“Allison sends the ball on a line into the right field bleachers for a homer, scoring Helmer in front of him,” the voice announced.
“Gee, but that must have been some clout!” ejaculated Joe. “That fellow sure can kill the ball.”
The pause that followed told them as plainly as words of the yelling and excitement at the grounds that were holding up the game.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” came the announcement: “Ralston now pitching for the Pittsburghs.”
“Batted the other fellow out of the box!” exclaimed Jimmy gleefully, who made no bones of the fact that he was rooting for the Giants.
“Him for the showers,” agreed Herb, who was also a Giant adherent.
“I guess the Giants have put the game on ice,” exulted Joe.
“Don’t be too sure,” warned Bob. “Those Pittsburghs are fence breakers, and they may stage a rally any minute. It takes more than a three-run lead to make them curl up.”
That they were not going to “curl up” became evident as the game progressed toward its close. They fought like tigers for every advantage, made hair-raising stops and throws and slugged the ball ferociously. But a Giant fielder seemed to be in front of every ball, and when the Pittsburghs came up for their last inning the score was still 3 to 0 in favor of the New York team.
But in that ninth inning!