450 Game @ Servite (END) (1/2)

Garret was up next. He wasn't spectacular today like other times where he would shine the brightest. Instead, he was scraping by on the mound and struggling at the plate. Even with the change in pitchers, he ended up flying out to center field. I was confident enough to tag up and advance a base like some of the faster players would have done.

With one out, and me on second, I was excited to see Zeke up next. This is it! This is where we take the lead! Zeke stepped into the batter's box, yet the catcher stood up. Then to my dismay, he stretched out his hand away from Zeke...calling for an intentional ball.

I started to stress. What to do? I looked towards Mr. Miller for help or assistance, but all he could do was stand there and watch. It's not like he could tell the pitcher to face Zeke head on.

After four pitches, Zeke was granted a walk. He tossed his bat to our dugout and jogged down the line to first base as Julian stepped up. He looked down the third baseline to check with Mr. Miller.

Seeing him do that, I looked as well. Mr. Miller only faced Julian as he did some hand motions: a tap on the chest, on the head, sliding a hand down his arm, tapping his hip. It took me a minute to decipher, then my heart started to pound in my chest.

Keep calm, keep calm; don't give anything anyway.

I watched as Julian acknowledged the signs by tipping his helmet to Mr. Miller, then he got ready in the batter's box. The pitcher nodded at his catcher's signs before checking on me and Zeke.

Once I saw him face Julian again, I started to inch off the bag. I tried my best to channel my 'inner-Noah' but the fear of baserunning still had me scared stiff. Especially, with Mr. Miller calling for a hit-and-run on the first pitch.

My hands were drenched with sweat. I peeked at the second baseman and the shortstop, trying to measure out the best lead I could get. As soon as the pitcher releases the ball, I'll have to take off.

The pitcher glanced back at me again. I froze. He turned back to Julian and started his motion, skipping a complete windup. As soon as I saw him release the ball, I took off. I pumped my arms and dig my feet in with every step. Then I heard a solid 'ding!' Please don't be a double play ball. I lifted my head to look at Mr. Miller for help. He was waving me on aggressively, using his arm to make a windmill motion. He wants me to go home!

As I tagged third, the crowd was roaring. It felt like everyone was yelling: players, coaches, fans, and families. I pushed myself a little harder.

"Down!"

"Go down!"

"Slide!"

"Jake!"

Everyone was screaming all at once.

My eyes focused on the catcher blocking the plate. Mahki was just a few feet to the side. "It's going over! Go inside! Slide inside!" As he yelled, the catcher was jumping up for the ball. Seeing the opening, I slid in, hands and head first, for home plate. My hands scraped across the dirt before sliding over the plate. I definitely beat the tag!

I only felt a half second of relief before the catcher came crashing down on me. "Ah!" I let out a yelp when I felt a sharp pain in my forearm.

Gasps and grunts could be heard, mixed in the cheers.

I tried my best to roll away from the catcher, struggling to catch my breath from all that running.

"Jake!"

"Jake!"

"Jake!"

So many people were yelling my name. But it wasn't the homecoming I was looking for. I was surrounded my worried, familiar faces. Noah was there first. Then Mahki, Coach, Drew, Mr. Miller and an umpire.

I gave a small smile. "I'm okay, we're in the lead again."

Craziness ensued as Coach turned to the umpire and started yelling. "That was a dangerous play by the catcher! What did he think would happen by jumping on my player?! Is he purposely trying to take him out of the game?!"

All I felt was confusion. What? What's happening?

"Jake." Drew called out to me calmly, holding out a small towel. "Give me your arm." He stretched out and covered my right arm, but the blood started to seep through, turning the towel red. "Let's go sit down so I can examine you."

Numb by all the red, I gave a nod. Drew walked beside me, leading me back to our dugout very slowly. Noah hovered on my other side, not speaking a word. Mahki stayed near Coach as he ripped into the umpire.

"Jake! Are you okay??" Garret jumped up to ask when we got back.

"Why is there so much blood? Did he tear an artery?? Geez!" Kyle exclaimed.

All their excitement started to make me dizzy.

"Back up. All of you!" Drew commanded. The team listened and gave us space. Drew had me sit down near his medical bag. "Jake? You said you were okay. Are you in any pain?"

I shook my head. "I felt some pain when he came down, but now it just aches."

"Should I go get my parents?" Noah asked from the side in a small voice.

"Yes." Drew nodded. "This will definitely require a hospital visit." Noah bolted out of here like he was stealing a base. Drew looked at me. "Can you move your wrist? In a circular motion?" I complied. "Does that hurt?"