Yarbro to Face B.U. Today

Local baseball enthusiasts will get their first chance to see Harvard's remarkable baseball squad this afternoon when the Crimson puts its undefeated league record on the line against Boston University at the Soldiers Field diamond. Game time is 3 p.m.

Although this will be the Crimson's first appearance in Cambridge, it is not their first home game. BU is actually the host team and will bat in the latter part of the inning. Due to field constructions, BU is playing all its games on alien fields this year. This will be its first Greater Boston League game of the season.

BU has been relatively unimpressive to date with a 1-2 record. Its one win came on the strength of Tom Cornell's near no-hitter against Colby last week. Cornell, who will pitch today, went for eight innings before giving up a safe hit to the White Mules.

Al Yarbro (2-0) will be on the mound for the Crimson. In his last outing he effectively throttled normally potent Springfield, 12-3. Yarbro throws an interesting collection of breaking stuff and change-ups, and has the speed to put one past a batter when necessary.

His chief problems today should come from first sacker Larry McNulty (of basketball fame), shortstop Adam Florczak, and center fielder Ralph Powers. All three are averaging around .500.

The Crimson should field its usual superb infield, with Mike Drummey at third, Dave Morse at short, Terry Bartolet at second, and Phil Bernstein on first. Tom Stephenson might be pressed into service at first if Bernstein's pulled leg continues to bother him.

The outfield picture seems to have settled down somewhat, with Curly Combs, Bill Gilmor, and Bob St. George making up the first line defenses.

Drummey, the little third sacker with a tremendous cross diamond throw, is currently leading the Crimson in batting with a torrid .379 average. He is closely trailed by Terry Bartolet, who owns a .361 mark. Other Crimson batsmen hitting over .300 include Morse (.317), pitchers Yarbro (.429) and Paul Del Rossi (.313).

Bernstein is the team's top power man with a .286 average and three doubles, a triple and a homer for 8 RBIs.

The local boys are batting at a .250 clip, and if they can solve the problems poised by Cornell, this afternoon should be pleasant, if a bit cold.