The third game with Clevefield came off before a record-breaking crowd. It was a great contest, and was only won for Pittston in the tenth inning, when Jimmie Mack, the doughty first-baseman, scored the winning run.
The crowd went wild at that, for it had looked as though Clevefield would take the game home with them. But they could not stand against Joe’s terrific pitching.
This made the pennant series stand two to one in favor of the Pittston team. Another victory would clinch the banner for them, but the following game must take place in Clevefield, and this fact was rather a disadvantage to Joe’s team.
“Now, boys, do your best,” pleaded Gregory, as he sat with his men on the bench, making up the batting order. “We want to win!”
Tom Tooley was to pitch in Joe’s place, for our hero’s arm really needed a rest.
“I may have to use you anyhow, toward the end, if we get in a hole, Joe,” said the manager. “So hold yourself in readiness.”
Much as Joe liked to pitch he was really glad that he did not have to go in, for he was very tired. The strain of the season, added to the responsibility of the final big games, was telling on him.
The battle opened, and at first it seemed to favor Pittston. Then her best hitters began to “slump,” and the game slipped away from them. Clevefield came up strong and though, as a desperate resort, Joe was sent in, it was too late. Clevefield won the fourth game by a score of nine to seven.
“That means a fifth game!” announced Gregory. “Well, we’ll have a better chance in that! Oh, for a rain!”
“Why?” asked Jimmie Mack, as they walked off the field.