Frank Merriwell was the next hitter. As he stepped up to the plate he received an ovation that might have rattled the nerve of a more excitable fellow.
“He’ll do it!” shouted many voices. “He’ll bring in the winning runs!”
Nesbitt was frightened at last, and he could not find the plate with the first two pitched. Then he sent in a dead straight one that was right over.
Frank did not swing hard, but with all the skill at his command he placed the ball in right field.
That hit did the work, for Browning and Gamp came home, and the great crowd rose up and yelled its delight.
Rattleton was nearly beside himself with joy, his feelings having changed from deepest despair. He rushed out with his bat, unheeding anything, and swiped away at the very first ball. He fouled it, and the catcher got under it.
Three men were out, but the Merries had the lead.
“Our mascot did it!” cried Jack Ready. “He came just in time! Old Joe shall have a new plug of tobacco to-night, or I’m a lobster!”
The game was not finished, however, for the heavy hitters of the Athletics were next in order, and they had their batting togs on. The first one was Webster, and he tapped out a little single. Robinson followed with a scratch hit, and once more the excitement was feverish.
No one was out. Maloney came out from the bench swinging his favorite stick.