“Can’t use the double shoot unless I’m willing to go onto the shelf,” he decided. “It’s out of the question.”
He felt now that it was necessary for him to win the game without resorting to his most effective curve.
“Try it on me,” invited Rush, the talkative, as he danced out to the plate.
“I’d like to,” thought Frank. “You’re one fellow I’d enjoy striking out.”
“Get after him, Rushie!” urged an Elktonite. “You say he’s easy. Now prove it.”
Rush made no retort to this, but he hit the second ball pitched. The ball was driven straight at Badger, who was playing at short.
Buck felt sure of it, and Cronin did not try to take third, although he was ready to move to draw a return throw if the stocky young Kansan whistled the sphere over to first.
Just before the ball reached Badger it struck a small pebble and was deflected. Buck managed to cuff it with his glove, but did not get hold of it. It rolled toward second. Badger went after it, Cronin being forced back to the bag.
Merry took in everything quickly, seeing that it would be dangerous for the Kansan to attempt a throw to first. It was extremely doubtful if Rush, a fast runner, could be caught, and a bad throw would let Cronin reach third, to say nothing of the possibility that it might permit him to score.
Therefore Frank shouted for Buck to hold the ball.