90 Game One: Villa Park 10 (1/2)

I slowly put back my helmet and bat.

Noah patted my back. ”Sorry, Jake. My bad. I should have just tried for a walk or strikeout.”

I shook my head. No way. If Noah purposely struck out, I would feel awful.

”Okay. Defense time! Let's get this win!” He grabbed his glove. ”And more importantly, let's help Kyle get this perfect game. What a way to start off the season!”

I nodded and followed him out onto the field. Even though I was starting to feel more comfortable with the two plays I had made, I really didn't want any balls to come my way. I wouldn't want to ruin the perfect game. Who knows how many laps that would equal. I think I was up to eight, but knowing Zeke, I'm sure it's more.

Kyle, at the top of the seventh inning, has to face batters one, two, and three. This would be their third time up, which means they're probably familiar with his pitching by now.

The first batter made me the most nervous. He had a strikeout in the first, and then that hard line drive to me in the fourth. Noah signaled to me to back up. We stood where the dirt met the outfield grass.

”Stay calm.” Noah said aloud. ”Just don't panic. If it comes, make sure to field the ball properly, plant your feet firmly, and throw accurately.”

I took a deep breath and looked at Kyle up on the mound. He didn't look nervous at all. Just seriously happy. If he's not afraid, then why should I be?

Kelvin gave Kyle the signs as the batter stepped up to the plate. They agreed on the pitch and Kyle stepped on the rubber. I got set as well, ready to field anything that came near me. The batter came out swinging on the first pitch. He fouled it back, but high. Kelvin flipped his mask off and looked for the ball, but couldn't make the catch. I saw Kyle deflate at the thought of missing an easy out.

A new ball was sent to Kyle. He walked to the back of the mound and had a moment.

”Get it Kyle!” Noah slapped his glove. ”I've got your back!”

Kyle looked at him and gave a wry smile, not looking so confident anymore. I chose to slap my glove a few times too. He looked my way, surprised. Then he laughed to himself and turned his back to us, in order to face Kelvin and the batter. I wasn't trying to be funny. I was just hoping he would cheer up and strike the batter out like he did when Dave was cheering from the bullpen.

It may have helped, because he got the guy to strikeout swinging with the following pitches. As the batters changed, Kyle turned to me and laughed some more. I looked towards Noah for help, but he just shrugged.

Batter number two flew out to right field after three straight fouls. Two outs. Then came up the potential last batter. Everyone was cheering for Kyle: the bullpen, our dugout, and the spectators. It was surprisingly loud, but you could really feel the energy.