TITLE HINGES ON YALE GAMES

The first game in the 1915 baseball series between Harvard and Yale takes place at Yale Field, New Haven, this afternoon at 3 o'clock. With Princeton eliminated, the series now on has an even greater significance than the usual clashes between Yale and the University; it will decide the intercollegiate baseball championship of the East. Tomorrow's contest on Soldiers Field will begin at 3.30 o'clock.

From a comparison of the seasons, the two nines seem to be of nearly equal strength. Each has defeated Annapolis, Vermont, and Virginia, has taken two games from Holy Cross and the University of Pennsylvania, and has broken even with Brown. On the other hand, Yale took two games from Princeton while the University took three, and Yale was defeated by Williams; a nine which met a no-hit shut-out on its visit to Soldiers Field. Harvard's percentage of games won and lost is .777; Yale's is .825.

The contest today will see the testing of two different styles of college baseball. The marked characteristic of the Yale nine is a whirlwind attack and defense, in which the all-essential element is speed; the University's playng has been noted for conservatism--for playing the "safe" game. Yale has a team whose success has depended largely on individual play; the University nine has won its victories as a carefully coached aggregation having a thorough grounding in team-play.

Individual Comparison of Teams.

Comparing the nines individually, the University has a slight advantage. On fielding the two teams are about on a par, but at the bat the University is a decided superior. Easton, in right field, is probably as good a man as Gannett in the field, but his hitting has been noticeably inferior. Yale will doubtless miss Kranes in that position. Captain Middle Brooke, in centre, is one of Yale's best batsmen, surest fielders, and fastest base-winners, but with the exception of the lost department it is doubtful whether he excells Frye. He certainly is not as strong a man with the bat. Vaughn, left-fielder, has over Brickley the advantage of experience, and in addition, has proved a more consistent hitter. Captain Hardwick's impressive record as a conformed slugger overshadows Reilly's slick-work, but at third base the Yale man is undoubtedly the better. This is his third year on the team, and he has a record for sure, fast and spectacular felding, while Hardwick has been working under the disadvantage of a mid-season shift from left field. Reed, at short, has been showing up well in the last few weeks, but Legore is the better of the two. He is the best hitter on the Yale squad and has the reputation of leaving one of the best throwing arms in college baseball. Abbot, the University second baseman, is probably superior to Milburn. Throughout the entire season to he has played a remarkable fielding game and has proven a marked ability to "get on." Again, Nash excells Bush at first, for the latter has a weak record at the bat, and has been somewhat erratic in the field.

Pitching Staffs on a Par.

Way and Mahan, each the mainstays of their respective pitching staffs have been about on a par of the mound, but Mahan is the stronger hitter. Underwood and Whitney are second string twirlers of whom it is difficult to make a comparison, although the latter has had the benefit of greater experience. Behind the plate will be found two catchers of marked ability. Both Hunter and Harte are men who have made creditable records; Hunter has the better throwing arm while Harte has the better reputation at the bat. In general, the University probably has a slight edge on the battery; has an infield which may not field as well but which should do better at the bat; and has a trio of outfielders who as a whole excell the Yale men by reason of their records as hitters.

Both squads will leave New Haven on the 6.42 o'clock train tonight. Yale will make quarters at Hotel Lenox and will practice on Soldiers Field in the morning. The second game is scheduled to start at 3.30 o'clock. If Mahan pitches today, Whitney will work tomorrow, while Underwood will be found in the box for Yale