Burkett was the first man up and he went to the plate in a hurry, glad to get away from the tongue lashing that poor Renton was already getting for his share in the mishap.
Determined to atone for his misplay, he crouched at the plate, watching Rance like a hawk. The latter cut the corner of the plate with an outcurve that Burkett thought was too wide. But it went for a strike just the same.
The next was a fast straight one, a little high, but Burkett caught it full and lined out a beautiful single to center. It looked at first as though it might be stretched, but Maley made such a quick pick-up and throw to second that Burkett was held at first.
Larry was next, and was exhorted by the crowd, now in a high state of excitement, to line it out. A shout of delight went up as he hit the first ball pitched and the pellet started on its journey toward left.
It seemed a sure hit, as it was well over the shortstop’s head. But Trench made a stupendous leap and collared the ball with his gloved hand.
Burkett had started toward second, thinking the ball was safe, and before he could get back to the bag Trench had sent the ball whistling down to first, completing the snappiest double play of the day.
It was one of the miraculous stops that make baseball the most fascinating game in the world, and though it killed their hopes, the Giant supporters were as generous in their applause as the partisans of the team from across the bridge.
Joe was the next at bat, and the air became a medley of sounds as he took up his position at the plate.
“Win your own game, Joe!”
“Knock the cover off the ball!”