Mitchell proved an easy out, shortstop to first base.
Hal's team retired in order in their half. No runs were scored by either side in the eighth inning, and Landon failed to cross the plate in their half of the ninth.
"Make it extra innings!" shouted the home enthusiasts. "That pitcher's tiring!"
"Here's where we win, boys," exclaimed Hal to his men. "If a man gets on a base, we've got to bring him home."
Inspired with determination, Taffy stepped to the plate.
The first ball pitched was straight and swift. Reaching for it, the boy caught it square on the bat.
With terrific speed, the ball sailed between short and third. Frantically the left fielder raced in, but the ball took a bad bound and Taffy was safe on second before it could be fielded.
Sandow being at bat and Fred on deck, Mitchell elected to pass the star hitter of the Baxter team to first, trusting to striking out Fred, as he had done twice before, and forcing the others to hit pop flies.
When Taffy saw the plan, he went around to third, Sandow starting for second the moment the ball left Mitchell's hand.
As he waited for this play, Fred was amazed to see the ball coming straight and low—just the kind he liked.