“My arm was a little stiff at the start, from getting wet during the storm,” said Dale. “But it is limbering up now.” And this proved to be true, and in the next inning he struck out three men in succession, amid great applause.
When Company B came to the bat Pepper knocked a home run and Andy a three-bagger. But that ended the run getting for the time being.
The beginning of the eighth inning found the score 11 to 7 in favor of Company A. Ritter and his followers were in high feather, thinking they were sure of winning.
“And maybe we won’t celebrate to-night,” chuckled the bully.
“Rub the defeat in good while you are at it,” said Paxton, who was on the substitute bench.
“You bet we will!” answered Ritter boastfully.
Ritter was to the bat and managed to line out a safety. He was followed by a player who went out on a foul, but the next man knocked a two-bagger and Ritter managed to slide home, amid well-deserved applause. When Company A retired they had 14 runs to their credit.
Dale was now to the bat and managed to get to second in safety. Pepper got to first and a wild throw over the baseman’s head gave Dale third and Pepper second. Then came a streak of good batting and the end of the eighth inning found Company B with 11 runs.
“We must hold ’em down!” said Pepper, as Company A came up for the ninth time to the bat. “Dale, do your best!”
The pitcher tried to steady himself and struck out the first man up. The second went to first on balls and the next batter hit a safety.