278 Game: @ Lassen Union HS 3 (1/2)

I jogged back to my dropped bat, picked it up and hurried back to the dugout with my head down.

”Don't mind it.” Mahki patted over my helmet as he strode to the batters box.

Don't mind? How can I not? Batting is the only time I feel like I belong.

”Jake. Hold up.” Coach greeted me as soon as I walked into the dugout. ”Come here for a second.”

I shuffled over to him, still keeping my head down, a little afraid to make eye contact.

I heard a sigh, then watched coach's knees bend to bring him eye level with me. ”Son, don't get down on yourself. That was a good hit down the line. It's just unlucky that the third baseman was playing closer to the line. Maybe if it was also faster, it could have gotten through. But no matter. The play is already done. All you can do now is look up and look forward to your next at bat.”

I tilted my head up, not too surprised that Coach knew what I was thinking.

He smiled, and straightened up. ”Glad you're understanding the game a bit better.” He thought for a moment. ”You didn't think I was speaking to you when I told the team to 'come out swinging', did you?”

I looked up, not clearly understanding what he was asking. He said to come out swinging, Noah showed me that the pitcher was fast, so I came to the conclusion to swing at the first pitch I liked.

Coach let out a sigh with a little chuckle. ”Jake, you have confidence in your own batting don't you?”

I nodded. ”For the most part.” If it was the cages, then I would be 100% confident.

”Then you don't really have to listen to my speeches when it comes to hitting.”

”But...you're the coach.” I frowned.

”I know. And as your coach, there isn't much I can teach you when it comes to hitting. You have a good eye, an almost mechanical swing, and you have the power to place the ball to where you like. The only thing I can suggest is to use your head up there a little more.”

”Oh.” I thought to what I could have done better at the plate. ”Maybe...wait for a better pitch? One that I liked?”

Coach nodded. ”Not bad. But, think about your team for a minute. They're good players, but not many high schoolers can hit a 90mph pitch with as much ease as you.”

Ok...and? I stared blankly at him, not on the same wavelength.

”Okay,” He sighed. ”Let's go with this: you're good at fouling a pitch right? Zeke had you do something similar in the beginning of the season.”

Oh! It clicked with me, finally. ”I can ramp up his pitch count!”

”Exactly.” Coach nodded, patting me on the head. ”Ramping up the pitch count will not only make him physically tired, but it can add mental stress on a pitcher. That may cause him to slip up and fall apart.”

”Out!” The home plate umpire's voice made us turn in unison. We watched as Mahki shook his head in disappointment and headed back to the dugout.

”Okay, kid, go grab your glove.” Coach patted my helmet a few more times. ”Lesson time is over. Go out there and give the pitchers some support today.”