[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.In fact, most of theplayers of his team showed rather poor form; they were overstrained, andplainly lacked experience necessary for steadiness in an important game.Burns, the catcher, however, gave Wayne confidence.He was a short, sturdyyoungster, with all the earmarks of a coming star.Huling, the captain,handled himself well at first base.The Bellville players were more matured,and some of them were former college cracks.Wayne saw that he had his workPage 75ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlcut out for him.The whistle blew.The Bellville team trotted to their position in the field;the umpire called play, and tossed a ball to Mackay, the long, lean Georgetownpitcher.Wells, the first batter, fouled out; Stamford hit an easy bounce to thepitcher, and Clews put up a little Texas leaguer--all going out, one, two,three, on three pitched balls.The teams changed from bat to field.Wayne faced the plate amid vociferouscheering.He felt that he could beat this team even without good support.Hewas in the finest condition, and his arm had been resting for ten days.Heknew that if he had control of his high inshoot, these Bellville players wouldfeel the whiz of some speed under their chins.He struck Moore out, retired Reed on a measly fly, and made Clark hit a weakgrounder to second; and he walked in to the bench assured of the outcome.Onsome days he had poor control; on others his drop ball refused to workproperly; but, as luck would have it, he had never had greater speed oraccuracy, or a more bewildering fast curve than on this day, when he meant towin a game for a girl. Boys, I've got everything, he said to his fellow-players, calling themaround him. A couple of runs will win for us.Now, listen, I know Mackay.Hehasn't any speed, or much of a curve.All he's got is a teasing slow ball anda foxy head.Don't be too anxious to hit.Make him put 'em over.But the Salisbury players were not proof against the tempting slow balls thatMackay delivered.They hit at wide curves far off the plate and when they didconnect with the ball it was only to send an easy chance to the infielders.The game seesawed along, inning after inning; it was a pitcher's battle thatlooked as if the first run scored would win the game.Mackay toyed with theSalisbury boys; it was his pleasure to toss up twisting, floating balls thatcould scarcely be hit out of the diamond.Wayne had the Bellville playersutterly at his mercy; he mixed up his high jump and fast drop so cleverly,with his sweeping out-curve, that his opponents were unable to gauge hisdelivery at all.In the first of the seventh, Barr for Bellville hit a ball which the thirdbaseman should have fielded.But he fumbled.The second batter sent a fly toshortstop, who muffed it.The third hitter reached his base on another errorby an infielder.Here the bases were crowded, and the situation had becomecritical all in a moment.Wayne believed the infield would go to pieces, andlose the game, then and there, if another hit went to short or third. Steady up, boys, called Wayne, and beckoned for his catcher. Burns, it's up to you and me, he said, in a low tone. I've got to fan therest of these hitters.You're doing splendidly.Now, watch close for my drop.Be ready to go down on your knees.When I let myself out, the ball generallyhits the ground just back of the plate. Speed 'em over! said Burns, his sweaty face grim and determined. I'll getin front of 'em.The head of the batting list was up for Bellville, and the whole Bellvillecontingent on the side lines rose and yelled and cheered.Page 76ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlMoore was a left handed hitter, who choked his bat up short, and poked at theball.He was a good bunter, and swift on his feet [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]