Now, of course, it was the Bostons’ cue to delay the game. If they could prevent the sixth inning from being fully played out before the rain stopped proceedings, the score would revert to what it was at the end of the fifth inning and Boston would be declared the winner.
They came in slowly from the field, stopping frequently to talk to each other. Then when at last they were at their bench, the first batter took unusual pains in selecting his bat. And all the time the rain was falling more heavily.
McRae rushed at the umpire.
“Can’t you see what they’re doing?” he demanded. “Make them play ball.”
The umpire turned sternly to the batter.
“Hurry up there,” he commanded. “None of your monkey tricks or I’ll forfeit the game to the New Yorks.”
Thus adjured, the batter sauntered as slowly as he dared to the plate.
Jim put over a strike.
“That wasn’t a strike,” argued the Boston captain. “It didn’t come within six inches of the plate.”
“No argument,” snapped the umpire, who saw through the tactics. “Go ahead there,” he called to Jim.