One run was the best that Graydon’s men could do on their first trial, though captain and coach pleaded earnestly with them.
“I guess they’ve got our number,” murmured Pete to his brother as the latter donned his protector and mask.
“Oh, don’t be so gloomy,” was the advice.
Mersfeld went from bad to worse, and at the beginning of the fourth inning the captain and coach held a consultation.
“We’ve got to do something,” said Graydon.
“I agree with you. But what?”
“Newton will have to go in.”
“It looks so. We can’t chance Bill.”
“No. Well, tell Newton to pitch next inning.” Two more runs went to the credit of Tuckerton, making the score eight to two in their favor.
By desperate playing and taking several chances our friends managed to pull a brace of tallies out of the ruck that inning, so that there was some hope. Mersfeld sulked when told to go to the bench, and pleaded for another chance, but the coach and captain were firm.