"Three strikes—batter out!"
"Joe Westmore has struck him out!"
"Wasn't that pitching for you?"
With the score 8 to 8, the Lakeports came to the bat at the ending of the ninth inning. They tried their best to score, but in vain. One player got to second and that was all.
"Nine innings and a tie!"
"This is a great game!"
"Now for the winning run!"
So the comments ran on. Everybody was wildly excited and all in the grand stand were on their feet, cheering their favorites.
The first to come to the bat in the tenth inning was Si Voup. With a face that was alternately flushed and pale, Joe faced his rival. He made up his mind he must strike out Voup.
He signaled a low curve to Fred, and sent it in with great force. Around came the ash to meet it.