"Never mind," exulted Robbie. "We're beginning to find him now, and we've cut down that big lead of theirs to one run. The boys will get after him the next inning." But even the lucky seventh passed without bringing any luck to the visitors, and although the major leaguers got two men on bases in the eighth, the inning ended with the score still three to two in favor of the local club. "Looks as though we were up against it," said Jim, anxiously, as the Giants went to bat for the last time. "It sure does," responded Joe. "I'll hate to look at the papers to-morrow morning. The whole country will have the laugh on us." "The boys will want to keep away from McRae if they lose," said Jim. "He'll be as peeved as a bear with a sore head for the next three days or so." "Now, Larry, show them where you live," sang out Curry, as the head of the Giant batting order strode to the plate. "Kill it," entreated Willis. "Hit it on the seam." "Send it a mile," exhorted Becker. It was not a mile that Larry sent it, but it looked so to the left and center fielders who chased it as it went on a line between the two. A cleaner home run had probably never been knocked out on the Denver grounds. Larry came galloping in to be mauled and pounded by his exulting mates, while McRae brought down his hand on Robbie's knee with a force that made that worthy wince. "That ties it up," he cried. "Now, boys, for a whirlwind finish!" CHAPTER XI A CLOSE CALL The crowds in the stand, which had been uproarious a few moments before, were quiet now. The lead which the local club had held throughout the game had vanished; the visitors had played an uphill game worthy of their reputation, and now they had at least an even chance. Denton came to the bat, eager to emulate Larry's feat, but Alvarez was unsteady now--that last home run had taken something out of him. He found it hard to locate the plate, and Denton trotted down to first on balls. As no man was out and only one run was needed to gain the lead, a sacrifice was the proper play, and Burkett laid down a neat bunt in front of the plate that carried Denton to second, although the batter died at first. Alvarez purposely passed Willis on the chance of the next batter hitting into a double play, which would have retired the side. Becker made a mighty effort to bring his comrades in, but hit under the ball, and it went high in the air and was caught by Alvarez as it came down, without the pitcher moving from his tracks. With two out, there was no need of a double play and the infielders, who had been playing close in, resumed their usual positions. Iredell, the next man up caught the ball square on the end of his bat and sent it whistling between center and third. The shortstop leaped up and knocked the ball down, but it was going too fast for him to hold.