Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-21

~ ESPITE the rough going the Ma
tionalS have encountered ssince
the American League season
opened here last Wednesday,
Manager Walter johnson in
tends to stand pat upon the hne-up
with which he started for some time.
The washington pilot seems satisfied
this combination soon will get its bear
ings and win in the championship
campaign as it did during the training
period.
He still has great faith in Sammy
West and Red Barnes, young out
fielders, who have done right well on
defense to date, but have yet to swing
INTO a hitting stride. And he Is conf
dent his infield viii flash more speed
within short time. In the Nationals
training period Barnes swung wicked
bat, but West never hit to any extent.
The infield performed marvelously In
the Grapefruit League IN Florida, put
began to slow trifie when 1t ran into
the Giants and has not moved along
at any brilliant pace in the four league
tits played.
Johnson is at q loss to account Tor
the general ineffectiyeness Of his pitch
ing staff in the championship contests.
IN the four engagements only Fred
Marherry. who perhaps was not expect
ed to do as well as some OF the others
at the outset, gave an acceptable per-
Torrance as a starter and only the re-
cr,it AID Iiska as relief worker. The
pitchers came out of the South IN spien-
did trim and maintained their condi-
tior to the finish of the training series
with the Giants last Sunday. But It
has been a sorry-looking pitching stan
since.
Nor is there any accounting for the
failure Of the Nationals to sock the ball
IN these championship engagements.
they hit well throughout the training
,,eri1,d and in the last two weeks Of it
fhev faced major circuit pitchers who
were ii very fine form. Almost every
Inenbersof the team then stepped to the
niate and swung vigorously. The Ma
tionals certainly have not done this
since the curtains went up on the Amer
lean League season. Washington Is q
n,Iny batting club at best now, and UNI
iii It begins socking the ball more saw
agely it is apt to take many more SOCKS
on the chin.
Games today and tomorrow end the
Nationally initial home stand. After
concl,lding the Red Sox series, john
sons charges win show here only once
before May III when they are due 70
return from their first invasion Of the
west this year. The lone appearance
on the, home lot in more than three
weeks Should prove interesting 10
washington fans. however u VIII pc
staged next Sunday and the Natlonals
viii have as their guests the YANKEES
Of New York, Babe Ruth and al
Tuesday afternoon the washington
club is to assist Connie Mack's puncn
in prying the lid of the American
League season in Philadelphia: InIee
games IN as many days are slated with
the Athletics. then the Nationals viii
hon to Boston for inorganic tussle,
FOLLOWING next Sundays engagement
here with the world champions. the
local outfit will have day Of rest IN
20 far IS game Is concerned, then
move To New York for a three game
set.
From New York the Nationals will
head Westward to meet the Indians
Tigers, white Spx and Browns IN order.
Each Of the West clubs will be met
three times only Iii the Nationals first
invasion Oh the leagues far sector.
This swing around the circuit ought
to reveal Just what chance the Ma
tionals have Of getting anywhere this
season. II 1t breaks better than even
against its seven rivals during the tour,
the washington club probably would
have to be reckoned with by all others
during the remainder Of the champion
ship campaign. A slump. though might
prove disastrous. III the main the
Washington club s ypllng Glib ard
young club thu ssasg srsa d. series ol
reverses Al the carly part OF d big
Fleague season INIT 50 likely 10 cone