“Besides,” said Dade, “the game is tied, and you can hold those sluggers down. They are the fiercest batters we’ve encountered this season.”
“Sluggers is the correct name for them,” nodded Merriwell. “No wonder the Central League of Ohio is fighting against taking in the reconstructed Elkton aggregation. Every man on this team is a professional with a reputation.”
Frank pulled off his sweater.
“What are you going to do?” eagerly asked the other players. “Are you going in?”
“Sure,” he nodded. “You bat this inning, Dade, if your turn comes.”
Instantly the whole team seemed to brighten up. They had been dejected by the manner in which the Elks of Elkton had climbed up on them and tied the score; but with Merry in the box it seemed that they would have little trouble in stopping the tally-getting career of their opponents.
Dick Starbright, who had taken his place at bat, smiled joyously on observing that Merry was preparing to warm up.
Hodge being the batter who followed Starbright, Frank asked Badger to do the catching.
“One to the stable!” bellowed a delighted Elktonite, as Frank started to warm up.
“We’ll send this one after him!” shouted another.