283 Game: @ Lassen Union HS 8 (1/2)

Bryce was an excellent batter. I mean, he has to be in order to make the varsity team as a sophomore. But also, I feel like he had proven himself against Durham Prep. As for his performance against University? I couldn't hold it against him when I couldn't do any better.

Against the Lassen Union relief pitcher, he showed off more of his energy, swinging violently at anything close. On a 1-2 count, he connected and sent a hard grounder between third and short, safely making it to first base. The team clapped for him as it was our first hit against this pitcher.

Noah was quick to follow up with a single of his own, pushing Bryce to second.

I came up to the plate with two on and no outs. I should avoid grounders to avoid any double play balls. I need to get this ball to the outfield. I stepped into the batter's box and faced the pitcher. He wasn't as fast as Ricky, but he had more control over his pitches, aiming for difficult spots.

As my at-bat progressed, I was slightly amazed that Bryce and Noah were both abled to get hits. Not that I think I'm completely superior to them, but I had more practice when it came to batting. I could hit every pitch in a batting cage.

On a fastball down the middle, but came inside to the lefty's box, I swung, struggling to get the timing right. My back shoulder dipped as I swung through, messing up my steady swing. I popped the ball up, high in the air. The shortstop came in, called for it, and caught it with ease, keeping the runners at first and second. Shoot.

I dragged my bat and my feet back to the dugout, disappointed in, what could be, my last at-bat for the game.

”Don't get so down on yourself, Jake.” Coach reminded me as I walked back in. ”You already had two good hits today, you should hold your head up high.”

I nodded, and tried to comfort myself with my own thoughts as well. We still had the lead. I didn't make any official errors. I was able to drive in one run.

”Just think: it could be worse.” Dave plopped down right next to me as I put my bat and helmet away.

”Right!” Kyle snatched my hat and tried to put it on my head, but ended up covering my eyes.

I fixed my hat and sat down properly. ”I know.”

Mahki was quick to follow in my steps, sending a high pop up to the second baseman.

”At least you're doing better than Mahki.” Dave shook his head in a way that let me know he was feeling sorry for him.

”Yep.” Kyle agreed. ”This will be two games in a row that he hasn't gotten a hit.”

I frowned. ”But, that happens. Noah and Coach talked to me about this before. He's just in a slump, right?”

”It's a bad time for him to be in a slump.” Dave mumbled to me as Mahki came back in the dugout. He waited for him to pass by and go to his own spot before whispering, ”He's already signed a letter of intent with San Francisco University, but wanted to negotiate for a higher paying scholarship. Being on a winning team won't be enough for him. He has to produce some astounding numbers. Like when Zeke homered a couple of times in one game. Attention-grabbing statistics like that.”

Oh. That's tough. Yet...somehow...that made my worries even smaller. I didn't have to impress a college for any reason. All I had to do was make sure that the Atkins, Coach, and the team were satisfied with my playing. Even then, Mr. Atkins said I wouldn't let them down if I made one bad play or had a bad game. They would still accept me.

”Out!” The home plate ump did the motion, signaling that Garret struck out. What a waste of baserunners again.