How it was done even he scarcely knew, for so fierce was the rivalry between the teams, and so high the excitement, that several times open clashes were narrowly averted. But the four runs were secured, and though the Silver Stars played their best they could not get another one. But even to tie the score after Sam’s slump was something worth while.
“Ten innings! It gives us another chance for our white alley,” murmured Tom to Joe, as the first baseman made ready to go on the sack again. “If we can get one run, and hold them down to a goose egg it will do.”
But the Resolutes seemed to have struck a winning streak. Sam could not pull himself together, and got worse. Darrell was in despair, and there was gloom in the hearts of the Riverside residents.
“Haven’t they another pitcher they can put in?” asked Joe of one of his neighbors.
“No, and if they had Sam would raise such a row that it might bust up the team. He’ll play it out.”
In the tenth inning the Resolutes pounded out three more runs, batting Sam all over the field, and when the Silver Stars came up the score was sixteen to thirteen against them.
“Oh, for a bunch of runs!” pleaded Darrell, as his men went to bat.
But they couldn’t get them. The Resolute pitcher with a grin on his freckled face sent in curve after curve and struck out two men in short order. Then Tom Davis knocked a little pop fly which was easily caught, and the game ended in a riot of yells, as a goose egg went up in the tenth frame for the Silver Stars. They had lost by a score of sixteen to thirteen, and there were bitter feelings in their hearts against their rivals.
“Why don’t you get a pitcher who can pitch?” demanded one of the Resolutes.
“Don’t you insult me!” cried Sam striding forward. “I can pitch as good as your man.”