The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-08-16
By JACK CUDDY

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 New York. Aug. l6 CUPD - Detroits rcyivifSed Tigers open to- day what seems the crucial week of their season--a week of encoun- ters with the Boston Red SoZ and New York Yankees that should tab the Bengals definitely as pennant challengers or also-rans.
 The Tigers. victors in 1l of their last l3 games. are in the midst of q bitter battle with Boston and New York for the challengers' role. after climbing from sith place in the American League standing since July 3l.
 Neither the Red Sox nor the Yanks have been hitting such a re- cent clip as Steve O'Neiil's Detroit CTS. The Sox won eight and lost five in their last l3 engagements: and the Yanks took seven and drop ped six. But. as the Tigers opened a four-game series at Boston today. the Eox had an advantage in the standing. Joe CrOnin's lads held second place by a margin of one and a half games over the third-rung invaders. And the fOurth-place Yanks were only a half game be- hind Detroit.
 If the Tigers - blessed with eE- celIent pitching and far hitting can get better than an ever break against the Red SOx and Yanks. and finish their last eastern trip in sec ond place. the achievement is bound to have a stimulating effect upon the club. Moreover. it would place the Bengals in position to take ad- vantage if the leading St. Louis Browns happened to falter from their currently steady pace. At pres ent. the Browns have a commanding lead Of six and a half games over runner up Boston.
 The return Of Dangerous Dick Wakefield to DetrOit's outer garden, after his release from the army. popped mp the clubs hitting. They nov rank fourth in club batting. and fifth in fielding. Improved hit- ting. coupled with fine pitching from Hal NeyhOuser and Dizzy TrOut-gilO lead the majors in yie- tories. with I9 each - fuelled the AiItO-city outfit during its recent drive.
 This campaign was featured by nine~game winning streak, which was sappped during the Tigers lat- est series at Philadelphia They broke even with the As, each club winning two games. Detroit was pressed nightly to beat the As in their concluding contest yesterday. They emerged with a 3-2 victory after Ii innings. ia which both Trout and Newhouser were sent in as Feliefers, Neyb0user getting credit for the win
 The Tigers will need sharp claws against Boston, which has shown no signs of cracking. despite the loss Of their ace Pitcher Tex HughsoD to the army last week. The soy won four and lost three since his de- parture. Joe crOnip's array Of bats men still are the most dangerous in the league, Three of them are among the circuits five leading bit- ters-B0bby DOerr, .330; Peter Fox, .2t9; and Bob Johnson, .307.
 Joe Mecartby's Yankees are still tough, t00-lstill believing that they're not out Of the penpapt fight by any means, The Tigers fOur- game series at Ney York opens with a dauble-beader Sunday, The Yapks are feeling their oats, after taking three of four from cbicag0's White SOg, The Mecartbynep tee Of to- day against fftb-plaee Cleveland, for four contests that should sharpen them for Detroit.
 1t should be Q significant and memorable yek for the Detroit attl- letes as they tRpgIe with two clubs, both Of which are singing lustily; Hold That TigeFg"