87 Game One: Villa Park 7 (1/2)

Awkward was the word of the day. Since Mr. Miller wanted me to slide, I would have to try my best. I didn't want to give Zeke any reason to add more laps. My first attempt at a slide looked more like an awkward fall onto to the base. I tried to dive head first like Mahki did in the first inning, but it didn't look as smooth. But I got it done. I was hugging the base as a heavy pat came down on me.

”Safe!” The third base ump called out.

I could hear cheers and laughter from the dugout and spectator stands. Ugh. I coughed out some dirt that I accidentally let in my mouth as I dove. Dumb decision. I should have slid feet first.

”Time out, ump?” I heard Mr. Miller asked.

”Time!” The ump let everyone know.

Mr. Miller tugged me to my feet as I coughed some more. ”That was the ugliest slide I've ever seen in high school baseball. But you were safe so it's good enough for me.” I finished coughing and stretched a little. The third baseman was a bit harsh with that tag. ”Don't worry. It's an easy trip home. Zeke is up to bat.”

I nodded. Zeke should be able to drive me home easily. The time out ended and Zeke got in the batters box, only for the catcher to stand up and signal for an intentional walk. I pouted at Mr. Miller. What was the point of my slide? I could have stayed at second, and still easily get to this spot because of the intentional walk.

Mr. Miller wasn't paying attention to me; he was busying giving the signs out. Especially to Julian who is up to bat with two outs and bases loaded.

Julian was to swing at anything close. He nodded and got set in the batters box. He swung at the first pitch and completely whiffed. Being on third, I could hear some of the guys laugh in the dugout. Julian didn't worry about them and got set once more. The pitcher was really sweating this inning. He had it easy with two outs and no one on base. Now the bases were loaded and a run had already scored.

The next pitch went wide, past the catcher, and hit the backstop. Everyone started to yell, cheer and groan. I looked around and noticed my dugout yelling at me and Mr. Miller waved me on. Uh what? Like go home? Now? I stood on third base frozen.

The catcher had chased the ball down and tossed it to the pitcher who was now guarding home plate. They exhaustingly looked at me. Jokes on them, I didn't even attempt to run.

”Bambi! What happened?!” Someone called from the dugout.

I faced them and shrugged. Wild pitch? Passed ball? I don't know.

The guys all laughed and I saw coach put a hand to his forehead, shaking it disapprovingly.