"Now, boys, we must do something!" cried Phil.
Ben Basswood was at bat, and with two strikes called on him, Ben landed for a two-base hit. Then came a single, and taking a perilous chance Ben ran around and slid to the plate.
"A run! A run!"
"Now make it two!"
But this was not to be, and Oak Hall retired one run "to the good," as Roger said.
"Well, that's enough,—if we can hold them down in their half," said Plum. He had done some great work at first, of which he was correspondingly proud.
All eyes were on Dave when he entered the pitcher's box for the last time. He felt as if he had the responsibility of the whole game on his shoulders. He pitched quickly, almost bewildering the batters. The first man up went out on strikes and the second knocked a short fly to third. Then came a fellow named Parsons, the best hitter of the Rockville club.
"Hurrah! Parsons, show 'em where the back fence is!"
With two men out, Dave faced the batter. He sent in a low ball which Parsons tried to find—and failed. Then Parsons tried again—and failed. Then Dave sent in the swiftest ball yet pitched, giving it all the twist possible.
"Three strikes—batter out!"