Evening star., 1938-04-22
YANKS TEST MATS
SWITCH L|NE-UPS
Series in New York Also
to Prove Real Worth of
Harris Hurlers.
BY FRANCIS E. STAN,
STAFF Correspondent of The Star.

NEW YORK, April 22.-To the
Nationals, for the second year in sue.
cession, falls the distinction Of OPEN
ing the American League season in
New York. This involves battling the
world champion Yankees, of course. in
their own ballyard and approximates
a man asking Joe Louis to hit him on
the chin to see If he's tough.
Still. Manager Bucky Harris has no
cause for complaint. In their opening
three games at Washington, the Mats
seemed to have something. They
showed spirit and aggressiveness in
sweeping their series with the Ath-
letics. They hit hard and timely and.
when needed, they got pitching. This
vas fair enough, but it did not prove
'auch. The Yankee series is the Mats
rst test and the truth may as well
known now as later.
Consider, if you please, the circum-
GSances and background. For the last
two years thc Yankees virtually have
been unbeatable in their own park.
Last season they won 81 out of II
games at Yankee Stadium and 1885
their record was even better. They
are anything but soft touch any.
where, but in Jake Ruppert's stadium.
the Yankees are plain poison.
Yanks, Chisox Ruined Mats.
The Mats need no reminder of the
Yanks' strength in their own ball park.
Last year the Griffs lost of their II
games in the big plant, grabbing only
the opener and a stray game late in
the season. Monte Weaver outpitched
Lefty Gomez in a 3-to-2 thriller to
open the campaign. and Ken Chase,
the southpaW rookie, picked up the
only other decision. When the war
fare was carried to Griffith Stadium
the Harrismen were only slightly more
successful, winning four games and
losing seven.
Thus it is reasonable to assume that
any Washington-New York battle this
year can be rated test for the Mats.
{ Between them, New York and Chi
cago knocked the Mats out of the first
division last year. The Yankees took
~ Va IlOlIl " cSIIltlS GOLl, DOCll
at home and abroad, and the White
Sox won IA of % Ouch!
While the entire three-game set with
| the Yankees here is to be accepted as
a general test, two interesting develop
ments will be watched with close at
tention. The AS still are a major
league club, but they are not the
Yankees. Thus Harris pitching will
be put to the big issue And. for the
first time, BIckys switch line-ups"
will be tested.
H0gsett to Open Big Series.
Elon Hogsett. the elderly left-hander
who came from St Louis. was procured
chiefly as an antidote for the Yankees.
In the past the Chief has made trouble
for the Rupert Rifles He is no
youngster now and probably will not
be better: 1t is question of whether
Hogsett can maintain his mastery, and
it was to be answered today. for Harris
nominated Elon as his opening pitcher.
Tomorrow will find Wesley Ferrell
making his second start OF the year.
! Last season Wes was unsuccessful
/ against the world champions. He was
beaten three times and he failed to
win once. 1t is imperative to the Mats
success that Yves better that record
this campaign.
Weaver. hurler of a six-hit victory
over the Athletics. will come back on
Sunday, as the Mats close their first
Eastern trip and return to Washing
ton to start series against the Red
Sox. The slim ex-college professor
always has been tough for the Yankees.
especially in the spring Monte may
be called upon. incidentally. to face
(See STAN. Page C.20