With the score five to seven against them, Roxley put in a
pinch,hitter by the name of Bixby. This player certainly made good,
getting a three-base hit with apparent ease. Then followed an out, and
then another base hit, bringing in Bixby's run. Then followed some
ragged play on the part of Bob and his second and third basemen, which
put out one man, but evened up the score, 7 to 7.

With two men out, and the score a tie, it was certainly a delicate
position for Tom.

"Tom, hold them! please hold them!" pleaded Bob, as he came up. "Don't
let them get as far as first if you can help it."

The batter to face Tom was a fairly good one, but the young pitcher
remembered that this fellow had always struck at balls which were both
high and far out. Accordingly, he fed him only those which were low
and well in, "One strike!"

"That's it, Tom! Keep it up!"

Again Tom wound up, and the ball shot over the plate. This time the
batsman swung for it, but failed to connect.

"Strike two!"

"Good boy, Tom, that's the way to do it!"

"Be careful, Billy, make him give you just what you want!"