Mornier, the Brooklyn first baseman, came next and dribbled a little one to the box that Joe got to first in plenty of time. Tonsten was third man up, and Joe set him down on three called strikes, the batsman not even offering at them.
“What did you stand there like a dummy for and not even take a chance?” asked Thompson, the Brooklyn manager, as Tonsten came back.
“Guess he had me hypnotized,” mumbled Tonsten. “They came so fast I couldn’t see ’em. But he can’t keep that up and I’ll get him next time good and proper.”
“Fine work, Joe,” approved McRae, as the pitcher came in to the bench. “Just keep that up and it will be all over but the shouting.”
“All the boys need to do is to give him a run or two and we’ll have the game sewed up,” exulted Robbie.
But it was evident from the way Rance, the Brooklyn pitcher, started that that run or two was going to be difficult to get. He was in splendid shape, all his slants and curves were working well, and his control left nothing to be desired.
Tonsten at third made a fast play on Curry’s bunt and threw him out at first. Renton took two strikes and three balls and then struck out on an incurve. Burkett failed utterly to find Rance and fanned.
It was a snappy, quickly played inning and demonstrated that the Brooklyns were trying to enact their old rôle as Giant-killers, and Rance got a generous meed of applause even from the home fans for his good work.
“Looks as if it were going to be a pitcher’s duel,” muttered McRae, as the Giants went out into the field.
“If it comes to that I know who’ll win,” declared Robbie with confidence.