Evening star., 1938-06-17
BY BURTON HAWKINS,
Stan Correspondent of The Star.

DETROIT, June l7.-Of to a rous-
ing start in preserving their note of
losing consistently in foreign territory,
the foundering Nationals today
glimpsed faint ray Of hope toward
emerging from the current prolonged
and disastrous slump as they hovered
on the fringe of the first division by
the grace Of few percentage points.
Spanked in of their last IL en-
gagements. the Mats now are colfcen-
trating solely on repulsing the re-
spected threat of the Tigers to nudge
them into the second division. Dutch
Leonard and Wes Ferell were to
clash on the mound with Roxie Law
son and Eden Auker today in
double-header, but, from a Washing
ton standpoint. prospects of mound
duels long since have slithered into
oblivion.
With the throwers unable to knit
three outs together that brings up the
subject of hitting-and George WASH
ington Case. the kinky-haired out
fielder who has his optics focused on
regular job, regardless Of the oppos-
ing pitcher. The streamlined speed
ster also has eyes trained on that bali,
for his recent batting labor has spar
kled even IN the cavern Of dark, bitter
defeat.
Case Clouts At .464 Pace.
In the midst of washington's misery
Case has been refreshing. In his new
role as a lead-off man, he has been
amazingly successful, reaching first
base through some medium on an av-
erage Of three out of five occasions.
More important. however. is the fact
tina tthe 22-year-old streak is denting
those stitches frequently and with
emphasis.
Statistics make for dull reading, but
the mathematics Of Georges recent
batting toll are interesting. In his last
28 trips to the plate Case has swatted
l3 hits for an average Of .464. In
cluded among those drives are three
doubles and a pair of triples, which
have contributed toward his invasion
Of the rather exclusive 800 circle after
mediocre start.
Manager Bucky Harris, enthused by
the crisp clouts rifiing of Georges bat
lately, altered his policy of employing
Case only against left-handers yester-
day, and he responded by nicking Bob
Fefler for two of the eight hits cleaned
of him.
Although Sammy West was due to
inherit the center field post today
against all types Of twirling, the addi-
tion Of the newly acquired former St.
Louis outfielder hardly will alter the
status Of Case. George has been hit
ting too sensationally to be removed
from the lineup.
Kelley Now May Help.
While Joe Krakauskas probably will
warrant another trial as a starting
pitcher, the situation with the Nation
ais being what it is, the veteran Harry
Kelley, busy ducking base hits ever
since he Joined the Nationals, now
resembles fair relief pitcher and may
be Of some aid in that respect. He
hardly harmed himself as the Nation
ais folded to Feller and the Indians
1 to !.
Kelley relieved Krakky, who wa
lifted for Pinch-hitter Johnny Stone
in the nth inning, and hurled three
creditable innings, allowing only thret
hits and one run over that stretch
The Mats, however, were unable t
capitalize on the only effective pitch.
ing he has produced for them H.
says his arm now feels right" and HI
may click henceforth in relief roles.
+ Feller simply had his fast one work.