"So would I, or even Lanky Suttervane."
Practice was soon over, and the umpire went out into the field. The toss-up gave Lakeport the choice of innings and they sent Brookside to the bat. Then the umpire called out, "Play ball!" and the contest was begun.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE GAME AT BROOKSIDE.
Contrary to expectations, both sides failed to score in the first and second innings of the game. Brookside got a man to second and Lakeport two men to first, but that was all. Each pitcher sent two batters out on strikes.
"This is certainly going to be a close game," said more than one. "The nines are very evenly matched."
When the Brooksides came to the bat in the third inning the second player up made a safe base hit. This was followed by a sacrifice hit which took the runner to second. Then came another base hit.
This was more interesting than before, and the crowd watched the next batter take his position with interest. He was a long hitter and knowing this Joe motioned to the fielders back of him to be on the lookout for a big drive.
"One ball!" cried the umpire as the first ball was pitched. And this was followed by a strike.
"Run on anything," cautioned the coach to the two men on bases. "Two out."