413 Game VS Servite (2) (1/2)

"Honestly thought you were going to trip." Kyle told me as I passed by him.

"Did I look that unsteady?" I stopped to ask.

Kyle laughed. "Whenever the ball goes to you, you look unsteady."

I felt my face warm up and quickly left him for my bag.

"Don't listen to Kyle. He's just as nervous as you, if not more." Noah told me as I took off my hat.

I put on my helmet and grabbed my bat. "What if I really do trip next time? It's like he's jinxing me!"

Noah laughed. "Now you're a believer?" He waved me away. "If you fall, just roll with it and laugh it off. The only thing that matters is the score in the end." His eyes narrowed. "But if you drop the ball, we're going to have some problems."

My shoulders stiffened.

"Jake! Get out there!" Dave called for me. He was in the dugout since he wouldn't be able to pitch today.

"I'm just messing with ya." Noah laughed at my face. "Go. I've got some time before my at-bat."

I moved to the on deck circle. Garret was already in the batter's box, working the count against the pitcher. I thought it was interesting that Coach put Garret in the leadoff spot when he's a lefty going up against a lefty that has multiple breaking balls. The pitcher threw a curve just as I was thinking that, only for Garret to connect and send a hard line drive to center. He took off running.

Just as it looked like the ball would hit the grass, the center fielder made a diving catch, getting the first out.

"Awe man."

"That was well hit."

"Yea, Garret's one of the best players on the team."

"Not as good as Zeke though."

I could hear some murmurs from the crowd and it made me feel tense. So many people today.

"Relax." Zeke came out of the dugout to stand in the circle. "Block it out. It's just chatter." He patted my shoulder and pushed me lightly towards the box.

I made my move, holding a hand up to signal for timeout as I put my back foot in the righty's box. It was soft, as expected. Three of the Servite batter's had already made the box a sandpit. After getting comfortable footing, I put my hands on my bat and pulled it back.

Sanchez came out faster than other pitchers we've been facing. It almost felt like the guy from University Prep. Except, his placement and location seemed to be lacking. The curve had good movement...I probably could still hit it from the lefty's box. The slider might be too much though.

I fouled the first three pitches that were in or near the zone. Then Sanchez moved his location further out for back-to-back balls. I let them pass. 2-2. The next pitch was close enough for me to foul. Then another ball. Then another. He walked me.

I tossed my bat lightly to the dugout and jogged to first. Coach Luis has raised eyebrows, probably wondering why I didn't drag it out. After Monday's game against OLU, I decided to pay more attention to my own body's condition. If my arms felt heavy, I should accept the walk. Why force myself out? Especially with Zeke right behind me.

Zeke stepped up amidst cheers from our homestand. Everyone was pumped, like something was going to happen.