The Washington herald., 1917-04-12
Grifmen Win Opening Game
from Athletics Johnson
Pitches Airtipht Ball.
BY JOHN A. DUGAN.

Philadelphia, Pa, April I1.-It was q
patriotic and war enthusiastic gathering
that greeted Connie Mack's Athletics and
Clark Grimth's Nationals In the opening
Of the American League here today.
Seven thousand OF these Sunderland
fans crowded into Shibe Stadium to wit
ness the inaugural battle which ended
with victory for Clark Grifnth and his
Capital City clan. ~
paved the way for the Grtnmen's VIC
tory over these Mackmen by a S-to-o
count. Walter johnson served up air
tight pitching over the nine-inning route,
and timely wallop by Joe Judge in
the second session, accounted for the
home club being down-trodden.
Patriotism was the big factor in this
inaugural 1t was a real war time pro-
ceeding as the Old Fox dolled up the
Washington clan with a little American
flag. which the players wore on their
shirts and caps. while Connie went one
better and showed the Quaker City fans
how wen his tribe was prepared by giving
drill before the gong was sounded.
Connie and Grif stuck to their warlike
proceedings by sending their best bets
10 the mound and when the megophone
past around the battery 1t proved that
the Old Fox was testing the Smoke"
johnson Of his clan against Mack's' "Bul-
let," Bush.
Shortly before noon the Old Fox was
notified that The Nationals were not ex-
pected to take part in the drill which
was held before the contest. This was
the first time in the history of q game
military air was introduced, and when
Old Glory was nung to the breezes the
cheers that greeted the Stars and Stripes
indicated that there were no slackers
among these Quaker City fans. The
crowd thrilled as Mack's sturdy athletes
under the direction OF Sergt. w. s. Smart,
U. s. A.. went through a series Of move
ments. Harry Davis. "Stuffy' McInnes.
Bates, and Thrasher acted as the nag
guards. and unfurled Old Glory on the
large flag pole in the center field gar
den where this White Elephant clan have
at different times unfurled the pennant
proclaiming the championship of the
American League. After parading back
to the infield. director of electric supplies.
Lansing Mclaughlin, threw out the first
ball to Umpire Dineen and the game was
on.
Although johnson pitched alright ball,
and the Nationals won with a good mar
gin to spare. Joe Bush. who opposed
the smoke ball king also showed to
a good advantage. as five safe hits were
all the Griffmen could gather on his de-
livery. johnson allowed but three hits
and did not allow a safe blow OF his de-
livery until after two were out in the
sixth inning, when Witt poled one over
second base.
The Mackmen did not get a runner to
second base until the seventh inning
loose a wild heave, and but one man
reached the far corner on the big smoke.
this coming as a result OF an error by
Mcbride in the eighth
The Nationals proved easy pickings for
Bush in the first inning. as a scratch
single by Milan was the only damage to
his hurling, but in the second session
the Washington crew got busy and
punched, three wallops for two earned
tallies. Smith started the trouble for
Bush by slamming one past Bates. Joe
Judge then put over a wallop that will
help him earn the bonus that he is work
ing on this season II he keeps up this
good work. as his drive hit the right field
wall, and when Thrasher had finally re-
covered the horsehide Smith had Tailed
and Joe was resting comfortably on third
base. Our Dandy Captain George Nc
Bride then sent Bodie on a long chase, as
Judge Tailed on this wallop and Mcbride
beat the throw to the keystone sack. The
Nationals never threatened again until
the sixth. when with two down Smith
cracked out a double to center field. but
Bush out-sprinted Judge on his slow in
field tap.
In the seventh Mcbride was given a life
by the free transportation route. but after
Ainsmith had worked him 10 the second
cushion his advance was checked. as
Johnson and Leonard famed at six of
Bush's fast ones.
The Griffmen staged a regular rally in
the eighth when Milan was passed and
moved up a peg by Rice's sacrifice. Smith
struck out, but Judge was given life on
Bates error. Meyers caught Milan nap
ping of the far corner, and in the re-
turn throw Bates heaved the ball to the
grand stand. and Milan romped across
with the Nationals final tally
The Mackmen only made one real