Up to the close of the fourth inning the score stood 2 to 0 in favor of the “scrub.” Merriwell’s men did not seem able to obtain another score, although they came near it several times.
In the fourth inning, aided by a hit, a fumble and a dropped ball, the regulars ran in one score. Then Merriwell put on steam, and shut them off.
The fifth inning proved a whitewash for both sides, and the sixth began with the game standing 2 to 1 in favor of Merriwell.
The regulars were first to bat, and Capt. Hardy had a talk to them. He told them they must beat the “scrub.” He told them it would be a disgrace to be beaten by the “scrub.” He told them they were playing for something more than the game, and they understood him. Several of them were playing for positions on the nine.
Merriwell resolved to do his best to keep the regulars from making another score. He was laughing when he went into the box, but there was a serious purpose in his heart.
Gooch and Stubbs were two very disgusted fellows.
“This isn’t what we came out to see,” muttered the former.
“Not much!” said Stubbs. “Why, the ’varsity nine can’t play marbles! Harvard and Princeton will walk all over ’em. I’ll bet on it.”
“Is it always luck?” asked Gooch, hesitatingly.
“Of course it is!” snarled Stubbs.