The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-07-25
''CONTENDERS" FOR A. |. FLAG
 GO BACKWARDS
By CARL LUNDQUIST Limited Press Staff COrresDOndent

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 New York, July 15-(UP)-You'd think it was the last place Athletics that the so-called American league contenders were trying to catch these days in a race that seems to be developing into full retreat" from the pennant.
 Take the pace setting Detroit Tig- CTS. They left home on an eastern road trip, four and a half games in front and won only four games, los- ing seven and tying one. That they still are three full games in front is evidence of the backward trend in effect among the other clubs.
 The second place Washington Senators came home after one of the most successful road trips in years and promptly hit mediocre stride, winning six and losing seven. They climaxed the stand last night by dropping their third straight game to the Cleveland Indians, 4 to o. Fire-baller Allie Reynolds pitched seven hitter for Cleveland. Lam bert (Dutch) Mayer paced the H. hit Indian attack of Emil (Dutch) Leonard, who suffered his fourth defeat. It was Reynolds 10th win. In and Out
 The St. Louis Browns, who picked up some ground on their eastern swing, fell out of the first division after squeezing in for day, losing 6 to 0 shutout at Boston. Emmet ONeill pitched a four-hitter. Sig mund Jakucki, usually control ar- t1st, lost mainly because of his wildness. He walked five batters, most of. them at inopportune times.
 The other so-called American league contenders have done little better, but the surprise team of the outfit IS the cellar-dwelling Phila- delphia crew, which has eight vic- tories, three defeats and two ties in its home stand for the best rec ord in the circuit during the period.
 The Cubs, with southpaw Bob Chipman back in harness, beat the Phillies at Chicago, 8 to 3, for their 24th victory in 31 games against Eastern teams since June 27. Bill Nicholson's three run triple was the key blow for Chipman in his first appearance since June 20. The win kept Chicago's four and a half game lead in the National intact. Home Run Pitch
 The Giants remained ahead of the Reds in fifth place in the Ma tional league, winning, 6 to 4, at Cincinnati. Harry Feldman served up home run pitch to Frank Me- Cormick which accounted for two Red runs, but after that happened in the second. he had little trouble. He also made two hits.
 The Pirates won their fifth game in six from the Braves, 6 to 5, in II innings. Veteran Jackie Saltzgaver scored the tying run in the ninth after singling. In the 1t1h he came across with the winning run on a long fly after leading off with a triple. Relief pitcher Ken Gables won his seventh game without a de- feat.
 Augie Bergamo of the Cards broke a second place tie with the Brooklyn Dodgers by singling in the ninth to score Marty Marion for to 6 victory. It was his third straight hit and enabled the birds to climax an uphill battle which found them be- hind 6 to l at one time. Elvin (Bus- ter) Adams hit a homer for the Cards.
 No other games were scheduled. YESTERDAYS STAR-Ex- -Yark- ee Jackie Saltzgaver who gave the Pirates to 5 victory over the Braves, scoring the tying run in the ninth after singling and the winning run in the 11th after a