325 Game: @ Quincy High School 2 (1/2)
1 SS Noah Atkins
2 2B Jake Hollander
3 P Garret Knudsen
4 CF Zeke Atkins
5 C Jordan Sanders
6 LF Mahki Holstrom
7 1B Sean Isner
8 3B Chris Ludwick
9 RF Tony Perkola
”Garret, I want you to focus on pitching even though I put you in the number three spot, okay?” Coach focused on the junior across the room. ”Don't take that to mean that it's okay to strikeout, but work on transitioning.”
Garret nodded. ”Yes, sir.”
Coach looked around. ”I want everyone to warmup properly. Any slacking, and I won't hesitate to replace you, understand?” The team nodded and so did I. I wouldn't put it past Coach to bench anyone at the last second. He was always looking for ways to win regardless of who was playing. ”Zeke, lead them out. Drop the bags off in the dugout and start with some easy jogging and throwing. I'll divide you boys into two groups to take turns fielding and batting in just a bit. So make sure to stretch properly.”
Zeke stood up with his bag hanging off his shoulder. He motioned for the team to follow him out and they did. I was still tying my shoes when I noticed Coach standing nearby.
Coach had walked over to me and Noah, looking like he had something to say. ”Jake, it's high altitude here again so if you feel sick, let me or the other coaches know.”
I nodded obediently.
”Don't worry, Coach.” Noah patted his own chest. ”I'll keep an eye on him.”
The corner of Coach's lips turned up. ”I know, kid. I just don't want Jake to feel like he has to fight through it.” He looked me in the eye. ”There are a lot of good players on this team so you're not alone. Think long term. I don't want to lose one of my best hitters for a month when he needed to just take one game off, get it?”
”Got it.” I nodded again.
”Good.” He smiled. ”Now get going!”
He scared the pair of us away. I chased after Noah as he ran on ahead. He dumped his bag by the visitor dugout, grabbed his glove, and took off for the outfield where our team was. I tried my best to keep up, but felt slowed down by the heavy sweatshirt. I didn't take it off though; it was a very cool evening and the temperature was only going to drop from here on out.
It wasnt until after the warmups, that I took off the sweatshirt and put it with my bag. The team cleaned up the dugout and got settled before game time. As visitors, we would get to bat first so there wasn't a hope that I could stay warm for an extra few minutes.
Noah and I stood by the on deck circle, watching the pitcher do his warmups pitches as an announcer called out the names of the starting players taking the field.
”Now batting for Watsonville High, leadoff, shortstop, Noah Atkins.” The announcer called out last. There were a few claps as he walked to the batter's box, hinting that his parents had arrived, plus a few others. Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please clickfor visiting.
Noah dugged his back foot on and stared the pitcher down, ready for the first pitch. Or what looked to be ready. The pitcher blew three fast ones by him, getting him to swing and miss at the first two, and caught him looking for the third.
Noah dragged his feet and bat back to the dugout only minutes after leaving the on deck circle. He was certainly no match for this pitcher.
I tried to find the words to comfort him like he does me, but I wasn't as quick-witted as Noah. He was already back at the dugout and my name was being announced to come up to bat. I got in the lefty's box and eyed the righty on the mound. He was as tall as any other pitcher we've come across, and seemed a little more fit than the usual lanky kid we face.
He completed his motion and threw a fast one by me for a called strike. Definitely nearing the high 80's. I don't know if Noah just couldn't keep up or if he couldn't see it well enough. Technically I should be able to help him hit, right...?