255 Game: @ Porterville HS 5 (1/2)
I got into the lefty's box, dug my back foot in, and pulled my bat back. The score is only 4-0 at the top of the fourth. If we truly want that called game, then this would be the best opportunity out of any. Only one out with the bases loaded. As long as I don't pop out or ground into a double play, at least one run will score.
The pitcher was still wild, throwing me a couple of balls, pushing the count to 2-0. The third pitch didn't come right over the plate, but still in a good spot where I could guarantee to hit the ball passed the infield. The connection made my hands ache as the ball flew high and far. I took off running, watching it go.
I rounded first, as the bases started to clear, and was able to have a good look at my hit. It reached over the left fielder as he chased it down, and hit the edge of the top of the fence, bouncing back into the field. Home run? That's a home run right? When it hits the yellow line at the top of the fence, it means it's out of here!
I slowed up as I reached second. The bases really did clear up before the left fielder got the ball back to the infield. I was about to jog to third, yet the ball was thrown to the second baseman who tried to tag me with his glove. I had slowed up due to the difficulty of breathing so luckily I was still on base.
The ump extended his arms. ”Safe!”
Safe? Shouldn't I be going home? I looked to my dugout for help.
Coach and Noah were both beside the home plate umpire in seconds. Zeke pulled Noah back, said some words to him and sent him back inside the dugout.
I stood still on second, unsure of what to do.
Coach was having an intense conversation with the ump, and now the Porterville coach came out of his own dugout. I looked around to find someone to ask what was going on, but I was alone as a runner. The shortstop and second baseman joined the rest of the infield on their mound. Even the three outfielders had gathered to have their own conversation.
I sighed, feeling a little depressed for some reason.
After a couple of minutes, the umpire pointed at coach and at our dugout. I think that was the sign for a warning. Why did he just issue everyone a warning? Coach stormed back to the dugout and spoke with some of the players, who let out a few incoherent grumbles.
Zeke jogged out to me, hopefully bringing answers. First thing he did was squat a little so he could be at my eye level. He patted my helmet and let his hand rest there. ”You did well. That was a beautiful hit.”
I smiled at the compliment and felt my cheeks heat up.
”Unfortunately the umpire didn't see that it hit on top and bounced back so it wasn't ruled a home run. Just a normal hit.” He gave an extra pat. ”Don't think about it too much for now. Just know that we're happy you were able to drive in three runs.”
I nodded.
”Good. Pay attention here. Don't get caught too far off the bag, but don't just stand on it either.” He stood tall. He nodded at me and jogged back to the dugout. He relayed some words to coach before going to the on deck circle with his bat.