June 17

Frances’ game began well. They even kept it 2-0 in their favor for the first evening. But after the third, they were getting tired. There were no replacements – only nine boys. So in the bottom of the fourth, they gave up thirteen runs to the Sharks and lost by a landslide. The final score was 19-3.
“You boys gave up out there,” Collette heard the coach tell them after the game. “I see potential in every one of you guys. You guys could have won tonight. You could have won every time. But you can’t give up.”
And although Frances struck out twice and missed two pop-flies in the outfield, he did catch a number of grounders in the last inning and shucked them into second. It would help, though, if Frances could figure out the rules.
They would have a chance to redeem themselves on Friday night.
Linnea spent the whole time climbing trees with another girl, whittling on sticks with her army knife, eating a hot dog and blueberry slush, and cheering on Frances’ team.
Tuesday was quiet. Collette and Puck organized things, and Puck whined to go outside. When Collette sprayed baby sunblock on his arms, Puck took the can and imitated the sound:
“Tsssss! Tsssss!”