Chapter 468 - CIF Quarterfinal Northwood HS (9) (1/2)
”You can't think like that!” Noah slapped me on the back. ”We're still winning! One more inning to go!”
”Yea!”
”Let's get them!”
”Start us off strong, Jason!”
The guys in the dugout were hyped as the game was in the final stretch. Noah and I went to sit in our normal spot so he could start putting on his helmet and stuff.
”We're almost there.” Noah grinned, tugging his batting gloves on before getting back up.
”Do you think Brian is going to pitch the last inning?” I snuck a glance to the entrance of the dugout where Coach stood. Brian and Alex were chatting with him, but it was too hard to hear in our rowdy dugout.
”Nope.” Noah said with confidence. ”Brian only gave up a run, but he gave up two hard hits. Coach won't risk that in the bottom of the inning. He'll bring someone in.”
”Garret?” I asked, looking for him.
Noah shook his head. ”No way. If it was Garret, Coach would be telling him to get his butt to the bullpen right now.”
True. I nodded.
”Alright.” He picked up his bat. ”Wish me luck.”
”Good luck.” I told him sincerely as he left for the on deck circle. He would need some after all...this pitcher was a tough one.
Just as I had that thought, Jason connected on the very first pitch given to him, sending it to center field. The ball bounced before the outfielder could reach, allowing Jason to reach first base safely. The rowdy dugout brought it up another level, clapping and cheering for Jason's hit. Noah moved to the batter's box and Sean went to the on deck circle.
Sean? Oh. He must be pinch hitting for Brian in the ninth spot. I looked around and found Brian sitting with the twins; no doubt talking about his pitching. I wonder who Coach will decide on to put on the mound in the last inning.
Noah's batting didn't miraculously improve, nor did the pitcher slip up. It was a one-sided beatdown, watching Noah swing and miss at the fastballs. On an 0-2 count, the pitcher threw a breaking ball that worked in Noah's favor. The breaking ball was much slower and Noah's timing matched. He grounded the ball to the second baseman, who was able to turn the double play with his shortstop and first baseman.
The cheering stopped and an audible sigh could be heard throughout the dugout.
”Hey!” Garret yelled sharply. ”Heads up!”
The sighs stopped and the depression didn't reach the surface of everyone. It was instead overshadowed by the fact that we were winning. Winning an important playoff game in a do-or-die situation.