Chapter 466 - CIF Quarterfinal Northwood HS (7) (2/2)

Zeke looked down at his younger brother. Dave stood defiantly. For two seconds before looking away. Zeke then walked out to go stand in the on deck circle.

Garret hurried up and ran out as well since he would bat before Zeke.

”Wow, you have guts Dave.” Noah snickered as Dave sat down near us.

”I didn't say anything wrong!” Dave defended himself. ”He's the one not carrying that MVP title today. So far, it's me. I have a shut out going.”

”Dave. You're done. Go get checked over by Drew.” Coach came over to tell him.

”What?!” Dave hollered. He was a one man show. He jumped over and sprinted to Coach. ”I'm good though! I can keep going and complete this game!”

”There's no need to force it.” Coach told him, resting a hand on his shoulder. ”You did well. Now take a break. You've been susceptible to quite a few injuries this season. Go get stretched by Drew.” His eyes narrowed. ”I won't tell you again.”

Dave hung his head and went to the corner where Drew was waiting.

”Kelvin.” Coach found him on the bench. ”Take off the gear. You'll bat if you get up, but you won't be going back in. Alex will be going in with Brian.”

Kelvin didn't argue like Dave. He just took off his gear and watched as our team started another round of offense.

Garret was first up. And...first out. He hit a hard grounder; too bad it went right to the third baseman or it could have easily been a hit.

Zeke was up next. On paper, it did look like he was having a bad game since he didn't have a hit yet, but both of his at-bats were lineouts. He's making good contact...it's just in reach of the fielders. The pitcher definitely put in more effort and speed when facing Zeke. He started with low and away for a ball. 1-0. Then high and inside for ball two. 2-0. Low and inside for a called strike. 2-1. He had amazing placement. The fourth pitch looked like a breaking ball, but it was too hard to tell after Zeke batted it away.

Everyone in our dugout jumped up and watched as the ball soared over the outfield and then the fence.

”Yes!!”

”Woo-hoo!”

”Dave had awaken the beast!!”

Zeke ran the bases at a steady pace and came back to the dugout greeted by the cheers and claps of our team. The crowd was buzzing just behind us as they added another point to the scoreboard. 2-0.

We didn't tack on anymore runs this inning. Mahki hit a slow grounder between first and second. The first baseman sprinted to the ball, then flipped it to the pitcher who beat Mahki to first. Kelvin ended our offense with a grounder to short.