There was a noticeable improvement as the Cardinals went to bat. Tom Dugan slammed out one that was good for three bases, and Dots McCann, by a double, brought in the needed run. The St. Louis boys were themselves again. The fact that the visiting pitcher was "going to pieces" rather helped, too.
The Cardinals were two runs to the good when the inning ended.
"Now we want to hold them there. It's up to you, Joe, and the rest of you boys!" exclaimed Mr. Watson as the leaguers again took the field.
Joe had more confidence in himself now, though it oozed away somewhat when the first man up struck the ball savagely. But it was only a foul, and, though Russell tried desperately to get it, he could not.
It was a case of three and two again, and Joe's nerves were tingling.
"Hit it now, Red!" the friends of the visiting player besought him. "Bang it right on the nose!"
"He hasn't anything on you!"
"Nothing but a slow out!"
"Slam out a home run!"
There was a riot of cries.