Evening star., 1938-06-21
MATS WOULD HOP
ON L0WLY CLUBS
Play 7 Contests in 6 Days
With Chisox, Browns, but
Have Slab Worries.
BY BURTON HAWKINS,
stan Correspondent OF The Star.


CHICAGO, June 2l.-Relishing the
prospect Of mingling in less vicious
company, the Nationals today opened
target practice on Chicago's wallow-
ing White sox with the fond hope Of
sweeping the three-game series from
the current doormat Of the American
League.
With 10 disheartened losses in their
last IL games, the White Sox have
become what has been labeled a
thoroughly whipped club, accused Of
toiling only in the interest Of seeing the
first and fifteenth Of the month roll
around The Mats, in new roles Of
scandal mongers, were to investigate
the rumor and, If true, attempt to
capitalize on it.
Submerged in seventh place and
doing everything in their power to
toboggan into the cellar, the runless
Sox, according to those who make it
business to feel their pulse, have a
forlorn hope the return of Luke
Appling to the infeld will result in
some wierd and, mayhaps, winning
magic, but currently, however, the
club is not clicking and that is
pleasant news to the Mats.
Was Dell Still on Trial,
The next six days and their seven
games, what with q double-header at
st. Louis Sunday. mean much to
Manager Bucky Harris. Today, vet
eran Harry Kelly was to clash with
Thornton Lee aid Harris was to learn
another answer. Harris naturally Is
not oozing with confidence in regard
to Kelley, but should the 32-year-old
right-hander come through impress
sively, it may mean something. At
least 1t Is worth a gamble, what with
the brand Of Tipping the first-string-
ers have been manufacturing.
With Lee pitching, Harris planned
to send Zeke Bonura to first base but
still intends employing Jimmy Wasdell
against right-handers despite his
1allure to amaze thus far with his
batting prowess.
I haven't given up on Jimmy yet"
Informed Harris He may start to
hit shortly and he's no drawback
from the standpoint Of fielding. Bonura
had a seven-Week chance there and I
hardly think 1t would be fair to bench
Jimmy after only few days"
There is Sneaking suspicion youth
ful Buddy Lewis would thrive on a
Slight measure of rest, for the hot
weather seems to have gnawed some
OF the vitality from his frame. While
ms helding still is crisp and accurate,
as evidenced by three double plays he
initiated Sunday against the Tigers.
Buddy's batting has slumped. Thus
far on the swing around the circuit.
Lewis has compiled a mild .242
average.
Weaver to Start Shortly.
Harris chief concern, however. Is
the pitching problem Monte Weaver.
who hasn't started a game in three
weeks, probably will be started shortly,
since Bucky feels he is ready for
thorough test. Monte has been warm
ing up in the bull pen for the past
several games but hasn't seen service.
even in a relief role, for nearly two
weeks
Joe Krakauskas, too, is slated for
further toll, but not against the White
Sox, and 1t is likely Harris will con-
tlnue the experimental tests at least
until there are indications his regulars
can win with any degree of consist
ency.
Pete Appleton. by the way. probably
Will receive credit for Sundays game
against Detroit, despite the award to
Ken Chase by the official scorer. The
rules read the starting pitcher must
travel five innings to receive credit
Tor victory, unless, of course, he is
removed through injury, illness or by
the umpire after his team has COM
piled commanding lead.
Chase, however, was removed in the
fourth inning for ineffectiyeness
which would give the win to Appleton