It was now Harry's turn to bat. Evidently the pitcher of the rival nine was worried, for he soon had two balls called on him. Then Harry let another go and it was called a strike. The next ball was all right and Harry banged it down to shortstop. It was a fatal spot, for the rival player picked it up and put Matt out at third. Then he threw it to second, but Frank was declared safe by the umpire on a somewhat close decision.
"Joe Westmore to the bat, Link Darrow on deck!" sang out the scorer, and Joe came up and took his position beside the home plate. The ball came in so close to him that he would have been struck had he not leaped back. The catcher let it pass him, and up came Frank to third, while Harry ran down to second.
"That's the way to do it!" cried one of the Lakeport boys. "Keep the ball rolling."
Joe watched his opportunity and with one strike on him, hit a safe one to leftfield. This took him to first and brought Frank home.
"Another run for Lakeport!"
"One run more and the score will be a tie!"
"Now, Lakeport, do your best!"
Harry was now on third and Link was at the bat. The latter tried to "line the leather out," but failed and sent the ball halfway down to the pitcher. Off he sprinted for first while Harry flew towards home. The ball came in, but it was too late. Harry was safe.
"A tie! A tie! Seven to seven!"
"Now, Lakeport, bring in the winning run!"