Frank tried an outcurve, causing it to sweep outside the plate.
Cronin grinned derisively and let it pass.
“Ba-a-a-all—ah!”
“Even with him, Merry,” said Hodge. “Put the next one right over. Let him hit it a mile—if he can.”
At the same time he called for a drop.
Frank had abandoned the practice of shaking his head when about to pitch a ball different from the one called for. Instead, he assumed a position that plainly told Hodge he would use a rise or a very high ball.
It proved too high, and Cronin did not move his bat.
“Ba-a-a-all—ah three!” announced the umpire.
“Got him in a hole, Billy!” chuckled Rush. “Now he’s got to put ’er over.”
Merry had no intention of putting the next one straight over. It was his object to keep it shoulder high and on the inside corner. This time, however, he did not gauge it accurately, and, to his dismay, he did put it over the middle of the pan and a trifle lower than the batter’s shoulder.