395 Golden West @ Servite (5) (2/2)

The throw came from right field to the second baseman, who made a somewhat long throw to third. It looked almost further than if I threw home.

"Safe!" The ump declared.

Servite fans were ecstatic.

I turned to Noah. "Can we practice some relay throws tomorrow at the park? Like you can be the outfielder, and throw to me. Then I'll practice throwing to third base or home plate."

Noah looked surprised. "Sure, we can do that!"

This time the Servite coach didn't step out to put in another pinch hitter. He left the fifth batter to his own devices.

"No more lefties?" Noah asked.

"How many do you think there could be..?" Zeke raised an eyebrow. "How many do we have?"

"Two." Noah mumbled, eyes on the pitcher.

"And Jake isn't even a real lefty." Zeke pointed out.

We watched as the batter worked the count against Brady. 2-2, he connected. It was a fast grounder between first and second. The second baseman dived in the dirt, coming up with the ball, then threw to first. Out. Inning over.

Noah sighed. "That's too bad."

I looked at him. "Were you cheering for Servite..?"

Noah looked incredulously at me. "Of course! Remember?? I told you that Servite has to beat Golden West to even the standings. We lost to them, so we need them to lose now. And then we'll beat them the second time around so they'll have two losses. That would be best." He let out a sigh.

"It's fine." Zeke told me after glancing at us and the depression that radiated from Noah. "Even if they don't lose today, they have to play Servite again. And play us again. As long as we don't lose again, we'll win league."

"High hopes, huh?" Willie smiled back at us. "What I wouldn't give to be your age again. So hopeful and optimistic."

"Are you saying we can't do it??" Noah glared at the man.

"Of course I wouldn't say that. It's just, you boys give me the feeling of youth. Don't quit. Keep working to your dream." He turned back to the field. "A pitcher change.." He started to take notes again.

I looked to the field. Sure enough, the Servite coach was talking to his team on the mound, waiting for the pitcher to come from the bullpen. He arrived at the mound and received the ball.

"One inning too late." Willie mumbled under his breath.

"Why do you say that?" Noah asked.

Willie pointed at a name on his notepad.

"Ernest J. Williamson." Noah read aloud. His face scrunched up as a smile took over his face. "Ernest?" He busted out laughing. "What an old fashioned name."

I started to laugh too, just not as loud and as noticeable as Noah. He was attracting attention from other fans.

"Now on the mound for Servite, Ernest J. Williamson." The announcer said for everyone to hear.

Noah laughed harder. Seeing that no one else was laughing besides a few Golden West fans, I tried to contain myself.

Once Noah got a hold of himself, he poked Willie. "So? What's so special about him? Would it have made a difference if they brought him in an inning earlier?"

Willie grinned, not bothered by Noah's laughter and disruption. "He's currently the best relief pitcher in California. A bona fide closer."

"That's a little dramatic." Noah made a face. "How can you say he's the best in the whole state?"

"Because he hasn't given up a run." Zeke spoke up. "Not even to me."