Belden was equally unable to score. Bobby was pitching like a demon and his opponents were swinging at the air. Four out of the six who faced him in those two innings went out on strikes, while a foul and a pop fly disposed of the others.
In the eighth inning the skies began to brighten for Rockledge. Erlich, who had pitched good ball up to that time, began to weaken. His fast ones no longer had their usual zip to them, nor were his curves so deceptive. Two hits in succession, followed by a base on balls, filled the bases, and then a wild pitch by Erlich permitted the man on third to score, thus making the game a tie. Belden braced then, and aided by a snappy double play prevented further scoring.
Try as they would, however, they could make no impression on Bobby’s pitching in their half, and the ninth inning opened with the score still a tie.
“Now for a grand rally, fellows,” urged Bobby. “We’ve got Erlich going. Keep up the good work of the last inning and the pennant is ours.”
“We’ll do it,” declared Fred. “He’s got nothing on the ball now but a prayer and a glove. Let’s go in and knock him out of the box.”
They started in as though they were going to do it. Sheets poled out a stinging single to right. Shiner followed with a screamer over shortstop’s head that carried Skeets to third while he himself pulled up at second. A shout went up when Billy met the ball full on the seam, but it died away in a groan when the second baseman made a splendid catch of the liner and returned it in time to double up Skeets as he slid into the plate.
Tumultuous cheers greeted Bobby, as he came to the bat.
“Win your own game, Bobby,” sang out Pee Wee, who had abandoned his usual laziness and all through the game had been rooting like a madman.
“Give the ball a ride!”
“Kill it!”