498 CIF Finals: West Valley Prep 2 (1/2)
With no instructions, or any other ideas for that matter, I could only stand there and accept the intentional walk. The crowd clapped for us, excited to have two free passes, but only our team could feel the pressure.
”Batting fourth, Senior, playing left field, Mahki Holstrom.”
Mahki stepped up to bat, pausing to take a glance at Mr. Miller's signs from the third base coaches box. He was told to watch the ball closely, and to swing if he knows he can hit. The pitcher may not have good aim after intentionally walking two batters. Mr. Miller gave out signs for me and Zeke as well: run at any sign of contact to avoid the double play.
Mahki was quickly cornered into a 0-2 count, disproving that the pitcher was shaken. He didn't look bothered at all. Mr. Miller gave a new sign: hit and run. No matter what, Mahki was going to try and put the ball into play.
I acknowledged the sign, as did Zeke. Then we both started to take a lead. I had to keep an eye on the first baseman, who stood behind me. I don't want to get picked off so soon.
The pitcher delivered a fastball, inside. Mahki made contact, but it was weak. It also went right to the shortstop. The shortstop flipped it to the second baseman, getting me out; and then he threw to first, beating Mahki. Our worst case scenario, a double play.
Among the happy West Valley fans, I could still hear ours groaning. I didn't dare to look up at them as I jogged back to the dugout.
”Okay, listen up guys.” Coach gathered the team as we came back inside the dugout. ”I know that it was an unprecedented surprise, but don't worry about it. Zeke and Jake aren't the only ones that can get hits. Switch gears to defense.” He looked at Garret and Kelvin. ”Don't save anything. You have a strong group waiting in the bullpen. Understand?”
Garret flexed his left arm as he grinned confidently. ”Unlike them, I don't need to pitch around anyone.”
Some of the guys laughed as Coach sent the team out to take the field. I had to hurry to switch my helmet for my hat and then grabbed my glove.
Garret really backed up his tough guy act, shutting the top of their lineup down with a looking strikeout, a swinging strikeout, and then a groundout to Noah.
Top of the second, I sat by my bag as Noah prepared for his at-bat. It moved quickly as the West Valley pitcher was able to strikeout the side. Sean, Jason, and Noah didn't stand a chance.
”It's fine, don't mind.” Coach told us as we went back to defense. ”We'll figure something out. It'll click. Stay steady.”
Bottom of the second, Garret had to start with the cleanup hitter. It had been mentioned throughout the week how accomplished this guy was. He was comparable to me or Zeke. He was a senior looking like he was already in his 30's. He even had a scruffy beard. He could have easily been mistaken for a coach instead of a player.
Garret kept the game scoreless, getting the fifth batter to fly out to Mahki in left field, and then the next to ground out to Jason at third.
”Excellent grab, Noah!” Mr. Miller commented as we went in the dugout and he was going out.
Noah grinned. ”I wouldn't mind if a few more like that came my way.”
”I prefer strikeouts.” Garret said as he put on his helmet. ”It's just more reassuring.”
Noah stuck out his tongue. ”You're just salty.”