. It will be re-
membered that the Nationals beat him
in the ninth inning. overcoming a two
run lead. and the big French Canadian
is out for revenge.
Charley Dootn's Phillies are going at
a terrific pace They have won SIX out
OF the last eight games played. and
yesterday passed the Cincinnati Reds. or.
in other words. crowded the Reds out
Of the first division.
No wonder the baseball bugs in Red
land are crying Justify for Clark Griffith
to lead them again.
This is about the time of the season
when the teams settle down for the long
grind down the homestretch. Victories
pile up for the prosperous teams and de-
feats come in a row for the tailenders.
Managers who believe they have a
chance for the pennant stop experiment.
ing and put on the pressure in the hope
OF securing a higher place for their
teams in the race. Clubs which know
that they are out OF the hunt for any
berth that would crafty their patrons
begin wedding out and planning for next
year.
Athletics win-Boston wins-Washington
wins. That was the way 1t was in the
American League Monday.
That's about the way II will be now
right along, unless some club should
strike a slump. It's a fight now right
down to the wire. and no team can af-
ford TO do any slipping.
WILLIAM PEET.