Clancy brightened up perceptibly, and though Green showed no sign of weakening, Clancy was hit by the ball, and went to first. Merry came up, made a quick guess that Green would give him an in, and swung with all his strength. He hit the ball on the nose.
“Wow!”
A shrill yell went up from every fan as the ball sailed out, cleared the fence, and was no more seen. As Merry jogged in from third he grinned.
“All luck, Green,” he cried.
Frank had netted two runs with that homer, but the eighth opened with the score four to three in favor of the Clippers, and Craven at bat. He grounded out to Clancy, Merrell fanned, and Runge flied to Lowe. Green again fanned three men, leaving Kess up, and the ninth inning was on.
“All right, Billy,” said Chip quietly. “Every ball a jump.”
“Hurray!” yelled Billy, in delight. “Nine balls, Merry!”
Ironton was up. Merry put the first ball down to him right in the groove, and he swung viciously at it. The ball seemed to leap over his bat into Billy’s glove.
“Hey!” cried Ironton, amazed. “What’s the matter with that ball?”
“Take another look,” said Chip, with a grin.