347 Game: @ Etna H.S. 2 (2/2)

The pitcher started wild, getting three balls before throwing a called strike. On a 3-1 count, Jason swung his bat, getting under the ball, he popped it up, nice and high. Just...not very far. The first baseman had to only take two steps back before making the catch.

Garret moved to the batter's box and I moved to the on deck circle.

”Jake, come back for a second.” Coach called out. i backtracked and stood before him and Zeke. ”I forgot to tell you, you don't have to worry about pitch count today. Just aim for hits on any first good pitch you see.”

I tilted my head. ”So, I shouldn't foul?”

”Not unless you really have to.” Zeke expanded. ”Don't force yourself to hit a bad pitch, but you don't have to work so hard to make the pitcher tired.”

”Oh. Okay.” I didn't question their suggestions and they didn't explain any further, so I went back to the on deck circle.

Garret was on a 2-2 count, and just as I started to take a practice swing, he hit the next pitch to right field for a single.

I moved to the plate and glanced back at Zeke, who had moved to the on deck circle. He gave me a single nod as if that was supposed to be encouragement. I guess for him, it could be. I stepped into the lefty's box and moved my bat back, ready to swing. Today's pitcher wasn't overly impressive with his lack of speed and the lack of movement. If anything, it reminds me of batting practice. When a coach will just throw live balls at you to work on a swing.

With the left field playing laying close to left center, I knew what I wanted to do. Hit to the opposite field so the ball can go down the third baseline. It just so happens that the first pitch given to me was hitable. Barely 75mph, I swear. I made my move and swung at the ball, connecting with it the way I wanted to. The third baseman tried to jump for it but it was perfect. It dropped in the grass and rolled to the outfield fence.

I dropped the bat as soon as I saw it clear the third baseman, then sprinted. With the way the left fielder was playing towards center, I should have a chance for second base, so I rounded first base instead of running straight through. I wanted this double. The outfielder had it in hand and was making the throw to his shortstop. By the time he received it, I was panting, trying to catch my breath, while standing on second. Yes! A standup double. With no need to slide. I stood proudly on the bag with a small smile on my face.

With a look, I spotted Garret on third...he didn't make a run for home? Well, I guess with Zeke up, it's better to play it safe. Zeke could easily drive us in.

Zeke stepped up to bat, and got set after the pitcher was given the ball. He didn't swing on the first pitch like me, but instead let two pass by for balls. On the 2-0 count, the pitcher threw a curve falling into the strike zone. Zeke swung, and pulled the ball between second and third. The shortstop made a diving grab at it, freezing me on second. He looked on as Garret ran straight to home plate, and then decided to get the for sure out at first base. 1-0, us.

Mahki stepped up next, but couldn't produce any more for our offense this inning. He grounded out to the second baseman, leaving me stranded.

I jogged back to the dugout and started to change out my gear alongside Noah. He had his helmet on and bat in hand, but didn't get a chance this inning. We switched to baseball hats and gloves before joining our teammates on the field.

”You look oddly happy.” Noah poked me.

I smiled proudly. ”I didn't have to slide.”

Noah laughed. ”That's something weird to be happy about.”

I stuck my tongue out at him. That's just because he doesn't know what it's like to suck like me.

Bottom of the first inning, Kyle took the mound with our new catcher, Alex, behind the plate. Kyle came out fast and strong, but not wild. The first batter hit a grounder towards me that was easy to field. The second batter grounded out to Jason at third. Then Kyle got the third batter to strikeout, swinging. Effective and efficient. He must be taking his pitch count seriously. He didn't throw one ball outside the strike zone.