The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-06-05
CLOSE RACE In BIG
LEAGUES CERTAIN
With Third OF Season over New York
Clubs Retain Only Narrow Margin

NEW YORK. June 4.-with nearly a
third Of the major league season in the
background and the teams primed for
the midseason campaign. the prediction
that the 1922 races would be close seemed
about to be borne out.
The New York clubs, despite an in
different showing last week have retained
narrow margins In the lead but in the
natiensl three other eutflts-Pittsburg
st Louis and Brooklyn-are close Oh the
heels OF the Giants, and incidentally
showing no signs of weakening. ST.
Louis in the American continues to battle
neck and neck with the Yankees.
Today's victory for the Giants over
Brooklyn strengthened the lead Of the
leaders. but left slim margin OF only
three games between the two teams In
the first and third positions with Pitts
burs and st. Louis in second and third.
The Yankees defeated Philadelphia to-
day, but the Browns kept pace with them
by winning from Chicago.
The Metropolitan contendsrs, however,
face the ''acid test" beginning this week
for the second time. The Yankees are GO
ing west for a trip around the circuit
make their first visit east. The Giants
must make a better stand against their
rivals than they did In their recent west
sru trip II they are to continue as pace
settlers.
Just when the MoGraw men appeared
last week to have regainsd their stride,
the troublesome Boston Braves inter
vened and took three straights fater the
49, 49,
game Of the five game series from the
champions. The net result, due chiefly
to tetteriug, hitohing and lapses In the
field, was the most disastrous week for
the leaders since their rough voyage
west.
Pittsburg, although taking three out
Of four from Cincinnati, lost q hard
fought series to st. Louis, the Cardinals
seizing an opportunity 20 regain SOME lost
ground and crowd the Pirates for second
position.
Brooklyns hurting staff, especially
Dutch Ruether, who has won eight
straights, is showing something like the
form predicted Of It at the start Of the
season and the Dodgers are climbing
rapidly. Spectacular hitting by Bob
Griffith who has Jumped into the lead
effective feature Of the teams winning
drive.
Cincinnati still somewhat OF a dark
horse" is playing good ball. the Cubs
have been handicapped by erratic pitch
ing and none too heavy hitting, whils
the Braves have shown habit Of check
ing contenders at unexpected moments.
Philadelphia is IN no immediate danger
~ raftpo,,lnhfpus &c raIIar
The st. Louis Browns, with improved
pitching aud more timely batting. gained
on the Yankees, who could do no better
than an even break against eastern clubs
with the advantage Of a stay at home
williams and company have the best
chance they have ever had 80 far to sup
plant the Yankees at the top.
Washington profitted against the Red
sox during the week although losing a
close game today; the Tigers slumped
badly due to the absence OF their sus-
pended manager, Ty Cobb; and star slug
ger Harry Hsilrnann while the Mack men
were chsekmAted by Jupiter P1uvius rain
combining to three games with New York.
Cleveland retrieved another wise dis
astrous week BY taking three in a row
from the Tigers and making It four to-
day; Chicago, although winning three
from the Indians. took only one from the
fast Travelling Browns while Boston was
unable to climb out of the cellar.
NEW YORK, June 4,--The weeks rec
ord in each league of games played and
lost, together with runs. hits and errors
including games OF Saturday, is as fol-
lows;