Roberts managed to hit a sharp grounder that went out between second and third. It was a clean hit, and on it both Crockett and Dustan scored.
Not one of the home team was out.
“That wasn’t my fault,” said Darrell. “He hit you that time, Captain Merriwell.”
Dick used speed for Conway, who, pretending to make an effort to avoid a close one, permitted himself to be hit. Although this seemed apparent, the umpire allowed him to take first.
Macon tried hard for a hit, but Dick was too much for the fellow, and he struck out.
“They’ve sus-sus-sus-stopped right here!” yelled Jolliby.
Milliken slashed away twice without finding anything more than the empty air, which led Roberts to growl at him. The fellow swung by guess at the very next ball, without using the least judgment and really seeming to shut his eyes. What followed was one of those rare accidental hits that are made by incompetent batters. Had the fellow sought to met Dick’s sharp curve, using his best judgment in doing so, it is likely he would have missed cleanly. As it was, he hit the ball and drove it out on a line for two bases, which was as much a surprise to himself as to any one else. Two more scores came in, making four in the third inning for Fairport.
The thunder rumbled nearer.
“Hustle this thing, fellows!” panted Roberts. “We’ve got this game nailed! You can hold them down, can’t you, Ware?”
“Sure!” answered Ware.