Evening star., 1938-06-27
HURLERS' REVIVAL
HEARTENS GR|FFS
Kelley, FerreII, in Defeat Of
Browns, Join Leonard as
Slab Boosters.
Bv BURTON HAWKINS.


EN- ROUTE TO BOSTON. June n.
In the more refreshing atmosphere
Of the first division the unpredictable
Nationals today visua1ized new hope,
born Of q heartening reversal of fling
ing form. Heading into the last lap
OF a swing around the circuit with
record which has been gratifying,
the Mats eleefully are gulping the
tonic they feel will install them as a
pennant threat
Leading the league in hitting, the
perked-up Mats are jubilant and con-
fident, directly attributable. OF course.
to an indicated upward trend by at
least q portion of the pitching staff.
Dutch Leonard has remained consist
ent. but the recovery of Wes Ferrell
and the rejuvenation of aging Harry
Kelley have been pleasant surprises.
Predicating their fond ambitions on
the hope that trio will retain its ef-
fectiveness, the Mats feel there still
is ample time to recoup vanished
prestige and make determined stab
to remain within an echo of the lead
ers. With that spirit they are being
chugged toward Boston and a three
game series with the Red Sox.
Kelley Smiles for a Reason.
The prevailing optimism chiefly
concerns frowny Ferrell and the
smiling, bald d-headed Kelley. who now
has something to smile about. The
smile that formerly camounaged de-
feat and miserable performances now
is genuine. for the porky pitcher rel
ishes the new esteem in which he is
held by his mates. Temporary or per-
manent. his comeback at least is en-
couraging.
II Kelley's comeback is a mirage he
is going to fool a lot of people, in
cluding himself 1t borders on the
miraculous, that recovery of a beefy
veteran who was adjudged incom-
petent by the ailing Athletics and re-
vealed nothing until recently to dis
prove Connie Mack might have been
wrong when he labeled him as
through" but it has served to lessen
the misery Of the Mats.
Kelley, in fact. may lead Wash
ington's slab staf out Of the wilder
ness. His recovery certainly has
buoyed his own confidence, and those
who have witnessed it have been
impressed. In short, Kelley's come
back effectively has demonstrated it i.
being done. The exhilarating effect
If any. doesn't figure to cure wildness
or restore fast ball. but II some OF
the others are suffering from severe
pounding it might boost their conf.
dence.
Ferre3l Wins Tenth Easily.
In his last 2l innings of labor the
32-year-old Kelley has yielded only
two runs and has scattered IS hits
Over that same stretch he has al.
lowed only three walks. One of thos<
runs. which destroyed a shutout yes.
terday as he spanked the Browns ir
the first half Of double header, 9-1
was tainted by misplayed fly bal
and . wild pitch.
Wes Ferrells marked improvement
In winning the second game, TO
was like hitting the jackpot. Slammed
from the box in four previous starts
Wes hurled a.masterful game, blank
ing the Browns until the ninth inning
when they collected four hits fol
their only runs.
Registering his tenth victory Of th4
campaign. Yves furthered his goa
Of snatching 20 triumphs this year
but. what is more important. he Ne
vived . hope that the Mats still vii
be gilt-edsed threats II they receive
pitching. With 4 minimum OF pass
able twirling they have done amaz'
ingly well.
| Simmons, West Twice Homer.
Kelley. in that first game. was II
trouble only twice and . double pla.
' f0~D TYAWYVYH1G na1n A.1S)