253 Game: @ Porterville HS 3 (1/2)

Dave was a bit behind getting on the mound since he was the last batter, but it wasn't like we could play without him. The umpire still gave him adequate time to throw some pitches off the mound.

Dave looked to be completely comfortable and not at all worried about Marie's pitching stats. He came out strong, aiming at some good spots in the strike zone. The first Porterville batter up, went down swinging on three pitches. The next batter was also quick to swing, but it just meant quick to get out since all he did was hit a pop fly to Noah. The third batter up, saw the most pitches, getting to a 2-2 count, before grounding out right to Noah.

When we got back to the dugout, the team clapped and congratulated Dave on a three up, three down inning. Noah and I moved to get our helmets on and bats ready. He would be up third, and if someone can get on base, I would get a chance to hit too.

”If you do all the fielding, I won't even break a sweat.” I laughed to Noah, keeping my voice low.

Noah cracked a smile. ”Let's just hope Dave can stay this efficient. That wasn't even ten pitches.” He turned to watch Tony step up to bat. ”If we can also score two runs an inning while not giving up any, we can mercy rule them too. Be even with the girls.”

I smiled. It's good to hear that he wasn't too worried about me to forget about what he originally wanted to do. It felt kind of fun having something to compete for. Wait. ”What do we even win if we win the bet?” I asked.

”Bragging rights.” Noah grinned. ”What's more important than that?”

Uhhhh. Good question. What would we even want from the girls team? I studied the wooden bat in my hands. ”We could also ask for homemade cookies.” I suggested.

Noah brightened up, eyes opening wide. ”Yes! Great idea!”

I looked up and smiled, glad he thought so too.

Sadly, the inning didn't go like the first. Tony grounded out to short. Kelvin struck out swinging. And Noah hit a slow roller right to the first baseman, who easily scooped it up and tagged the base before the speedster could even get there.

Noah sighed as he joined me at our bags, putting our helmets away. ”That was a little pathetic, but no worries. We can bounce back. Right?”

I nodded. Then followed him onto the field.

Dave continued to be effective on the mound in the bottom of the second inning too. Again, he didn't have to use any more than ten pitches. Their supposed cleanup hitter, hit a high fly towards center field only for Zeke to come in to make the catch. The fifth batter hit a hard grounder to Noah, who cleanly fielded to Julian on first. The third out of the inning was a long fly ball to Tony in right field. He had to back up for it, but it barely made it to the warning track before the outfield fence. Still 2-0.

This time no one congratulated Dave. They just let him be. He strolled into the dugout and everyone avoided him and gave him space to be alone.

”He's in the zone.” Noah said, bouncing in his seat excitedly like a little kid. I slipped my helmet on and grabbed my bat. ”Do him justice out there, Jake!”

I let out a small laugh as I made my way out. The pitcher didn't change, and had finished his warmup. I always wondered why coaches didn't pull pitchers as soon as they started out shaky. Was it already the best they could send out? Did they feel like they could catch up to the 2-0 score? Did the second inning give me them assurance that he calmed down? I couldn't be a coach. There were so many factors at play and decisions to be made. Heck, it was already hard for me just being a player.