Evening star., 1923-08-31

The present condition of the field is
sad commentary on the avarice of
the Yankee ownership. Lured by
enormous rentals. the management
of the stadium gave il over to pro-
moters of prize fights, wild west
shows and other exhibitions at which
spectators were not confined to the
regular stands. Seats provided for
the ring contests played havoc with
the intield. and great portions of the
outteld, but it seems that a rodeo
held here recently did most damage.
TO the grounds.
Where tiers of seats stood in the
outheld not far behind the diamond,
the surface now is rolling. depreS-
sions deep enough to make the going
difficult for tielders appearing where
the seat supports once rested. No
grass covers this rugged terrain. nor
Is there any verdure in the infield.
That was covered for days and, more
important. for nights with canvas that
prevented any nourishing moisture
reaching the once beautiful turf.
Fans Voice Their Disgust.
New Workers visiting the stadium
TO witness the opening game of the
series between the Nationals and
Yankees yesterday got their first
sight of the marred playing field. and
did not hesitate to express their dis
gust at its condition. 1t is more than
an eyesore to the big city more like
tank-town diamond than a major
circuit park. and unless the damage
is repaired soon it will be nothing to
the credit of the American League
In the big October show.
Ihere were times yesterday when
the exceptionally hard and lumpy
bounds that converted into hits raps
that should have led TO easy outs, but
they had nothing to do with the Ma
tionals' 4-to-3 defeat Each club
shared alike in these fiuky bingles.
but not in those walloped far and at
opportune moments. That's where
the 1anks had the edge on DOME
Bush'S outfit.
Southpaw slabmen started the
game, Jezebel Tecumseh Zachary per-
forming for the Bushmen and Herb
Pennock for the Yanks Pennock.
though treated roughly in the open
ing session, stuck to his guns but
Zach had to retire with none out in
the sixth. leaving on third base what
proved to be the winning run.
Pennock gave up nine hits, one a
triple and another a double, and two
passes before he left the mound.
Zach was nicked for seven safeties,
two of them two-baggers and one
good for three bases, in addition to
a walk that became a tally. Allen
Russell. who relieved the TarheeI
portsider. yielded three singles and
a couple of free tickets to first. but
mad nothing else charged against him.
Pennock Pounded at Start.
Pennock was greeted warmly bv
the Nationals. Evans singled and
was scored by Peck's triple. GosIin
singled Peck home. Rice followed
with a bagger, but it was wasted
as after Judge popped to Dugan'
Gharrity rolled into a double play,
me ranks offset these tallies in the
IPst mrs tnree innings. In their part of
the opening erame Witt began with a
single, only to be forced by Dugan.
The latter Was singled to third by
Ruth, though, and scored as the Bam
bino was forced by Pipp. Dugan and
Ruth with successive doubles after
TWO were out in the third accounted
Tor the second Yankee score.
The issue was decided in the sixth.
The Nationals jumped into the lead
after Rice and Judge were retired
when Charity singled and differed
second. then raced home as Harris
poled a one-baser
Dugan opened the Yankees half
with a three-bagger and Ruth walked.
Pipp's single to right sent Dugan
lone with the tying score and Ruth
to third, the hitter taking second as
the futile throw to snare the Babe
was made
Here Russell replaced Zachary, and
Meusel. first to face the spitballer,
sent long fly to Evans. After the
catch Ruth got home with the i'm
DOrtdnt marker