The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-15
WASHINGTON, DETROIT IN
 'BIC' SERIES
By CARL LUNDQUIST United Press Staff Correspondent)


 New York, Sept. 15-(UP)It was D-Day today for the Washington Senators in their now or never drive to beat Detroit out of the American league pennant.
 The most important baseball ser- les of the war, five games, includ- ing two double headers in as many days, was expected to settle ono: and for all whether Washington has a chance to be the American league representative In the world series.
 Physically, the advantage was all with the Senators; "hguratively." or as far as the statistics were con- cerned, the edge belonged to De- troit.
 The Tigers are at greatly re- duced efficiency. Their biggest home run threat, Hank Greenberg, still Is limping from a bad ankle injury.
 But as far as the figures are con- cerned, Washington will have to win four out of five games to maxS a real pennant bid and even then they might have to sit in idlcnesj the last week of the season while Detroit went on to win.
 Finish Early
 The Senators, because of a sched- ule quirk, close out their season u week ahead of the Tigers. Even though they are only half game behind Detroit, they have only 10 games to play. half of them with the Tigers. They are two games down in the important losing col- umn. Meanwhile, the Tigers have 13 games to play, which gives them winning potential of three more games than the Senators and all opportunity to regain any ground they might lose at Washington.
 Both managers, Steve O'Neil of the Tigers and Ossie Bluege of the Senators, selected aces for the all- important first game. Newhouser will go for Detroit If he warns up properly, otherwise 1t may be Paul (Dizzy) Trout, who already has won four games on the eastern trip Emil (Dutch) Leonard and Mickey Heather were ready for Washing ton.
 The teams went into the series fresh from sensational victories The Tigers beat out the Athletics in a 1 to five inning game abbre- viated by rain when Bobby Maiel stole home on what was to have been @ squeeze play with the bases full. Sensing the strategy, AS Catcher Buddy Rosar called for 6 pitchout, but Maier who was run ming with the pitch couldn't stor and dove in under the receiver Rosar was elected from the game for protesting the decision. The run was an unearned one of Dick Fowler, who pitched no-hittei against the Browns Sunday. Les Muller held the As to two hits for his sixth win.
 : Washington made 1t three in a row over Cleveland, winning, 6 tc 5, in the ninth when relief pitcher , Pete Center walked home the win. ming run. Joe Kuhel previously hae tripled and scored when Cecil Travis singled. George Binks sin gled Jose Pardon, pinch-runnei to third. An error scored Pardon and after walks filled the bases case was passed to send in Binkt with the clincher. Jeff Heath hae put Cleveland in front with three-run homer in the first.
 Cards Drubbed
 Tn the National league, the re- yenge-bent Brooklyn Dodgers, Wht have a long standing peeVe agains the Cardinals, topped them in double header at St, Louis, ' to and 6 to 1, to put the Cards three ( and a half games behind the lead { ing Cubs. Vic Lombardi ended < seVen-game St. Louis winning streal z by topping rookie stars Ken Bufk hardt and George Dockins in th' first game. Augie Galan drove Il four Dodger runs with three hits Hal Gregg returned to winning torn in the nightcap, beating Cardina ace. Charley Barrett. - ,
 The Cubs ran into difficultie with the lowiy Phillies, splitting double header, but they gained jus the same. They lost the opener 4 to 3, as ex-Sergeant Phil Mul cahy gained his first post-Wa pitching victory, topping the Cu z veteran, Paul Derringer. Claud Passeau won his l7th game, a Tour hitter, in the six-inning nightcap.
 In the only other National leagu game, the Giants topped the Red at Cincinnati. 2 to 5.
 The Browns got another goo pitching job out of rookie John MI Ter to top the Red Sox at Bostor to 1. Frank Mancuso hit Brownie homer. n,
 Chicago at New York in tn American was cancelled because C rain.
 YESTERDAYS STAR = Bobb Maier of the Tigers, who stole hom