In endeavoring to fool Cronin he put one straight over. It happened that Cronin had not expected it and simply drove a foul down back of first base.
Hodge was shaking a little, for he saw that Merry was in no condition to pitch against good batters.
“Give me another like that,” invited Cronin.
“Once is enough,” smiled Merry. “Why didn’t you take advantage of your opportunity?”
“Oh, well, give me anything. I’ll hit anything you get over the pan.”
In spite of this boast, Frank finally struck Cronin out with a ball close to his shoulder.
Hodge breathed easier.
“Merry will do it,” he thought. “He never fails. It isn’t in him to fail. But I fear he’ll fix his ankle to-day so he’ll take no part in the meet at Ashport.”
Perhaps Bart was the only one who fully realized how much it was costing Frank to pitch that game.
Two men were out now, and two were on bases.