Again Carson sent the ball whizzing down, but this time Merry connected. There was a crack, and the sphere went sailing over second, and Frank went to first.
“Hold it!” cautioned Clancy, as Billy came up to the plate.
“Here’s the champion human mistake, Bully!” sang out Squint.
Carson gave Billy a black look and whipped over the horsehide.
“Ball—one!” announced the umpire. A storm of cheers floated across the field.
The next ball broke sharply. It struck Billy on the arm, and the backstop at once flung away his bat and took first. He gave Frank a grin as the latter advanced.
Spaulding came up, and Carson fanned him. The Clippers were evidently waking up.
Moore managed to pop up a weak fly, which Ironton gathered in easily. Henderson followed, and struck out, leaving Billy on first and Frank marooned on second. Two innings were finished, and the Clippers were one run to the good.
In the third, Merry shut out the Clippers, but, although McCarthy connected for a long drive, he was caught trying for third. In the fourth the heavy end of the Clippers was up, but Burkett, Bangs, and Ironton fanned in beautiful harmony. Clancy was up for the Clippings.
“Lay out a soft one, Clan,” said Merry. “This has been an old-time slugging match so far. Get to first, and work the hit-and-run.”