374 Game: @ Redwood HS 1 (1/2)
Redwood High School was definitely named after its surroundings. The school had giant trees towering over all the buildings. Noah was quick to tell me that these sequoia trees can grow hundreds of feet in the air. And after seeing a forest of them, I believe it.
This time we shared the bus with the girls softball team. Unlike before, when we got to watch them, this time we wouldn't. Both games had separate umpires and would start near the same time. Kyle was bummed that he couldn't see Marie pitch, and that she wouldn't get to see him pitch. Coach had given him the start with a limited pitch count again.
Like Garret had predicted, he wouldn't get the start after having a rough outing against them before. But because he did well at the plate normally, and because he destroyed them last month, Coach had put him back in the outfield.
1 SS Noah Atkins
2 2B Jake Hollander
3 LF Garret Knudsen
4 CF Zeke Atkins
5 1B Julian Wilson
6 3B Jason Morris
7 RF Mahki Holstrom
8 C Alex Farrell
9 P Kyle Atkins
”You boys know what to do.” Coach told us after warmups and before the game officially started. ”I know we won before but I shouldn't have to remind you of the score. We're sending out a new pitcher, and I'm sure they will too. You also have to be diligent in defense.” He looked at me. ”What are the three B's?”
I gulped, slightly hating him for putting me on the spot. Seeing that the team was waiting for my answer, I cleared my throat. ”Ball. Base. Backup.”
”Awe! Bambi is all grown up!” Dave practically tackled me, using his good hand to swing me around like he was showing me off to the team. The guys all laughed and even Coach cracked a smile.
”Hey! Stop that!” Noah pulled me away to safety. ”Coach, can't we send Dave to the bullpen? He's just a distraction here.”
”Nope.” Coach answered. ”He's in charge of pitch count. Kelvin will be helping me deliver signs to Alex and Kyle for called pitches. Julian is back in the lineup. And for the rest of the bench-” He looked around to make eye contact. ”I want all of them to be mentally ready to go in at anytime for any reason. Either for pinch-hitting, pinch-running, or for unexpected injuries.”
”Yes, Sir!” They responded.
”Noah, Jake, and Garret, get your stuff on and watch the pitcher warmup.” Coach told us. ”He won't throw his best, but at least you'll get to look at his pitching mechanics for a little bit.”
”Yes!” Noah and Garret answered. I gave a nod.
The three of us went to put on helmets and grab our bats. The two of them were pulling on their batting gloves as we all stood by the dugout entrance. The opposing team had yet to take the field.
”Happy to be back in the number one position.” Noah grinned.
”Well you are doing better.” Garret told him. ”A hit a game. Keep it up.” He patted Noah on his helmet.
Noah looked at me. ”You too! It's been awhile since your last hitless game, so I'm sure you're breaking records.”
I felt my face heat up.
”He's for sure breaking records.” Garret stated firmly. ”The reporter at your house on Saturday was talking about with Coach. He really wants to interview Jake. I think he was saying that you're breaking most of the freshman records for the league.”
”That makes sense.” Noah nodded. ”Not many freshmen get picked for varsity and if they do, they're usually pitchers or coming off the bench.”
”Or they're like you.” Garret smirked.
”Hey! What's that supposed to mean??” Noah looked disgruntled.
They started to bicker, yet I could tell it was all a joke. Both of them started to insult one another with smiles on their faces. It's weird to think that just over a month ago, I would be worried about this.
”Are you guys paying attention or not?” A calm voice said from behind us, but it gave me goosebumps. Coach had finished talking to the rest of the team and now Zeke stood behind us with his own bat and helmet.