255 Game: @ Porterville HS 5 (2/2)
The position players had al gotten back in place as the pitcher prepared to face off with Mahki. Unexpectedly, the momentum had died with me and my non home run. Mahki popped out to the second baseman, not even giving me a chance to advance. Which was a mute point since Zeke's high fly was caught at the wall by the right fielder for out number three.
I was wondering how I could hit the ball out, yet Zeke wasn't able to, but was soon distracted by the commotion in the dugout. As soon as I walked in, the team pounced on me. I was pushed, shoved, slapped, and flat out hit multiple times before Noah and Zeke saved me.
”Hey! I know you're all excited, me included, but Jake doesn't like this remember?!” Noah had to raise his voice to be heard over the team's excitement.
”Stick to high fives.” Zeke commanded, making the team calm down.
The team listened. Kind of. As the field players started to take the field, they high-five'd the top of my head as they passed me by. Thankfully I still had my helmet on to help prevent a concussion. Zeke wasn't an exception. He patted my helmet then jogged out as well.
”You were robbed!” Noah sighed as I replaced my helmet with my cap. I grabbed my glove as we moved out to the field. ”That was definitely a home run. I can't believe the umpire screwed us over like that.”
I shrugged, not caring too much. Zeke had already said I did well and not to overthink it. ”It's okay. Everyone still scored. There'll be other chances.”
Noah let out a laugh. ”Right, right! There are a few more schools up in the mountains like this. You'll get it next time. Heck, you still might have a chance this game too if you get another at bat.”
”What do the mountains have to do with anything?” I asked in confusion as we stopped by second base. Dave was warming up and Julian was rolling out grounders to Jason.
”It's the high altitude.” Noah rolled his eyes. ”You're still a newbie when it comes to things like this. But in high altitudes, the ball will travel further thanks to the low atmospheric pressure. Just like you have trouble breathing in the thin air, the ball has less resistance.”
My eyes widen and my eyebrows shot up. ”What? Really? I just thought I had a good connection with a fast swing.”
Noah laughed. ”That helped too. What would have been best, was if there was replay like in the pros. Then we could have confirmed your home run for all to see.”
”Ten seconds.” The umpire called out, letting us know that the balls used for warmups needed to be returned.
I backed up to the proper spot for a second baseman, putting some distance between me and Noah as we got ready to face the first batter. Dave had shut down all nine batters in order and now we were back to the top of the lineup.
I turned real quick to check the scoreboard to confirm our 7-0 lead. While looking, I could see Zeke in center field, ready for anything. The sight of him reminded me of his last at bat...a fly out. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal.
...but after Noah talk about the ball being able to fly further in high altitude, I started to have second thoughts again. I hit the ball out of the park. Technically. Zeke...didn't. His hit didn't even make it to the fence like mine did. There was only a few feet difference, but still. He's better. He's taller. He's stronger. He could hit balls out of a bigger park without any difficulty. So with the low altitude it should have gone even further..?