476 CIF Semifinal: Anderson HS 2 (1/2)

Coach and an assistant stood huddled over a notepad, writing down some words I couldn't see.

”Attack early, alright?” Zeke popped up next to me, also ready to bat.

I nodded, swallowing a little harder than normal. The fun atmosphere was fading into a game atmosphere. Less fooling around and more attention was paid to the pitcher on the mound.

The 'ding' sound from a bat hitting a ball claimed our attention. I looked just in time to see the catcher jump up, throw his mask away, and move under the ball to make the catch. Out. The first out was a foul ball to the catcher.

Mahki came back with a frown, Julian moved up to the batter's box, and I stepped out to go to the on deck circle.

It was hard to say if Julian did worse or better than Mahki. He also came out swinging. And missing. He struck out on three pitches, compared to Mahki fouling out on the second pitch.

My shoulders tensed up as I moved to the batter's box. Julian patted me on the head as he headed back to our dugout. I gulped and slowed up. I took my time stepping in the lefty's box and getting set.

The pitcher was tall and well built. He nodded at the catchers sign as soon as I was set and straightened up. As he started his motion, I remembered Zeke's words yesterday on how they might pitch around me. I chose to watch the first pitch closely. I wanted to catch them off guard by getting a hit on the first pitch. Seeing that the pitch was outside, but within reach, I made my move. The end of my bat made contact, hitting a line drive down the third baseline.

It felt like the whole stadium gasped, only to groan a second later as the third baseman made a diving grab. It felt almost simultaneous as I dropped my bat to sprint to first. I froze, my teammates sighed in defeat, and Anderson ran off the field with high spirits.

The tension in my shoulders dispersed as I went back to grab my bat. I took off my helmet and headed back for the dugout as some of my teammates started to jog out.

Kyle and Kelvin were the first ones out, immediately heading for the mound to do some warmup. Garret and Mahki were also quick to sprint to the outfield. Jason, Noah, and Julian came out as well.

I hurried to my bag to dump this gear. I tugged my hat on and grabbed my glove.

”Hey.” Zeke jogged up next to me, leaving the dugout at the same time. ”Don't take it to heart. That was my bad.”

I shook my head.