The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-05-13
BATTLE IS NOW ONE
OF EAST VS.. WEST
Giants Double Defeat by Pittsburg
Pirates Causing All Fans
to Wonder.
NEW YORK is WEAKENED
Larry Doyle Left Behind on Account
OF iilncss-N inning Streak of
Cleveland Thought TO BE Mere
Flash.

New York, May l2,-Two out
standing features marked The close
of the fourth week of the major
leagues pennant race:
The defeat of the Giants in two
successive games by the Pirates and
the tr1umphat march of the CIeve-
land indians into first place in the
American league
The invasion of the West by the
National league teams OF the East
and the subsequent playing Of the
Western teams OF the America
league in the East was expected to
bring with 1t surprises, but the first
surprise came from an unexpected
quarter when the Giants encountered
a snag in Pttsburg.
whether II is to be taken to signi-
~ that the National league teams of
the West excel those of the East !;
whether it means that the Pitts
burgers have "A team this year that
viii prove formidable rival for
the National league champions, or
whether IL was merely one of the
unaccountab accidents OF the game,
is question for the dopesters to
deal with
Despite the fact that the Pirates
beat the Giants, their performances
this year would hardly warrant the
assertion that they may be possible
contenders for the fnal honors, al
though it must be admitted that they
have produced unexpected results
both in Pittsburg and other cities
The loss OF Pitcher Earl Ham lton
who was the first member of the
Pirate pitching STAFF to humble the
Giants. will be a serious blow to the
team.
Manager McGraw gave a statement
to the newspapers before he started
with his 4team for the first Western
tour, frankly admitting that his club
would need the extra games they
won in the East. The absence of
Larry Doyle who did not accom- pany
the team, but is in here. has weak
ened the team. Although Rodriguez
is considered a good second haseman
the inheld seems to lack the snan
that was displayed at the start OF the
season.
Just a Flash.
The winning streak of the Indians,
even yet in a badly crippled condir
ton. can hardly be expected to last.
One of Lee Fohrs greatest difficulties
is with his pitchers In Baghy and
Coveleski. he has two good hurlers.
Morton has been showing up we'll
this year. but. aside from them, he
has no boxmen who can be relied
upon to face pitchers who will be
sent against the Indians while in the
East.
The team which IN at the top Of the
list in the pcnnant race is sure to
draw the best boxmen OF opposing
teams into the game. This fact alone
would indicate that the Indians will
meet opposition which will draw them
out OF nrst place while on this tour.
The sensational batting OF Pitcher
Ruth has made him the individual
star of the week. Not only has he
forged into the lead in the American
league batting averages. but proved
himself canahle to play In the inheld
In tor-noteh style.
The injury Of Eddie Cicottc. star
pitcher of the American league last
year, when he trrned hts ankle. has
weakened the white Sox. Although
the famous spithall artist did not
show up very well at the start Of the
season. he was graduaIlv rounding
into his old time form when he svf
fcred the injury. The loss Of Ont
fielder Toe Jackson. who has been
accepted for service. will ~ another
blow to the team. Jaekso- will
probably he called about Tune 20.