Evening star., 1915-08-03
BY J. ED GRILLO.

Marlin Kopp. the young outf1elder
purchased from the ST. Thomas club of
the Canadian League, made his debut
yesterday, and, all things considered,
made a very favorable showing. He
dropped a fly ball in the second inning.
He hit safely in the fifth, scored run
and incidentally looked good at the
bat and showed speed on the bases.
Kopp naturally is left-ha nded hit
To- he turns around when facing
q left~kA .ar. He did this yesterday
against Sfskrr and perhaps did not bat
up to his standard. though he held his
own in this respect and looked very
impressive at the plate.
It is understood that Manager Grif-
fifth will continue to play kopp regu-
larly. He was impressed with the
young actions in his first game in
fast company and he intends to learn
definitely just what kopp is made of,
and the only way that is'to be done
is by allowing him to play every day.
The present infield combination is by
far the strongest the Nationals have
ever had The wonderful work of
Howard Shanks at third base and the
marvellous playing of Foster at second
ers that is hard to beat
Both Shanks and Foster are playing
q high grade of ball. several of their
stops yesterday bringing the fans TO
their feet. When Foster picked up
Pratt's grounder in the fourth and
without changing motion or position
threw it to first in time to get his man
he made one of the best plays ever
pulled from that position. Shanks made
just as splendid play when he leaped
high over third, pulled down Clarence
Walkers high bounder and whipped
the ball to first in time to get his man
Umpire Hildebrand, however, erred in
his decision and called Walker safe,
though he. was out by fully a STEP
There is not a chance of Griffith max
ing any changes in the inf1eld as it is
now made up especially II he finds
that kopp is capable to play left The
team seems to be better fortified than
ever before, and it is pretty sure to
make rapid strides in the race as a
result.
Sisler undoubtedly is one of the finds
of recent seasons. His versatility has
never been eXcelled by any player in
the majors, and he looks good in every
position which has been assigned to
him. He is fast, can hit and seems per-
fectly at home, regardless of where he
is played. Sisler is not poor pitcher.
He has fairly good stuff and when used
for pitching exclusively would show
to better form, for he would get the
rest between games which a pitcher
needs.
The Griffmen will try hard to make it
three out of four from the Browns to-
day. Griffith will likely send Gallia
back to the slab, while either Lowder-
milk or Koob will do the hurting for
the visitors. Gallia is apt to display
better form than he did the last time
he faced the Browns. He should have
won his game then, though he got
poor start.
Kopp was under the impression that
he beat his tap to first base in the |
seventh and it looked SO from the
stand. Hildebrand, however, called him
out, and the little fellow did not fail to
go back to the bag and call the UNI
pire's attention to what he considered
an error. Hildebrand stood and looked
at the newcomer in surprise, but that
did not disturg Kopp in the least, and
he finished his say as though he knew
what he was talking about.
johnson seemed to have his trou-
Austin. He walked the Browns pep
pc third baseman three out of
four times, and he was trying to get
it over in every instance.
Beginning tomorrow the Chica go White
Sox will open a four-game series here. |
The Rowland team has not been going
very well of late, and it is not likely
that it will be able to retain it's pres
ent position in the race very long, De-
troit apparently having a good chance
to pass the White SoX within the next
few days, being tied for second place
with them.
1t is hoped that Jim Shaw, who is
suffering with cold in his pitching
arm, will be ready to face the Sox in |
the opening game. Shaw usually is
very effective against the Chicago bat
ters, and it would be distinct advan-
tage to start the series with a victory. |
If Shaw is not ready Doc Ayers will
in all probability be pitted against
them.
Gandil is playing the best ball of his
career here at present. He is not only |
hitting well. but he is fielding in great
form. and if he continues his present
pace throughout the season he is pref
ty sure to be the leading first baseman
of the league at the finish. The often
sive strength of the Nationals is never |
on as high plane as when Gandil
Is doing his share of the stick work.
He is the one man on the team who
has the run-producing proclivities
which are so much needed Chic is
ant to clean uD any time he faces the