Randy was to the bat next, and it must be confessed that he was just a bit nervous, for he realized that their chances of winning the game were slim. Nevertheless, after having a strike and two balls called upon him, he managed to land on the horsehide for another single, which took Fred safely to second.
Spouter now came forward and managed to dribble the ball down close to first base. He was put out, but Fred managed to slide to third while Randy reached second.
The next fellow to the bat was Ned Lowe. He knocked a pop fly, which the second baseman gathered in with ease.
“Two out! Now hold ’em down and the game is ours!”
“Hit it, Jack, hit it for all you’re worth!” whispered Gif, as Jack came forward with his bat.
The major of the Colby Hall battalion did not answer. But he set his teeth and took a firm grip on the ashen stick as he faced Tommy Flanders. A ball was called and then a strike, and then another ball and a strike. All those in the grandstand seemed to hold their breath for what might be coming. The game might be won or lost in a few seconds more. Tommy Flanders wound up with care and the ball came in just a trifle low. Crack! went the bat, and the horsehide sailed upward far into the left field.
“Run, boys, run! It’s a two-bagger!”
“No, it isn’t! It’s a home run! Run!”
Fred, playing well off third, came in with ease and Randy followed almost immediately. Jack was racing down to second, and as he did this he saw that the fielder was still running to gather the bouncing ball. Up he tore to third and there hesitated for an instant.
“Go in! Go in!” yelled Gif. “You can make it, Jack! Run! Run!” And with leaps and bounds Jack came in over the home plate.