Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-14
BY J. ED GRILLO.

Bob Groom demonstrated in the game
against Boston yesterday that he is
capable pitcher, and there is no reason
why he should not be a winner for the
Nationals this season. Though his sup
port was not encouraging. Groom stuck
to his task and pitched splendid game
1t was a noticeable fact that the crowd
was with Groom from the outset, and
shouted words OF Encouragement to the
end OF the game. aAll that Groom wants
to know is that hefs to be given a square
deal by the patrons Of the game here,
and he was given that assurance yester-
day.
Groom did not have an easy game on
his hands by any means. There was not
an inning that one or more of the Red
Sox did not get on the bases. so that the
slightest slip-up on Groom's part meant
disaster. But the tall twirler was best
! when he was in pinch, and he worked
himself out Of several holes by sheer
gameness. Groom looked better yester-
day than he did at any time last season.
He appears to be stronger. and worked
with better judgment than heretofore.
Groom, IL he meets with no mishaps.
should have an excellent season, for
there is no doubt about his ability.
Warren Miller must be given the largest
chunk of credit for yesterdays victory.
1t was his hitting which virtually put
the Nationals in the game and then won
asked for and if he can keep up the pace
there is not much, danger of any one
taking his place in right field. Out OF
four times at bat Miller got three singles.
He also figured in double play when
he caught Speakers short fly and caught
Hooper. who was playing the hit and run,
of first base. Miller is a natural hitter.
and if he displays the speed and spirit
he did yesterday, he is sure to prove a
valuable man for the team
1t seems that the Boston pitchers are
far from being ready. They are capable
a game, when they begin to show signs
of weakening. 1t was go with Wood on
Wednesday and Cicotte had the same eX-
perience yesterday 1t will be some time
the route and in the meantime the Red
Sox are apt to lose a whole lot of ball
games. Besides, the team is not as for
midable in the infeld as it used to be.
bat 1t will be weak there. That outfield
Is q splendid one, however, but it can
not carry the rest OF the team through
a successful season.
In Wednesdays game Umpire Mullen.
who had the base decisions, made an ex-
cellent impression. He had all the ear
marks of being competent umpire. Yes
terday he was behind the bat and there
was considerable Directing to his deci-
sions- on balls and strikes. Just why
veteran umpires like Connolly are not
always in charge of the game. instead of
alternating with their assistants. is hard
to understand. No matter whether an
umpire has had experience in a minor
league or not. it is quite different in the
big show, and he should be compelled to
serve as assistant for some time before
he Is placed in charge of a ball game.
While there is still room for improve
ment in the playing of the Nationals, the
| team looks better when in action than
1t ever has before. Misplays don't seem
| to upset it. and SO far as inside ball is
concerned nothing is overlooked. 1t is
hustifng team too, and having secured
good start IT is apt to continue to be a
factor. While the schedule seemed to
work hardship on the Nationals by
reason of opening with the Boston team.
an aggregation which has been beaten
but few times by the locals, it seems to
have been for the best for the Red Sox
they were formerly. It would seem that
the Nationals stand a better chance to
beat the Bostons than either Of the other
two eastern teams
II there is a game today Walter john
son will pitch il. 1t will be the first an
pearance Of the big fellow in a champion
ship game this season and his first per-
torinance since lie placed himself under
three-year contract.
IL Is apparent that the Nationals infield
this year is one of the strongest in the
circuit, and 1t is not yet playing as it will
later. Henry and Cunningham are a
great pair of youngsters to help out Nc
Bride and Elberfeid. two men who could
not be improved upon. Cunningham is
Just rounding into form. There need be
no fear as to his hitting because he got
poor start on opening day Cunny
Will break up a whole lot of ball games
this season with his long drives. He is
q hard hitter and when he gets into his
stride he Will be one of the most dam
gerous men in the locals hne-up
In Henry the team has a first .baseman
who. barring Hal Chase, has all the
others in this league beaten, and nothing
need be said Of Elberfeld and Mcbride
for their ability is. too well known.
| II Is doubtful if-there is a shorts top
| or infielder in either major league who
has anything on George Mcbride when it
comes to handling throws and toucbinu
base runners. Mcbride gave two exhibi-
tons of this art yesterday that not only
did much to save the game, but were the
star plays OF the day. though they went
| unnoticed. In the very first inning, when
Gardner tried to steal. Streets throw was
| to the right Of the bag Mcbride got the
| ball on the run and reached 1t Just an
| Gardner slid into the bag. The speed
| with which Mac put the ball on the run.