“Remember the example Ned set,” said Smith as Hodge stepped forward with his bat. “Keep it up, you midget!”
The spectators were silent once more as all excitedly watched the batter. The powerful Hodge made a lunge at the first ball pitched and sent it just over the head of the third-baseman.
“A hit!” “You’ve got them on the run now!” “Keep it up! Keep it up!” were the rejoicing calls that greeted Gus as his turn to bat came.
This time the young giant for some reason was more responsive to his orders and instead of exerting all his strength he did his utmost to make a sacrifice hit, but the ball rolled to second base, was hastily seized by the baseman, who touched his base, and then hurled the ball to first just in time to catch Gus.
“Double play!” “Two down!” “This fellow is easy!” roared some of the enthusiasts in the academy section. “Strike him out!” “Don’t let him hit it!” “Careful!” “Careful!” were among the encouraging words shouted to the tall pitcher.
Apparently Ingersoll responded to the appeal, for he struck out the next player and the side was out.
As all were aware that the incoming inning was the last for each nine, the excitement became more intense. When the Military Academy nine made a run the delight of their supporters became still greater, and though the confidence of the academy contingent was strong, nevertheless they were all anxious when the Tait School hitters came to bat for what was likely to be the last time in the game.
Every player was cautious now and if in his anxiety he did not become overanxious the score was not likely to be changed. Ned was slapping his players on the back and urging everyone to do his utmost. The last opportunity to score ought not to be lost.
“Up in the air!” shouted Smith, who was on the coaching line near first base when Walter, the first player to face Ingersoll, was given his base on balls. In his delight Smith leaned over and pulled grass with each hand as he continued his wild shouts.