1.   As baseball gained popularity and hitters began to hit hard, however, more players sought the protection of a glove while in the field.

2.   But slowly, hitters began making adjustments.

3.   But the Mets started losing, and the hitters began pressing.

4.   The hitters began to display a robust, throbbing pulse.

5.   Even their best, most disciplined hitters began showing the strain against the Mariners.