Webber was angry because he had been hit by the first man up, and he settled down to “burn ’em over.”
The next batter was eager to hit, and he fanned at a high one. Webber fancied he had the fellow “going,” and so he continued to work the high ball; but the batter grew wise suddenly and refused to bite. Three balls were called.
Webber had been holding the man on first close to the bag, giving him no chance to steal. But now the pitcher seemed to be in a bad hole. The coacher was whooping things up in great shape.
“He’ll never put it over, Charley!” he cried. “Take one! Take another!”
Webber must have become rattled, for he hit the batter with the next ball pitched.
“Take your base,” directed the umpire.
In vain the Minneapolis men protested that the batter had made no effort to dodge the ball.
Now the excitement was feverish. Two men were on bases, and no one was out.
“Here’s where we win!” yelled the coacher, who went prancing down to the line by third.