Chapter 465 - CIF Quarterfinal Northwood HS (6) (1/2)

Top of the fourth. Mahki struck out swinging; he just couldn't keep up with the pitchers speed. Kelvin got lucky, connecting on a pitch way outside. It was a bloop single over the first baseman but like Noah says, the stats sheet doesn't care how it looks. Jason popped out to the second baseman, keeping Kelvin on first. Then Noah ended it by grounding out to the third baseman.

I waited by our bags for Noah to come back as the rest of the team hurried to take the field. He placed his helmet down and put on his hat.

”I'm fine, I don't need any words of encouragement.” He told me plainly, then led the way to take the field. ”I know my limits. This pitcher is out of my league.”

I was glad he didn't need any words, especially since I didn't have any. I felt like everyone I ran into these past few months always had something to say to cheer me up. I wanted to reciprocate, but...I lacked in the conversation department.

We both got into position and Dave finished his small warmup on the mound. I spared a glance in Noah's direction and saw him sincerely not upset over his last at-bat. It was worrying that he was admitting defeat, but I'm sure it wasn't the same as giving up.

Dave started from the third batter in Northwood's lineup. He got him to fly out to center field, then earned a strikeout from the cleanup hitter. With two outs, he gave up a single, yet he didn't stutter. He held his ground and bounced back with another strikeout. He pumped his fist at Kelvin as they walked towards the dugout together.

”Looking good out there.” Coach smacked Dave on the shoulder, holding him in place. ”How are you feeling though?”

”I can definitely close this out!” Dave declared confidently.

Coach released him and gave him a pat. ”Good. Get your helmet on. Do a little more at the plate, will ya?”

”Got it, Coach!” Dave gave a grin and sauntered to his bag to grab his bat and helmet.

”When has Dave ever been able to do anything at the plate?” Noah scoffed.

”I heard that, you brat!!” Dave yelled, making the guys in the dugout laugh as everyone got settled.

”When's the last time you even got a hit?” Noah smirked.

”That's not fair. I've been injured.” Dave pulled the helmet on and left the dugout. ”Just sit and watch, alright?”

”You shouldn't antagonize him so much.” Garret told Noah as I started to put on my own batting gear. ”You're really picking on him today.”

Noah shrugged, carefree. ”Dave can handle it. He's competitive like that. I wouldn't do it to Kyle so much.”

”As long as you know your limits.” Garret sat down and put his own helmet on.

With my bat in hand, I moved to the dugout entrance. I would be third, after Dave and Julian. Julian was already in the on deck circle, swinging freely, probably thinking about his homerun during his last at-bat.

”Jake.” Coach stood beside me as the inning started. ”How's the arm feeling?”

I lifted my injured arm for him to see. ”It's okay. I haven't needed to throw or field the ball so I'm doing fine.”

”How is it when you swing?”

”I've only swung once and it was just a pulling sensation. Nothing bad.”