United States or San Marino ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Two men were out, the bases were full, three runs were needed to tie the score, and four to win. "You'll have to check them, Bart," said Carson. Hodge did his best with Sparkfair, and it began to look as if he would succeed in striking Dale out, for Spark missed two benders. But Dale did not strike out. He finally found a ball that suited him and "found it good."
For an instant the regulars seemed dazed. For once in his life Sparkfair could not find appropriate words, and, silently shaking his head, he started for the pitcher's position. "Ho! ho! ho!" rumbled Sam Higgins, as he lumbered in from first. "Just fooling with you, that's all! Just getting your courage up to take some of the swelling out of your heads!" At bat Slick now faced Sparkfair.
"I'm not umpiring this game for fun, but because you you asked me to." "I didn't suppose you were another of Sparkfair's sycophants!" flung back Featherstone. "You're as crooked as your mouth!" An instant later, had not Sparkfair and others held them apart, Kilgore would have struck Featherstone. "Stop where you are, both of you!" commanded Dale sternly.
Young Joe stepped out and bunted handsomely, dropping his bat and scooting down the base line like a flash. Scrogg was seconds too late in securing the ball and sending it to Higgins. Crowfoot was safe. Thad Barking followed with an equally successful bunt. Hodge called Higgins and Scrogg in a bit. "Look out for those tricks," he warned. Bubbs glanced toward Sparkfair inquiringly. Dale nodded.
"Then I think I'll let you chase," said Dale. "I hope you chase the ball instead of chasing round the bases." Hodge was watching Dale's every movement. He saw Sparkfair hold the ball, covered by his hands, close to his mouth. Evidently the pitcher intended to use the spit ball. Nevertheless, something warned Bart that Dale had turned the ball over and grasped the dry side.
Hodge and Carson removed their coats, vests, collars, and neckties, and prepared for business. "How does the game stand?" asked Bart, as he walked out to the pitcher's position. "Score is five to three against you, and this is the sixth inning," answered Sparkfair. "You have your last turn at bat." "How many men out?" "Two." "Come here, catcher," invited Bart. "I'll have to know your signals."
Word Of The Day