The Washington herald., 1916-09-06
Yankees Declare Speed King
Was Never 'Faster" in His
Life Sporting Gossip.

Walter johnson yesterday came the
nearest to pitching a no-hit no-run
game since 1910 when he faced the
Athletics in the opening game Of the
season, and the only safe blow was a
two-bagger into the crowd by Frank
Baker Only because Doc GessIer could
not plough his way through the fans
and complete an ordinary catch was
johnson robbed Of a chance 70 break
into the Hall OF Fame at that time
According to the members Of the New
York club, who freely expressed their
opinions last night, Johnson had more
speed yesterday. than at any time they
have faced him this season.
At last Billy Evans. the best umpire
in the American League, is in our midst
Evans was behind the plate yesterday
and there were few protests.
Joe Leonard protested a decision IN
the sixth inning at the plate and be-
cause he objected strenuously TO the
ruling was chased out OF the game
There lie little chance OF Leonard
being suspended, for the reason that he
Gid not use profane or abusive language
He protested vehemently claiming that
he had touched the plate. that was all.
Evans thought differently.
For the second game OF the series
against the Yankees here this afternoon,
Bert Gallia and his spitban Will be very
much in evidence for the Grinmen.
while Bill Donovan Will probably oppose
with Urban shocker or Ray Fisher.
Walter Johnsons home-run was a
mighty wsllop 10 left field. The bali Iand1
ed close to the jury box" in left field.
too close to bound in. Six feet farther
away and High never could have touched
It, for It would have popped out Of sight
While johnson was rounding third Nick
Altrock, who was coaching. yelled in loud
tones for Walter to stop. but the great
pitcher paid no attention and kept right
on going.
The play at the home plate was Close
Johnson sid in and as his spikes came iu
contact with Walters shin guards tho
little catcher was thrown on his hslsnra
and could not tag the runner in time 20
make the put-out
Roger Peckinpaugh and Prank Baker
both came across with sensational plays
Baker stopped line drive with his glove.
hand OF Milan's bat IN the first inntns
and negotiated a doUble-plsy. Peck rob
bed Howard Shanks Of a single in The
second chapter by scooping up a slov-r
groUnder back OF second base. whirIinC
around and throwing out the runner At
first base.
The Nationals this morning. according
to the league standing. are but two and
one-half games from the first division. or
one and one-half games behind the Cleve-
land Indians.
To be exact, Washington Is also less
than nine games behind the IssEue leaders
and II the Grinmen continue their present
gait there is no reason why they should
not finish well up in select company.
Can they keep up this pace?
Time alone will tell.
Washington has won thirteen out Of
the last twenty games played. Detroit
being the only invading club able to
capture the series. The Ysnks are
here for two more games and then
comes the Boston Red SoI, four con
tests being on the schedule.
Griff is confident that his team
will not only beat the Yankees by
at least two out OF three. but ventures
a prediction that Boston will be lucky
to grab off q single game, claiming
that the local club. as presently con
stituted. is as strong as any in the
American League.
There is no doubt but that the Ma
tionals are playing great ball Just
now. They are hitting opportunely
and getting good pitching. The &C
QUESTION OF Smith and Leonard seems 2
20 have bolstered up the weak spots
and the present Griffithian combina-
ton is sure to prove a tough one to
beat from now on until the curtain
flaps
''''
Several hundred 7. NJ c A boys
with their brass band made things
lively at the ball park yesterday. The
kids were the guests Of Clark Griffith
and enjoyed themselves immensely.
I A