314 Game: VS OLU 2 (1/2)

Warmups led by Zeke was always filled with the same high intensity as a practice. I was sweating even after taking off my sweatshirt before we took the field. We still had someone announced our names and positions as we took the field, but there were less cheers than normal. The only people that would come to an early baseball game on a Monday were the few parents that had a flexible schedule like the Atkins.

I ran out to my position at second after having my name called, Noah followed. Both of his parents cheered and clapped, but not just for us, but for the whole team. For every name called on our side, they made sure no one was left out.

”And representing Watsonville High on the mound, Theo Hisxon!” The announcer wrapped it up. All parents present started to clap as the game began.

Theo received the sign from Kelvin, nodded with acceptance, then threw his first pitch of the game. It was a fastball in the zone. The batter didn't hesitate to swing, making contact and sending it just over the middle to the outfield. Zeke sprinted in but only got to it after it bounced. He quickly fielded the ball and threw it to Noah as I covered second. The runner rounded first but stopped after seeing the ball get back so fast.

Shoot. A single right off the bat. Literally. One pitch and already one hit given up.

”Don't mind.” Noah yelled out for Theo to hear as he threw the ball to him. ”Let's get the next one.”

Theo gave a tense nod before turning his back on us.

I look at Noah for reassurance.

”It's still early.” He patted my head as he moved to the shortstop position and I went back to my own spot.

Theo looked shaken as he faced the second batter. His pitches started to drift away from the batter and the strike zone. Only when he made it a 3-0 count did he try and find the zone again. Unfortunately, that's what the batter was looking for. He swung his bat, quickly sending the ball in the opposite direction. My direction.

It was a hard grounder slightly to my left but definitely out of reach for Brian. I made the decision to dive at the ball, making the stop. I grabbed the ball out of my glove, turned to second to see the runner almost there. I threw it as fast as I could from the dirt. It was off. Big time.

I didn't throw the ball high enough, making Noah to try and dig it out of the dirt. There goes the double play. Then, as I watched the ball pass under Noah's glove, it continued to roll into the outfield. Both runners on first and second tried to advance.

I hurriedly got up and ran to cover second base as Noah turned to chase the ball down. By the time he got the ball and turned, it was too late...the runners had advanced safely.

My face burned as I heard the OLU dugout and bullpen cheer for their players. This one was on me. A double play had turned into runners on second and third with no outs.

”Don't mind, Jake, don't mind.” Noah was quick to comfort, but how could I not mind? I messed up.

”You're just rusty!” Jason came in as we moved to the mound to give Theo the ball. ”We all are. A week off and then a cheap doubleheader against a team that isn't good.” He looked to Theo. ”We'll get the next one, yea?”

Theo was pale in the face, hand shaking as he held the baseball. ”Maybe I should sit? I'm not doing very well. The two strikes I've thrown have been hit for singles.”

”Isn't it just one? The second was an error on me.” I offered.

”It's only been five pitches.” Brian joined our meeting on the mound. ”Do you really want Dave to take over so soon? Just look at the bullpen; he's already warming up, that asshat.”

Sure enough, Dave has just finished stretching and started to throw a few pitches off the fake mound.