The Washington herald., 1916-07-25
Local Clan Will Start Invasion
of West Today-Twenty-
one Games on Trip.
JOE BOEHLING TO WORK

Detroit. July 4.-The Nationals came TO
Detroit to open their second invasion of
the West this season. Upon their show
ing in the twenty games they must play
before returning East, largely will rest
Washington's chances to remain in the
pennant chase. Four games will be
played this week at Navin Field in
Detroit
Saturday the Nationals go to Cleve-
land for seven games in four days, or
possibly five days, since the day follow
ing the end of the Cleveland stay is an
open date and available for a game.
From Cleveland Manager Griffith will
lead his clan to Chicago for four games,
and thence to st. Louis for five games
in four days. after which they will jump
clear to Boston to battle their hereditary
jinx.
During the past few days the Ma
tionals have been climbing. Ever since
the Tigers gave them their setback at
home early in the month. Washington
has been in a winning streak that has
brought the Griffmen back into the very
thick Of the hectic scramble for the
pennant. The pitching stan, having had
nothing to do for two days, is in prime
shape TO start the invasion. Every men,
Der of the staff will be ready to work
Tuesday except johnson and Gallia. who
Sox. and these excellent Fingers will be
ready Wednesday.
Despite the hospital list, which includes
Judge and Morgan. both valuable infield
Cogs, Manager Griffith is positive that
the winning streak will be continued and
that the Nationals will return home well
placed for the late August and Septem-
Der spurt for the flag.
The CiT1b is from the frame Of mind
which accompanied it West on the first
trip to the OCCident Then II came direct
from Boston. where it had been skinned
alive and roasted to a crisp. The club
was badly discouraged and failed abso-
lutely to get the breaks in the opening
series at Detroit It was beaten in three
straight games at Detroit. even Johnson
losing his contest, and although all the
Tiger victories were by one-run margin
the drop into the second division was
quick and complete. Not until ST. Louis
WIS reached was the slump checked. Rain
prevented the first two games at Cleve-
land. and the first game. which was
played on the third day, was a fourteen
inning tie. The failure to win this con-
test was all the more disheartening be-
cause the Nationals grabbed a fve-run
lead for themselves IN the first inning and
then were unable to hold 1t. . The second
game on the fourth day was a triumph
for the Griffmen. but they dropped three
Of four to the White Sox. Three straight
wins at St Louis put them on their feet,
but not until the last ten days has the
Washington club regained the stride
which enabled it to sweep into an early
lead and set the pace for the league
throughout many OF the early weeks Of
lie season
No repetition Of the disastrous first
trip is expected this time. The Tigers
hive not been going exceptionally well
a1G have just dropped two games to
'h= White SoX, whom they usually beat
u Q With a lot of enthusiasm. The Jung
alccrs have only three pitchers, Mitchell,
Coveleskie and James. who are going
gOCd and the Pole is the only one to
have an imposing record for the sea-
son. He was trimmed in an overtime
game by Chicago Monday, and will not
work until the last game here. James
IS 10 pitch the game today. He pitched
in Washington early in the month. and
heat Boehling by a count Of to !, al
lowing but five hits, three Of which
came in the last inning. It Is not un-
likely that Boehling will hurl against
The Tigers tomorrow. for there is a ira
dit.on that Detroit is soft picking for
the southpaws and Griffith is not i'm
mune from the superstition. A good
start is expected here and a good start
viii mean much.
Griffith is not certain just what he
will do with his lineup Rice has been
hitting so we'll that 1t is not unlikely that
he will remain in the outfield for a
while Shanks will stick to third until
Morgan can relieve Foster at second.
First base is the big problem, Charity
hit well Saturday and his batting may
hold him on the initial sack. It is
understood, however, that Griffith is
combing the bushes for a first basernan
who can be called upon at once.