"A
wild pitch, and it's all up with our side," he thought, as he took
his place in the "box."
"One ball!" That was the verdict as the sphere landed in Frank's
hands. "Two balls!" came immediately after.
Frank paused, then rolled the ball to Tom. "Do be careful,"
whispered Dick. "Take your time."
"Perhaps we had better put Larry in the box," suggested another
player, but Tom shook his head determinedly. "I'll stick it out!"
"One strike!" The batter had tried, but failed to hit the sphere.
Tom felt more hopeful, but immediately after came three balls and
then four balls, and amid a cheer from his friends the Pornell
player walked to first base.
The second man at the bat went out on a foul, and the cadets
cheered this time. Then came a strong hit to left field, and in
came one run.
"Hurrah! 3 to 2 in Pornell's favor!"
"You've got 'em on the run now, boys; keep it up!"
Two balls, and the next batter knocked a hot liner to Fred. It
came along like lightning, but Fred wore a "do-or-die" look and
made a dive for it -- and held on, although his hands stung as if
scorched with fire.
"Hurrah! Two out! Now for the third, and then knock out that
lead of one run!"
Alas! This was easier said than done.
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