138 Game: VS Lincoln High School 1 (1/2)

”You look even more stiff than before your first game.” Noah laughed as we jogged back to the dugout after finishing pregame warmups. It was Wednesday, about five in the evening. We all went through school and then straight to the field afterwards to start warmups.

”You know how many times I had to practice sliding?? My back, abs, quads, and hamstrings are all super sore.” I huffed. Yesterday was one of the worse days with Drew, ever. Even though we only worked on sliding, it was because we ONLY WORKED ON SLIDING. I still couldn't get up to his standards.

Noah laughed at my complaints. ”It'll make you a better player so just keep working at it.” We grabbed our gloves and moved to the exit of the dugout, ready to run out on the field with the rest of the starters.

For our home opener, Coach went with the following lineup:

1 SS Noah Atkins

2 2B Jake Hollander

3 RF Sean Isner

4 CF Zeke Atkins

5 1B Julian Wilson

6 LF Mahki Holstrom

7 P Kyle Atkins

8 C Kelvin Bender

9 3B Chris Ludwick

Yesterday, Dave rejected the idea of letting Kyle start over him, but coach didn't budge. He had to remind him who it was that pitched a perfect game and who had more days rest. Coach did say Dave would be the first choice coming out of the bullpen though, in order to cheer him up.