A mighty cheer went up for the Excelsiors. The first half of the initial inning was over and they had not allowed their opponents to score.
"It's a walkover," said Sidney Yates to Si Voup, when they walked over to the players' bench. "We've got them beat sure."
"Sure we have," said Voup, in his bragging way. "The championship is ours."
"Joe, we must do as well as they did," said Fred, as he buckled on his chest protector and adjusted his mask.
"We'll do what we can," answered Joe.
It must be confessed that he was just a bit nervous as he walked down to the pitcher's box. He knew that the eyes of all assembled were upon him.
The first batter up for the Excelsiors was a fellow named Harrison, who had the reputation of being a strong hitter. He was in addition a good deal of a bully and he glared ominously at Joe as he took his position beside the home plate.
The glance from Harrison put Joe on his mettle and looking around first to see that all of his players were in position, he sent in his swiftest ball.
"Strike one!" called out the umpire, although Harrison had not attempted to use his bat.
"It was too high!" growled the batter.