Harvard Faces Strong Springfield In Toughest Challenge of Season

Harvard's varsity baseball team, riding on the momentum of its important Greater Boston League victory over Boston College, faces its toughest challenge of the season today when it meets Springfield College on the Indians' campus.

Eight Pitchers

Against the Eagles, Harvard received strong relief pitching from Phil Collins, Dave Fierke, and Curt Tucker. Accordingly, Coach Loyal Park now plans to use all of his available pitchers, possibly eight, in his regular pitching rotation.

"We saw today that we've got a lot of good pitchers." Park said after Tuesday's victory. "We'll use them all from now on. With that much material, we can go to the bullpen at any time."

Righthanded relief pitcher Tom Kidwell and left fielder Bill Kelly will share today's mound duties against Springfield. Kidwell has pitched eight innings this year and has yet to allow an earned run. Kelly has held the opposition to five hits and no runs in nine innings.

Traditionally Strong

Springfield traditionally fields one of the strongest baseball squads in New England. For the past two seasons, the Indians have represented District 1 in the NCAA college division championship.

One of those losses was to Harvard, 6-2, when the Crimson played probably its finest game of the year. Another outstanding performance will be necessary today if Harvard hopes to improve on its 11-2 record.

Springfield has lost its infield combination of All-American first basemantion of All-American first baseman Al Putz, Al Cece, and Skip Clayton. However, Coach Allen's complete pitching rotation has returned and the Indians can rely on the bats of centerfielder-captain Juhan Laurits and third baseman Steve Steitz.