109 Game Three: San Marino 4 (1/2)

Jason took a normal lead off first base. He stood three or four yards off the bag and was inching towards second. The pitcher didn't even bother looking his way. Jason inched further and further out.

The pitcher started his motion and with the lift of his leg, Jason took off. It was a fastball right down the middle, Kelvin whiffed and the catcher quickly popped up and threw the ball to the shortstop at second base.

The throw was bad and off its mark, it went high enough where the shortstop had to jump up. Jason began to slide, feet first. Then it seemed to happen too fast for me to comprehend. The shortstop came down with the ball and then Jason was screaming. The umpire yelled, ”Out!”

Coach Luis ran to Jason and Mr. Miller joined them.

”Chris, warm up.” Coach called before stepping out of the dugout.

I looked at Noah, who was staring at the grouping at second base. He lost his easygoing demeanor and was frozen solid. I poked him. Then poked him again. After the seventh poke he came back to reality and looked at me, with a grim expression. ”Jason is hurt.”

No duh. I could see that. In fact, I think everyone heard it. That scream. I shivered.

Someone from the stands came onto the field and joined the coaches. After some discussion, Mr. Miller and Coach Luis helped Jason to his feet, they then preceded to carry them to the exit where a golf cart was waiting. They set him down and the man from the stands, got in the driver seat, and drove Jason away.

Coach came back to the dugout and took off his hat to speak to the team. ”Jason is going to the hospital.”

The team gasped and started to talk all at once.

”What the hell?”

”That was illegal for sure!”

”How was he even called out?”

”That couldn't be considered a tag.”

”Quiet.” Zeke commanded and the team listened. He nodded at Coach for him to continue.