Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-22
'POOR COACHING COSTS
NATIONALS A GAME
Lack of Judgment on the Bases Pre-
vents Several Rallies
Against Browns.
SHOTTEN'S CATCH ROBS
HUGHES OF HOMER
Clarence Walker and Clyde Milan in
Throes of a Batting Slump.
Groom to Pitch Today.

ST. LOUIS. Mo-. July "2.-Although the
Nationals have presented good pitching
and good fielding in the two games with
the tail-end Browns this series. they
have been unable to win. The team looks
a greatly improved one over tho outfit
that represented the capital on the first
visit To ST Louis this season
On that occasion four games were drop
ped to the Browns because Manager Nc
Aleer offered what proved about the
worst pitching ever presented by u major
league club. This time however, Dolly
Gray and Tom Hughes have come
through with pretty good twirling per-
foTmances. That means that the team
is not hitting enough TO win game with
average twring. Milan is in the midst
of slump, and. while Schaefer. Gessler,
Mcbride and E.lberfcld are getting their
share of the base knocks they are not
receiving any support with tn willow
from Conroy, Ainsmith and Clarence Wal
ker. The last named is making his first
appearance in ST. Louis, and in the field
has done some nice work in the two
games. While he stands well at the
plate, he has failed 10 connect safely
here. That Manager McAleer is dis
pleased with his hitIIng was evident from
the fact that he permitted Jack Lelivelt
to swing Tor the recruit during rally
in the ninth round of yesterdays game.
II is probable that Lellveit will perform
in left field Tor the Nationals during the
two remaining games here. McAleer said
he had planned to make the switch in
the opening game, but was hopeful that
the youngs,er would hit his stride against
the tail-enders and used him in the first
two games.
Hughes bucked Jack Powell in yester-
days game, and only sensational sup
port saved Big John from being murder
ed. Shotten and Hogan robbed Fiber
field, Conroy and Hughes Of extra-base
wallops, and prevented the Nationals
from winning. The final count was :; to
=, Hughes weakening in the ninth inning
after the Taftville athletes had tied UP
the tally at all.
The feature play Of the contest was
Shotten's capture Of a drive from
Hughes bat that would have netted Long
Tom a certain homer had it fallen safe.
Shotten, who is one of the speediest
players in the league, covered world
of ground in getting over to the drive.
He squeezed on the ball when within
yard of the right field wall and crashed
into the boards on his next stride after
the catch.
Some poor coaching also held the Ma
tionalS to one run in the sixth, when
they got after Powell I'm good fashion.
Schaefer opened the round with single.
Elberfeid poled q base knock to right
and Germany" was coached on to third
on the short hit. He was chopped down
at the far cushion. Gessler's stroll fol-
lowed. That would have filled the bases,
and, although Walker struck out, Nc
Brides hit followed, and, instead of one
run, two would have been showed over.
Groom will probably be the pitcher in
today's game. Unless he warns up i'm
good style. Manager McAleer says he
will send Dixie Walker to the hill. He
will hardly take chance at the start OF
the game with Young Becker, although
he is eager to see what the Washington !
Semi-pro has in stock.
Red Nelson. the young Polander, Will |
probably be Manager Wallace's twirling |
selection.
1t is announced that Walter Johnson !!
will return from his home in Coffeyviile, !
Kan. in time to pitch Sundays game. |
Walter is probably being held off until
crowd. The two gatherings to date will
not pay for the Nationals hotel bill.
President Hedges Of the Browns re-
turned from mysterious visit to the
east yesterday. He failed to explain what
nounced that he had covered more than
800 miles since last Sunday. It is be-
lieved that he was on a scouting tour in
the east with Fred Lake.
Hedges and Manager McAleer held
conference in the formers Office at the
ball park before yesterdays game. 1t
may mean something, as the gathering
was hardly one Of mutual admiration.
However, it is hardly possible that any
deal is on tap. as Hedges would only bar
ter for men like Milan. Mcbride, Johnson
and Street. And ii is a safe bet that
McAleer will not listen to any trade in
which these men are involved.
There are only about three men on the
st. Louis club however, who are not ON
the market. 1t is pretty well known that
Hedges is in the market to strengthen
his club. He will come pretty nearly
parting with any player on the team with
the exception of Manager Wallace,
Catcher Jimmy Stephens and Third Base
man Jimmy Austin. So If McAleer de-
Sires any of the other men, and has fair
proposition offer. deal of some kind
may result However, no swaps are
looked for at this end.
The score: