The almost constant use of the double shoot had been a tremendous strain on Frank’s arm, and Billy was forced to assent. Merry did not half like using the spit ball, as he had not practiced it for some time, but the need was imperative.
In fact, his first two balls went wide of the plate, and nearly let in a run. Then he found himself, and Smith fanned twice, Billy vainly trying to catch Green at second. By sheer good luck, Smith connected and walloped out a beauty to the left garden, which Chester gathered. But Ironton beat the ball to the plate for the third tally.
“He’s gone!” came a voice from the grand stand that Frank recognized for that of Colonel Carson. “Knock him out of the lot! He’s gone!”
“I’ll show you something, you old scoundrel!” muttered Chip angrily, as Olcott pounded the rubber and begged for a good one.
He seemed unable to fulfill his prediction, however, for Olcott bunted the first ball to Harker, the shortstop made a poor throw to first, and Olcott was safe. Johnson came up, but ended the inning by popping a foul, that Billy Mac neatly garnered.
“Four to one,” said Lowe, with a groan, as they came in. “We’re done!”
“We’re not,” said Clancy warmly. “Chip hasn’t begun to pitch yet.”
Merry smiled faintly, and stared aghast as Green again put over nine pitched balls and retired Fardale. The man seemed made of iron!
In the first half of the seventh it seemed that only luck saved Fardale. Chester dropped Craven’s fly, and Merrell let the ball hit him. Runge fanned, and Ironton came up with second and third filled, and one out. He knocked a hot one to Villum, who promptly dropped it; while every one yelled at him, the Dutch lad stared at the runners in astonishment.
Then he picked up the ball and slammed it to third, catching Merrell, and Lowe snapped it to Billy for a double play that retired the Clippers.
“Get a hit, Clan,” said Merry quietly. “Green’s weakening.”
Clancy brightened up perceptibly, and though Green showed no sign of weakening, Clancy was hit by the ball, and went to first. Merry came up, made a quick guess that Green would give him an in, and swung with all his strength. He hit the ball on the nose.
A shrill yell went up from every fan as the ball sailed out, cleared the fence, and was no more seen. As Merry jogged in from third he grinned.
