“Play ball!” called the umpire, after the warm-up practice. The scrubs were to bat first, and Gene Flarity was up.
The game commenced. It was not remarkable for brilliant playing on either side, but Ned, Bob and Jerry, determined to show their mettle, worked so hard, and Ned and Jerry teamed it to such good advantage that the score was soon tied, which had not happened to the varsity in a long while.
“And here’s where we beat ’em!” exclaimed Ned, when the ninth inning came, and he was at bat. Ned made a good hit. It was safe for two bags, and when Chet Randell duplicated, after one man fanned out, Ned came in with the winning run. That is, it would be if he could hold the varsity hitless.
And he did. He struck out the first man, while the second singled and was caught napping at first.
“Come on now, boys, we want to get this game!” cried Frank. He was at bat, and with two out, there was but a slim chance. But Frank was a pinch hitter, and he faced Ned with a sneer.
“You won’t win the game!” thought Ned, bitterly.
He sent in a swift ball, and it looked as though it was going to hit Frank, who moved back just a trifle.
“Strike!” howled the umpire.
“I’ve got your number all right,” exulted Ned.
Frank hit the next one, but it was a foul which the catcher made desperate efforts to get.