CHAPTER XXVIII
NO CONTROL.
Hodge knew Merry’s ankle was in poor condition, but he was not aware of Frank’s trouble in securing control of the ball. Therefore he was satisfied when he donned the body protector and mask that there would be a great and immediate change in the run of the game. He doubted not that Merriwell would check the run getting of the enemy.
Cronin, the lank and lively third baseman of the Elks, was the first batter to face Frank.
Merry knew Cronin was a great sacrifice hitter, his position being second on the batting list.
Still the man had shown that he could hit out beautifully when occasion demanded, and, with no one ahead of him on the bags, he would be sure to try for a hit or a pass.
This man’s only weakness was a high ball, close to the shoulder; and sometimes he could hit those safely.
Frank’s first ball was handsomely placed and cleanly missed.
“Str-r-r-rike—kah!” called the umpire.
“Hit id vere id missed you!” yelled Dunnerwurst, from the field.