“Well, we’ll just have to work hard and shut them out,” said Dolph resignedly. “If Sam Phillips ever shows up again I’ll have something to say to him for being such an easy mark!”
In the Boarders’ half of the eighth Morris struck out miserably, Truesdale sent up a fly to second baseman, and Dolph’s desperate attempt to beat out a bunt resulted unsuccessfully.
“We must keep them from scoring,” said Dolph to Morris as they went out again for the first of the ninth. “How’s the arm?”
“Well, I can just about lift it,” answered Morris grimly. “I’ll do the best I can, Dolph, but I’m afraid they’ll paste me hard this time. Give me all the high balls you can; they’re easier to pitch. Who’s up!”
“Wicks. Let him hit it out, Hal. We’ll help all we can.”
Morris nodded silently and walked to the box.
“Batter up!” called Mr. Shay.
Wicks let the first delivery go by and scowled indignantly when the umpire called it a strike. Then Morris sent one across waist-high and Wicks found it easily. It proved to be a long, arching fly to centre field, and Truesdale should have got under it without difficulty, but in some manner that youth got his feet twisted and measured his length on the turf at the very moment he should have put his hands up. Wicks went to second. Dolph turned away with a groan, but down at first Ted clapped his hands and shouted encouragement.
“Never mind that, fellows. Play for the double!”