They made no more, however, for in their half of the ninth Joe mowed them down in order, and the Giants came in to make their last stand with three runs to tie and four to win.
Burkett led off with a nicely placed single in short right. Wheeler followed with a clean hit over second, on which Burkett tried to reach third. The ball came back too quickly, however, and he had to turn back to second, which he reached safely only through a muff by Weston, who was covering the bag. It was a close call and the Giant rooters breathed a sigh of relief. McCarney, who had already made two hits and seemed to have his batting clothes on, fell an easy victim on strikes. Larry came to the rescue with a neat bunt that got him to first and advanced his comrades each a base.
The bases were now full, and Hupft, who came next to bat, was implored to give the ball a ride and bring his mates in. But a groan went up when he raised an easy pop fly to the box that Leadows caught without moving from his tracks.
Two men were now out and many of the spectators were beginning to rise from their seats. They sat down suddenly, however, at the mighty roar that went up when Joe came to the plate.
Leadows looked him over carefully. He had a wholesome respect for Joe’s prowess, not only as a pitcher, but as a batter. Here was a foeman worthy of his best.
Leadows took an unusually long time winding up. Then he sent in a swift incurve that just missed the corner of the plate. Joe remained motionless.
An outcurve followed, and again Joe let it go by.
The third was a fast one with a hop to it, and came over the plate half way between knee and waist. Joe met it full on the seam.
There was a resounding crash and the ball started on its journey to the bleachers.