Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/320

296 ," as one player put it, and this condition of affairs continued during the sixth, when both Gasperfelder and Jennings got rattled. As a consequence, at the opening of the seventh inning the score stood Oak Hall 6, Rockville Military Academy, 11.

"This is bad," said Roger, with a sigh. "We have got to pull ourselves together if we want to overcome that lead."

Besides becoming rattled, Jennings had been struck in the arm by a "liner," and he was perfectly willing to retire from the box and give Dave a chance to pitch. He was thoroughly loyal, even though disappointed.

"Go in and win," he said to Dave. "Strike every one of 'em out, if you can!"

"No such luck," answered Dave, with a quiet smile. "But I'll do what I can."

No runs were made at the opening of the seventh inning, so the score still stood 6 to 11 when Dave took his position to face the rivals. As he went out some of the Rockville supporters let up catcalls and jeers.

"Jennings has had enough of it!"

"Say, but our boys won't do a thing to that new pitcher!"

"He's a green one. They'll bat him all over the field."

It must be admitted that Dave's heart beat very