202 Game Three: University Preparatory H.S. 1 (1/2)

”Kid, did you stay up too late watching tv or something?” Mr. Miller asked me as I placed my bag on the bench in our dugout.

”Nope.” Noah answered before I could even think of how to reply. ”We both went to bed no later than 10pm. Mom and Dad can attest to that. Jake was already dressed before I woke up though.” We organized our bags and started to put on our cleats. ”Has coach came out with a lineup yet?”

Mr. Miller glanced at me, seeing that I had nothing to add, he answered Noah. ”He's still making adjustments. He'll finalize it by the middle of warmups.”

”Has he decided on a pitcher yet?” Noah finished tying his shoes. ”I mean, someone's gotta start warming up, right?”

”Worry about yourself.” Garret came over and pushed Noah down to sit on the bench. ”Let the coaches worry about that. We, as players, should be trying to focus on getting to peak condition for the game.” He caught sight of me. ”Jake is a prime example of not being in peak condition. He doesn't even look like he's in good condition.” He reached for me and I dodged, taking a few giant steps back.

I bumped into a body, causing more panic from within. I hopped out of the way, grabbing onto the dugout fence, trying to get my heart to settle back down. A few stares were directed at me, however they kept their distance. Except for one. Noah. He got up, concern written all over his face.

”Jake? You feeling okay? It's one thing to look nervous, but you're acting extra skittish today.” Noah approached me carefully, like I would run if he got too close. Which, not gonna lie, sounded like a great idea. Running would relieve some of this pent us anxiety.

”I just had some trouble sleeping so I'm a little on edge.” I mumbled as I avoided eye contact.

”I would be too, if I had to play University Prep.” Kyle said from nearby. He wore his uniform to be like the team, but he was able to stay bundled up under a sweatshirt and a jacket AND a blanket. Lucky.

”You're such a pessimist.” Mahki said from beside him, also under the same blanket. It was really cold this morning. ”Have some more faith. Last year we couldn't even get past game one with Zeke and now we're in game three, trying to make it to the finals.”

Noah grinned. ”All thanks to me.”

A round of 'boo's' and 'yea, rights' broke out in the dugout, loosening up the atmosphere.

”Okay, go warmup you goofs.” Mr. Miller waved us out.

I was the first one to exit. I sprinted to the outfield, where we would usually start our warmups. Of course, that doesn't mean I was the first one out there. Almost everyone on the team was faster than me and easily caught up and then beat me to the line. I didn't mind. It's not like I was trying to race them. I just wanted to exert some of my nervousness.

With Zeke sitting out, Mahki took over and led us in our warmup routine. We followed the same pattern before every game, however it felt a little different without hearing Zeke's commands. He always demanded attention to detail and more intensity. Not that Mahki didn't do the same...he just wasn't on Zeke's level.

After stretching and tossing the ball around, Coach called for James and Kelvin. Noah told me that James has been tapped to start, probably because he showed something good at the end of yesterday's game. I thought that was baseless since James did give up a home run...if he's the best we have to start with, then we really need to come out swinging.

Warmups finished and we moved to the dugout to find out the lineup for the game. Coach had taped it to the fence before he went to meet with the opposing coach and umpire at home plate to exchange lineups.

1 SS Noah Atkins

2 2B Jake Hollander

3 CF Mahki Holstrom

4 LF Garret Knudsen

5 1B Julian Wilson

6 RF Sean Isner

7 3B Daniel Myers

8 C Kelvin Bender

9 P James Lohr

Ah. So Mahki would be taking over Zeke's spot on the field, and Garret would be taking over his spot in the batting order. The two of them still don't equal a Zeke, but I guess that's the best lineup Coach could come up with.

Noah excitedly got his helmet on, tugged on his batting gloves, and held his bat with pride. If he moved twice as fast, I moved twice as slow. I set my helmet and bat on the bench, trying to see if they were any different from yesterday.

”What are you looking at?” Noah peered down at me. ”It's almost game time, get the helmet on.”

I did as I was told, then picked up my wooden bat.