447 Game @ Servite (7) (1/2)

Top of the fifth started with our bottom three: Jason, Alex, and now Tanner. Jason didn't start us off on the right foot by striking out, but Alex crushed one into the outfield fence for a double to liven up the dugout. Tanner moved to the batter's box as Noah took over the on deck circle.

I stood by the entrance, helmet on, bat in hands, eager for another at-bat.

"Do you think they'll keep Sanchez in since they have a lead?" I heard Garret asked. I turned around to see who he was talking to, only to find him looking down at me.

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"Just tell me what you think." Garret said with a smile.

I blinked. My brain went empty as my thoughts were nonexistent. "I don't really think about the opposing team's pitching tactics."

Garret laughed, patting my shoulder. "Typical of a batting prodigy."

I blushed.

"No need to be shy." He laughed some more.

I looked down, studying my cleats. "I don't think that has anything to do with it. I'm sure other good batters have thoughts on this kind of thing. I'm just...too new to baseball. It's good enough for me if the pitcher can get it over the plate for me to hit."

Garret stopped laughing. "Sometimes I forget that you haven't played on a team before. Sorry."

I shook my head. "It's okay. It doesn't hurt."

Garret patted the top of my helmet. "You're a very peculiar kid."

I was going to ask what he meant by that, but a collective sigh from the dugout had me turning back to the field. Tanner popped out to the third baseman, Alex couldn't advance a base either. Noah moved to the batter's box and I stepped out to the on deck circle.

I lightly swung my bat back and forth, anxious for Noah to get a hit. Or a walk. A walk would do. I just want a chance after last inning.

Noah was patient for once, letting the first pitch pass for a ball. It was an outside fastball. The next one came inside. Way inside. Noah jumped back to avoid ball two.

I squatted in place, holding my bat between my legs. He was halfway to an earning a walk. Just as I was hoping for a walk, Sanchez threw a breaking ball into the zone, getting Noah to swing and miss. I gripped my bat extra tight. The fourth pitch was fouled back by Noah.

"Way to get a piece of it Noah!" Garret cheered the loudest from the dugout. "Stay calm! You've got this!"

That woke me up. I need to be more like Garret. I need to cheer for Noah to get a hit. I cleared my throat, trying to find the words to yell out, but came up empty handed.

Noah, on the other hand, succeeded. Sanchez tried beating him with just speed, but Noah started his swing earlier than normal, making a solid connection. It was a line drive down the first baseline.

Drop. Drop. Drop.

The right fielder made a dive at it, but the ball snuck through, rolling to the outfield fence. Noah, who was already running, easily made it to second. The question was whether Alex could make it to home before the tag. The throw came in as he had rounded third base. The second baseman received and then made the turn to throw to his catcher as Alex came sliding in.

The dirt was kicked up, obscuring most of the play. It was a close one. All eyes immediately went to the umpire for the call.