180 Game One: Sunset Preparatory 2 (1/2)
There wasn't much time to do anything else but to relax. I made sure my shoes were tied and my glove was ready to go for warmups. Then I took off Mr. Atkins jacket and stuffed it into my bag, but I was going to keep my sweatshirt on until I got warm. With my spare time, I looked over my bat and made sure there weren't any cracks or dents I would have to worry about in my first at bat.
Coach really does switch up the lineup every chance he gets. I wonder if Noah's hits encouraged coach to let him hit right before Zeke? I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to bat after Noah, but at least this time I felt more prepared to go up first, knowing that it's all so I can get the most at bats.
In this tournament, we were one of the lowest ranked teams so we would have to be the visitors for every game. Which means having the dugout on the first base side (unless the home team says otherwise) and having to bat first. So even if we were winning, we get to bat the full seven innings.
An hour before game time we started to go through our whole warmup process. We took turns using the field with the other team to practice fielding and throwing. There was a batting cage in the outfield that we also switched off with the other team, making sure to get batting practice in.
Once properly warmed up, I took off my sweatshirt and replaced my hat with my helmet.
”Do your best!” Noah handed me my bat. ”I'll be right behind you.” He started to put on his own batting gear.
I left him with a nod and stepped out of the dugout. I surveyed the field filled with Sunset Prep players, doing last minute warmups so their pitcher could throw some practice pitches off the mound. I studied him as he threw a few well placed pitches with speed towards the strike zone.
Finally the umpire called for the balls to be thrown back in, and for me to step up to the plate. For the majority of my hits, I've hit left-handed so with Zeke's advice, I got back in the lefty's box.
As I looked for a safe place to hit the ball, I couldn't help but notice how tall the infielders were and how they offered no gaps to hit through. Popping it over their heads would be a bit difficult given their heights. I got into a comfortable stance to watch the first pitch.
The right-handed pitcher came at me with a curveball that looked to be outside, but it would definitely drop into the strike zone. I tightened my grip and met the ball with my bat as fast as I could, sending it down the first baseline. I dropped my bat at the end of the swing and took off after it.
The first baseman dove but to no avail. The ball snuck past him and the right fielder came in to field it. I safely tagged first, not bothering to round the bag since I had no chance for second.
”One, two, three!”
”BAMBI!” My dugout yelled at me from barely ten feet away, making me flinch. That only resulted in the team laughing some more.
Coach Luis didn't say anything but gave a pat on my helmet to let me know I did well. Mahki stepped up to the plate, and I saw Noah move to the on deck circle, with Zeke in the hole.
Mahki tried swinging on the first pitch like me, but ended up whiffing for strike one. He tried to defend the plate, swinging at anything close, but ended up sending a high fly ball to left field, not giving me any chance to advance.