250 The Softball Team 5 (1/2)

All three of them climbed up to join us, not bothered by Noah's demanding tone. They sat in the row below us and faced our way, creating a mini huddle of our own.

”What are you guys talking to each other about?” Noah asked, curious as to why they all came even though he only summoned Kyle.

”Pitching. Coach will definitely pick one of us as the starter.” Kyle said.

”He didn't give any hints on Friday?” Noah asked.

Garret sighed. ”Practice was canceled, remember? He hasn't even give any hints on the bus either. He just told all the pitchers to warm up properly. He'll announce the bullpen after normal warmups.”

”A certain somebody just had to say any pitcher.” Dave groaned, sending a glare at Noah. ”At least if it was one of us three, I would feel more assured.”

Noah scrunched up his nose. Then rubbed it. ”Well. It's gotta be one of you, right? Garret had already done his three day rest, and both of you are set in the rotation. Plus, how good can she really be?”

The three juniors went quiet.

”Dude. You really don't pay attention to school announcements, do you?”

Noah shrugged. ”Jake and I just talk. It's the same thing all the time. Community service hours. Tutoring. Boring stuff.”

Kyle smacked Noah's knee. ”You dope. They announce sports stuff too like scores, tryouts, and most importantly personal achievements. They have even spoke about us the day after every game. They do the same for every sport. I swear...Mom would be so upset if she knew you two weren't paying attention in class.”

I looked away, guilty. I vaguely remember some announcements, especially when the say something about the baseball team. But, that's just embarrassing, to hear someone compliment you to the whole school.

”What does this have to do with the softball team?” Noah asked, exasperated.

”If you just listened to the announcements, you would know that the softball team is undefeated. They haven't lost a game yet. Not even in their preseason tournaments.” Garret explained. ”Marie is not only their captain, ace pitcher, and cleanup hitter, she's ranked third in our county. Basically a female Zeke, if you will.”

”Beating her in pitching stats will be damn near impossible.” David sighed.

”She doesn't always pitch the full game though.” Kyle said. ”If her coach pulls her out after two or three innings and if we can last longer, there's a chance. As for batting stats?” He looked to me. ”Jake's will be doubled. So I'm positive we can beat them in that aspect.”

A bat connected with a ball, sending a ringing sound around the field. The three juniors turned to look as we watched the softball team's lead off hitter reach safely.

”Please don't tell me that Porterville's softball team is one of the worst.” Garret sighed.

”More like our school is one of the best.” Dave snorted. He clapped Kyle on the back. ”If you're starting, come out strong and try to picture another perfect game.”