195 Game Two: Durham Preparatory 8 (1/2)

In the dugout, Troy was talking to coach and Zeke, while Mahki stepped up to bat. With Dave out and Troy as his replacement, he should have been grabbing a helmet and bat to go to the on deck circle. Yet, after a few seconds he went to sit down.

”Bryce!” Coach looked down the dugout and spoke out to a sophomore next to some of the pitchers that weren't sent to the bullpen. ”Grab a bat. You'll pinch hit.”

Bryce, at six feet towered over me, jumped up. ”Will I get to pitch too?”

”You haven't even warmed up.” Coach frowned.

”I'll warm up properly after my at-bat.” Bryce replied as he put on his helmet and grabbed his bat.

Coach's frown remained. ”We'll see what you can do at the plate first. Get out there and take some practice swings. Stretch.”

Bryce hurried out with a giant smile in place.

”This will be his varsity debut.” Noah whispered to me.

I nodded. That sounded about right. He was a sophomore this year so he couldn't have played last year as a freshman. I know this because I remember Noah making a big deal about being the first freshman on the team for Watsonville in more than a few years. Even Zeke didn't make the team as a freshman. And I know Bryce hasn't played this year yet.

”He can hit even though he pitches?” I asked quietly.

Noah gave me a look, making me feel embarrassed. ”Of course. Not everyone is like the twins. Just look at Garret. He can pitch well and get hits. Bryce is a bit like him. Bryce also plays outfield, but with our lineup now, it's kind of hard to put him in.”

”I see.” I peeked down to where Troy was sitting with a few other seniors. ”What about Troy?”

Noah scrunched up his nose. ”What about him?”

”Why is he getting replaced so soon? He came out hot and throws some nice curves.”

Noah sighed. ”He's strictly a relief pitcher. He doesn't like hitting. He doesn't throw more than 30 or so serious pitches so he would never be able to be a starter.”