Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/324

300 The home run put new life into the Oak Hall club, and when the half of the eighth inning came to a close, the score stood, Oak Hall 11, Rockville Military Academy 14.

"Here is our last chance to tie the score," said Phil. "Boys, we must do it. Play as you never played before."

The shortstop was the first batter up, and managed to get to first in safety. Then came Phil, who knocked out a three-bagger with tremendous vigor. Next came two base hits, and then a wild throw from third to first. When the wild play came to an end the last batter was safe on second, and three runs had been scored.

"14 to 14!" was the cry. "A tie!"

"Gasperfelder is going to pieces!"

"Put in a new pitcher!"

So the talk went on until the pitcher whispered to the captain. Then another pitcher came onto the field. He tried his best to hold Oak Hall down, but could not, and when at last the first half of the ninth inning came to a close the score stood Oak Hall 16, Rockville Military Academy 14.

"Dave, can you hold them down?" said Phil, pleadingly.

"I'll try my best," answered Dave.

"Of course you will. Hold them down to one if you can—or a tie," returned the captain.

It would be useless to deny that Dave felt