Evening star., 1926-05-19
Few Griffs Getting Around.

There were % men left on the run
ways during the three games with
Cleveland, while the Tribe had but q
stranded. The Nationals seem to be
getting them on these days, but they
are not getting so many of them
around.
That loss yesterday weakened con-
siderably the Nationals hold on sec
ond place, and left them three games
behind the leading Yankees. When
the first two clubs Of the circuit be-
gan their stands against the Western
aggregations the Hugmen had but
half a game advantage over the Har-
rismen. so it will be seen the latter
have lost plenty of ground in the last
1g DAYS. In a scramble such as this
FEARS pennant race promises to be,
two and a half games lost within
such a brief period is something to
think about.
The Champs started yesterday as
though they would knock the props
from under Sherrod Smith without
much trouble. while the venerable
Walter Johnson opened fire as though
he was due for one of his hne-cut
games. But the Indian southpaW, art
er a stormy pair of sessions. became
all but invincible.
On the other hand, Johnson, VIC
tim of some loose fielding by Earl Nc
Neely in center that enabled the Tribe
TO knot the count in the fourth frame,
was not so effective after 24-mlnute
cessation of hostilities due to shower
that broke while the Nationals were
at bat in the fifth.
Smith was reached for seven safe
ties by the Harrismen, six of them
being clustered in the first two IN
nings. One of the swats on the south-
nav was a triple, and four or the
blows were good for two bases each.
And the Tribe slabman threw IN Il
couple of passes. But after their pay
ting furry at the outset the NatlonalS
were not there.
Smiths Hit Beats Champs.
Johnson gave up eight smacks'
only one being good Tor an ~ eA.la
base It was that hit, however, that
sent the veteran to defeat, and il
was socked by Walters mound rival
smith leaned against the sphere Tor
q double in the seventh round after
q counle of his clubmates had SIN
g,ed. 1t was the only time blows
were buncheu by the Indians.
a. Some odd base-running cost the
Griffs at least one run IN the open
ing inning. when they con1bed Smlth
for a double and a triple. McNeeiI
slammed 10 IHS sun pai ioA "eAiA ~
cot to second as JamieSops return
was on the way TO Joe SeWell.
When Joe fumbled Earl, who had
nulled IN after rounding the midway
sack. darted for third. Lutzke,
though, was on the ball in a flash
and heaved to Smith, covering the
far corner. in plenty of time TO cut
Gown the runner. After Bucky Har-
ris rolled out Sam Rice shot triple
TO left-center, but Goslin's best was
low liner to the pitcher.
Two doubles and brace of singles
in the second produced all the Ma
1jonal scores. Judge started the
round with a two-bagger to right and
moved to third when Bluege bunted
a single past LutZke. Peck's toul
was gathered in by Joe Sewell after
a rretty run, but Ruel singled Judge
horae and Johnsons two-base sock
counted Bluege. With two on the
bases McNeely lifted a foul to Luke
Sewell and Smith tossed out Boss
BuCky.
An the Nationals got off Smith there
after were two passes ana douDIe
Rluege drew a walk at the start OF
the fourth, but never got beyond
first base There were two down IN
the seventh when Burns muff OF a
pop fly put McNeely on first. Bucky
Harris strolled, but Rice lifted to
Summa in right. McNeely began the
fifth with two-bagger and Bucky
Harris sacrificed.
Then the rain forced suspension
of play and the athletes had nearly
a half hour rest. 1t didn't help the
Nationals batsmen, for McNeely Ian
guished at third while Rice lined to
Joe Sewell and Goslin popped to the
ShOrtStop'S brother.
NcNeeIy's Errors Hurt.
When McNeely had a rough time
afield in the fourth. the Tribe matched
the early National scoring. Spurgeon
was out of the way when Speaker
lifted to center. Earl got under the
ball. only to let it tricllle through his
hands Johnson cut loose with a
wild pitch that let iris take second.
Joe Sewell rifled a single to center
deep enough to send his chief to the
plate. McNeely, coming In for a quick
sion. let the sphere get through and
il rolled to the fence, allowing Joe to
follow Speaker to the counting blocK.
The next two Tribesmen were easy
outs. with lofts to the Centerf1elder.
Burns had been disposed of in the
seventh when the Indians staged
their winning rally. Summa singled
ard took third when Lutzke shot a
nne.baser to right. Luke Sewell
fouled to Ruel, but Smith doubled to
left center to tally Summa and
I.utzke.