“One strike,” said the umpire, as they were playing under National League rules.
“That’s the stuff, Richard!” chirped Ready. “You’ve got him down pat.”
“Pat is not me name,” said Barney.
“It’s going to be Dennis in a minute,” chuckled Ready.
The next ball was high, and Barney came near going after it, but held back just in time.
Another out drop was tried. This time, however, Mulloy saw it must curve beyond the plate and refrained from swinging.
The second ball was called. Dick tried one on the inside corner, but the umpire refused to give it.
“Now he must put it over!” shouted Packard, who was coaching.
Dick grew nervous, and failed to find the plate, which gave the Irish youth a pass to first.