Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-04-20
GREGG VICTIM
OF HARD GAME
Holds Washington Team
Almost Hitless Until
the Ninth Frame
CONNIE STILL SMILES
Washington, u. G.. April 20.

come back" make no mistake about
that. Connie Mack has now only to
build his pitching staff around the
foundation of the corps is of the highest
caliber. experienced and to be depended
upon. Though defeated in the final
frame by the Griffmen, l to 0, in the
opening game of the Athletics series
here, Vean Gregg was really the hero
of the contest all the way through.
The first nine Griffmen to face Gregg
perished in order. Then Bert Shotton
slapped a clean single to right center.
That lone bingle was the total Of the
Washington walloping until the ninth,
when, with his support tottering, Gregg
himself weakened and allowed two more
blows, just enough to decide the verdict
against himself.
Needed a Little Luck
During the first three frames but one
ball was driven beyond the Athletics
infield, Ayers drifting fly to short
center. In the first seven innings count
ing Shotton's single, only five balls went
''sciAN AllN III ltlt next TWO,
however the Griffmen succeeded in
pounding six drives into the gorden, two
going safely to right field
Had he been accorded any kind of sum
port with the. fail earlier in the game.
or had little luck gone his way rather
chan against II In the eighth Gregg
would have broken in with a victory.
Three hits, one walk and one strikeout
is his record. and as a result Connie
Mack today wears a smile.
Connie Is Satisfied
If there had been the slightest doubt
In my mind abouc Gregg, 1t disappeared
yesterday" said Connie Showing that
stuff on cold. windy day is remarkable.
When warm weather comes he ought to
have an even chance for every game he
enters. ! know now tha2 | have close
to the best left-hander in the league"
THE old soup bone feels pretty good -
grinned Gregg. 1T was cold out there
and ! wouldn't have been surprised had
my wing felt sore today, but It doesn';,
I'll be ready the next time Connie calls
on me-"
Morgan's boot of Greggs roller opened
the eighth. Kopp beat out a bunt in
front OF the plate and Jamieson's walk
/ filled the bases with none out. Gard
/
for the dish. LaYan took Shanks's pep
close to the plate and it just barely beat
the runner. That was the closest the
AS came to scoring.
Jameson was on third and Burns Oh
second with two gone in the first frame
but Walker failed in the pinch Shan.
| non opened the second with a single and
was stranded on third. Burns started
tae fourth with a single, but was rur
down on delayed steal.
The Fatal Ninth
With one gone in the Griffmens hall
of the ninth, Ayers drew the only mas,
handed out by Gregg. Shotton cracked
his second safety. this shooting pas
Burns to right field Foster died ant
the Red Shannon spilled the beans
fumbling Milan's bounce and filling IN,
corners. Shanks looped a single I,
short right close to-, the line and Aver
came In with the lone tally. II was !
tough way for Gregg to lose. but It haC
happened.
Elmer Myers or Scott Perry is du,
to climb the hill today for the AS. on
posing George DuMont or Harr,
Harper. Myers has always proved /
stumbling block to the GrIfmen. I'M
Perry has never been seen here. Judg
Ahb AAoAA NOAh against kne He0 SON
he should emulate Gregg's great per
formance OF yesterday.
Larry Gardner looked great toorlp,
off one real hit and performing ae
ceptably in the field. His lightnIns < a,
Of Shanks's steamlng drive In M
seventh savored of his old worlds serIe
stun. He was the best man In the AZ
infield
Shannon Gets Nervous
Shannon was powerful with the fail
stepping into Doc Ayers nobly. but IN
nervousness proved costly In the ninth
Trying to make the throw before m
had a grip on the ball. he blew ali m,
chance for Gregg TO win. VI
,kOpp showed a pretty turn Of spee
when ne beat out his hunt IN the eight
) Inning He was trying 10 sacrifice. 81
rs sNeaQ a.,s ki7l q ~.