"Knock out a few home runs!"
Link called Joe up to him.
"Do you want me to continue to pitch, Joe?"
"Yes. It was not your fault that the runs came in. I was partly responsible, as you know. They seem to have a new lot of steam on."
Again came a base hit, and then a drive to shortstop which was just out of reach. Two more runs, and the Excelsiors fairly danced with joy.
"That's the way to do it, fellows. You have six runs now! Go after the other three!"
"Joe, you had better pitch," pleaded Link. "Perhaps you can strike them out."
"If you want me to, I'll do what I can," said Joe.
The Excelsiors had changed several players in the middle of an inning, so they could not complain of the action of the Lakeports. As Joe went into the box, Fred took his old position behind the bat.
"Hurrah! this winds it up for the Excelsiors!"