Chapter 461 - CIF Quarterfinal Northwood HS (2) (2/2)

I lifted my bat and rest it upon my shoulder. ”Ready.”

He pat the helmet on my head. ”Good. Go get them.”

I smiled, trying not to laugh. Sometimes it felt like Noah was trying to be a mini Zeke. Very serious. Very encouraging. I moved to stand outside of the dugout just as Northwood ran out to take the field.

The stadium here had a broadcasting system and somehow we still had an announcer to call out the names of the starting members. I thought it would be a somewhat quiet game since this was a neutral location, but I guess not.

Coach and Zeke went back inside the dugout and started to talk to one another.

”I heard their pitching is really good.” Julian said to me in a low voice, stepping closer.

I nodded. I heard that too. Mr. Cameron said so. ”Undefeated.”

Julian's lips thinned out as he made a face. ”Don't get hung up on records. They don't show everything after all. For all we know, their wins could have been a difference of one run.” He glanced at the pitcher. ”Just play like you normally do. I'm sure you'll be great.”

I stiffened up. ”I can't.”

Julian swung his head back my way. ”What?!”

I leaned in, trying to get closer to him so I could whisper. ”I can't foul any pitches. One swing. Drew said so.”

Julian looked surprised.

”Now batting for Watsonville High, first baseman, Julian Wilson.” The announcer said over the broadcasting system. With it, Julian had to step up to bat. There wasn't anything he could say to me anyways. It's not like he could tell me to not listen to Drew.

Julian's at-bat was important to him, to the team, and to me. Being unable to foul off any pitches was really limiting on how I could face a pitcher. So I could only study the at-bat before mine for now. Unfortunately, I didn't say anything to Julian about studying the pitcher during his at-bat. I couldn't blame him for swinging on the first pitch, which looked to be down the middle. He connected and sent a hard grounder to short.

The shortstop got in front of the ball, and fielded it like it was a routine play for him. The throw beat Julian easily.

”Now batting, second baseman, Jake Hollander.”

”Go, Jake!”

”Bambi, don't be afraid!”

”Get on base, Jake!”

A few shouts came from my dugout, making me turn red as I approached the batter's box. I tried to tune them out as I picked the lefty's box. Out of habit, I almost did a practice swing, but I caught myself in time. Be calm. Be cool. I took a deep breath and pulled my bat back as I got into position.

The pitcher on the mound looked at the catcher's signs, nodded, then completed his windup and motion, throwing the first pitch. It was inside the zone. I let it pass for a called strike. 0-1. The next pitch went outside for a ball. 1-1. The third pitch followed the same path, but came in the zone for another called strike. 1-2.

With my back against the wall already, the only thing I can do now, is protect the plate. Anything close and I'll swing. The fourth pitch was a curve, starting outside, but came on in. I happily swung, hitting to the opposite field, sneaking the ball right past the third baseman.

I sprinted, rounding first, but the left fielder got the ball back before I could make a run for second base. I stayed where I was, happy with the hit. I felt a stretch in my injured arm, but hardly any pain. With Garret and Zeke up next, I just had to focus on advancing.