196 Game Two: Durham Preparatory 9 (2/2)

Noah rolled his eyes. ”Oh lord. Fine. You stay on the fence. I'll be the optimist and my good thoughts to the universe will push us to the win.”

This time it was my turn to roll my eyes. The universe talk again? I sighed, shook my head and walked back to my spot. Noah could really give me a headache sometimes.

James was done warming up and it was time to get back to defense. He picked up where Bryce left off, facing against the sixth batter. The sixth batter had struggled all day and luckily it continued as James was able to strike him out for the first out of the inning.

I peeked over at Noah and he was already looking at me. When he caught sight of me glancing over, he pumped his fist to show he was happy with the first out. I stifled a laugh. What a weirdo.

James faced the next batter. I got set, hoping for a double play even though it would require me not to mess up. However, the ball never comes when you're ready for it. Unless your Noah...who's ready for anything all the time. To the horror of me, the team, and our fans, the seventh batter hit a long, high fly. The kind that goes over the outfield fence and clears the bases. 9-3.

I gulped. That's a big difference from needing two of three runs to tie up the game.

”Don't mind, don't mind!” Noah hollered for the infield to hear. ”What's another few runs? Next batter, James! Contact us good. Better than walking and giving up free bases.”

My lips twitched. Noah really was fulfilling his role as the optimist. But really...down by six..? I sighed.

”No sighing!” Noah yelled making me jump. ”All of you! Heads up!” He clapped his glove a couple of times. Okay maybe he's totally immersed in his role of an optimist. If he's treating it like it's not impossible to catch up, then I'll believe in him.

After a look around at my teammates, I could see that Noah's words had reached them and they no longer looked down. Instead, everyone faced the next batter, ready for the next play. I followed their lead and got set as well, but I wasn't needed. James got the remaining two outs by getting the batters to hit grounders to Noah. Noah was smooth, quick, and efficient with his fielding, looking more like an upperclassmen with experience.

Getting back to the dugout, he kept the atmosphere light. ”We haven't lost yet. Instead of thinking of three outs till we lose, I want everyone to think seven more runs so we can play again tomorrow!”

”We don't need you to tell us that!” Garret pushes down on Noah's head. ”Silly freshman. We've done a few more rally's than you have so just sit down and watch.”

I laughed to myself as they started to bicker. I put on my helmet and grabbed my bat. I was up first this inning to start us off.