Darrell ran over to Sam.
“You’ve got to pull yourself together,” he said quickly. “We can’t afford to lose this game.”
“I’m doing the best I can,” retorted Sam. “The ball slips.”
“Don’t let it slip—slips are dangerous,” said the manager sharply. “You’ve got to do better or——”
“Play ball!” yelled the umpire and Darrell ran back to his place at first base. Sam scowled at him, and then wound up for his next delivery.
Somehow they managed to get three out, but there were five runs in the Blue frame when that inning ended, and only two for the Stars.
“We can’t stand this,” said Rankin to the manager.
“No, if Sam doesn’t improve this inning I’m going to put in Joe.”
“Sam will raise a row.”
“I don’t care if he does. Why doesn’t he pitch decent ball if he wants to hold his place? They’re laughing at the Stars now, and they didn’t used to.”