Garret stood on second base with a big grin. Just before Sean could get in the batter’s box, the opposing head coach came out of their dugout and headed for the mound.
“Pitcher change for sure.” Noah said in a low voice.
Sure enough, Brett handed the ball over to his coach and left the mound. Their coach waved to their bullpen and a new pitcher came out.
“Pitchers live a sad life.” Noah sighed, putting his hands behind his head. “He only gave up two runs off of four hits yet he’s done after three innings. I could never give up the mound so easily.”
I held back a laugh. “I don’t think pitchers give it up easily. The twins and Garret rather do it all, no matter how bad it gets.”
“That’s true, I guess.” He watched the new guy warmed up. “But it feels different when it comes to those three. They’re great starters. Best of the best. Top ten in the county, yea? Well, now look at this guy. He doesn’t look any better than Brett. All he’s got is a fresh arm.”
Noah had a point. The new pitcher didn’t look any better. He completed his practice pitches and then Sean stepped up to bat. Fielders were in position and Garret took his lead off second base.
Sean worked the count to 2-2 with a couple extra foul balls before launching one dead center. The center fielder went back to the warning track and made the catch for the first out. Garret had gone back to second and tagged up, sprinting hard for third. He dove head first into third base as the ball came back to the infield. Runner on third, one out.
Jason was up next. He had that solid line drive stolen him in the second inning, so it felt good when he got the ball to drop just before the left fielder could get to it. He stood safely at first while Garret scored. 3-0.
We clapped and cheered along with the spectators. Garret came back to a round of slaps and pats as he walked through the dugout. Jesse moved to the batter’s box and Mitchell to the on deck circle. Kyle stood in the hole, beside Coach, talking.
I caught the signs that Mr. Miller was dealing out. One stood out as it was my least favorite. Steal. Jason took a good lead, but the pitcher hardly spared a glance. It was perfect. Jason got the jump on him as soon as he started his motion to home. Jesse faked a bunt before pulling back and letting the ball pass by for strike one. The catcher hurried his throw to second but it was off the mark.
“Safe!” The umpire called out.
Jason called for ‘time’ and dusted himself off as he got up from the dirt.
The pitcher only got beat up after that. He gave up back-to-back RBI doubles to both Jesse and then Mitchell. The score reached 5-0 with Kyle up to bat. Still one out. The pitcher must have been rattled, and ended up walking him.
Katella’s head coach came out for the second time this inning. Another pitching change as Noah and Korrey stood on deck, ready to add to the score. I was in the hole, completely ready for another chance at the plate.
“If you get up, go ahead and try for another homer.” Coach told me in a low voice so no one else could overhear. “This is a good time to swing for the fences, and see how much power you have within you. No stress if you can’t get it out. And no blame if you actually get out.”
I nodded. I wanted to try too. Not to break Zeke’s sophomore record or anything, but to see how consistent I can be. “I’m going to try from the left side of the plate.”
“That’s all up to you.” Coach gave me a small pat on my shoulder and walked away to talk to Garret. Probably to suggest the same thing to him. We had a good lead and Kyle was looking solid on the mound.
When the pitcher was ready, it was Noah’s turn. He already had a walk, run scored, and a single so far on the day. He decided he wasn’t done yet. He added a RBI single, bringing the score to 6-0.
Mitchell, who scored that sixth run, grabbed Noah’s bat and bumped fists with Korrey, then with me, on his way back to the dugout.
Kyle on second and Noah at first. One out. Korrey got jammed on an inside pitch, popping the ball up foul of the third baseline. The third baseman made the catch for the second out, bringing me up to bat. Instinctively I almost got in the righty’s box, but then hurried to circle around the catcher to get to the lefty’s side.
The new pitcher didn’t have much on his fastball. I didn’t even bother with the count, just looking for something I could send out. A high fastball was my pick. I pulled it to the right and had a good view as the right fielder chased it down, pushed off the wall and made the highest jump I’ve seen. He came down with my ball. Third out. Inning over.
I was still processing that amazing play I just saw when Noah caught up to me. We walked into the dugout together, just behind Kyle.
“You were robbed!” Noah sighed regretfully.
My lips twitched. “Yea.” That ball was so close to being gone. “It doesn’t feel bad though.”
“But your perfect average is already gone!” Noah sighed again.
I shrugged. “I liked the swing. And the connection. Like you said, I was robbed. Of a homerun. So it’s kind of like…” I tried to find the words.
“It’s a play you just tip your cap at and move on.” Kyle glanced back at us. He nodded at me. “You did good. Don’t listen to Noah’s talk about perfection. Baseball is a sport where you fail more than you succeed.” He went to his bag to switch out his gear.
“Says the dude that’s currently being perfect.” Noah mumbled under his breath.
I elbowed him as we changed out our own gear. “Why does it sound like you’re jinxing him?”
Noah laughed. “I can’t help it sometimes. Kyle is just too annoying sometimes. Don’t worry, I won’t let any balls slip through on my side.”
“Why do you have to put it that way?” I complained. I don’t want the ball coming through on my side.
Noah just laughed and ran away to get to his position. I could only take a deep breath and go to my own spot at second base.
