The umpire tossed a new ball to Joe, for the other had gone too far away to get back speedily.
Joe wet the horsehide, and sent it drilling in. The batter made a slight motion, as though to hit it, but refrained:
"Strike! You're out!" said the umpire, stolidly.
"Why, that ball was——"
"You're out!" and the umpire waved him aside, impatiently.
Joe grinned in delight.
But when he saw the next man, "Home Run Crater," facing him, our hero felt a little shaky. True, the chances were in favor of the Cardinals, but baseball is full of chances that make or break.
"If he wallops it!" thought Joe.
But Crater did not wallop it. In his characteristic manner he swung at the first delivery, and connected with it. Over Joe's head it was going, but with a mighty jump Joe corraled it in one hand, a sensational catch that set the crowd wild. Joe was playing the game of his life.
"Only one more!"