Stopping as quickly as possible, Bradley turned and saw Conway preparing to throw the ball into the diamond. Although Billy literally tore up the chalk along the base line in his endeavor to get back to first, he did not succeed, for the ball reached Anson’s hands ahead of him, and three men were out.
Neither side had scored in the first inning.
The five innings following were quite as exciting, and still neither side was able to get a man around the bases and across the rubber. It was not entirely a pitchers’ battle. At times both teams hit the ball, but the fast playing kept either Fardale or Fairport from scoring a tally. In critical moments Dick rose to the occasion, and his masterly pitching prevented the enemy from obtaining their object.
Jack Ware was also doing clever work. The home players came up time after time with determination in their eyes, resolved to bat out a victory. And time after time Ware, by his clever headwork, prevented them from accomplishing their purpose.
Hal Darrell had a remarkable number of “chances,” and he accepted them all. Indeed, his playing was one of the features of the game.
This remarkable work by Hal disturbed Arlington’s nerves and aroused his resentment.
“Well, look at the lobster! I believe he is actually trying to redeem himself for his rotten playing at Fairport.”
“He is not only trying,” said Fraser, “but he is doing it. The boys were all against him at the beginning of the game, and now they are all with him.”
Doris Templeton’s heart was beating with keenest satisfaction and joy. To her ears the cheers for Darrell were sweetest music.
“Just see, Zona!” she finally exclaimed. “Isn’t he doing splendid to-day?”