“I know it, Larry,” said Joe, gratefully.
“Play ball!” yelled the Bostons.
“Write him a letter!”
“Hire a hall!”
But Larry was too old a bird to mind their jeers and he took his time in getting back to his position.
Joe knew that the next batsman, depending upon his being wild, would not attempt to strike at the first balls served but would try to “wait him out.” So he put two perfect strikes across the plate. The batter grew serious and set himself for the next which he figured would also be a strike. But Joe outguessed him and fed him a slow one that he frantically struck at before it reached the plate.
“You’re out!” called the umpire, and the stands broke into thunderous applause.
Still, there were three on bases and a long fly to the outfield, even if caught, would probably bring the man in from third with the tying run. At all costs Joe must keep the ball on the ground within the limits of the infield where a play could be made for the plate.
He measured the next Boston man carefully as he came to the plate. He was the heaviest batter on the team, and his mates begged him vociferously to “line it out.”