498 CIF Finals: West Valley Prep 2 (2/2)

”Alright boys, listen up.” Coach walked to the center of the dugout so we all could hear him. ”Let's try and get something going here. Kelvin, Garret, and Julian lead off; this can be great. If we can get some other people on base in front of Zeke and Jake, then they might face them head on.”

”I doubt it.” Garret replied honestly. ”We all have to get on base for something to happen. They even took a chance and walked Jake after Zeke, even with one out and our core lineup coming up. They definitely don't see us as a challenge without Jake and Zeke.”

”Then make them pay for it!” Coach demanded, showing some intensity.

”Yea!” The team chanted.

It sounded good in theory, but in reality we didn't get off to a good start as Kelvin went down swinging.

”It's okay, there's still Garret and Julian.” Noah mumbled from our seat on the bench. The rest of the team seemed to have a similar thought, because there was a gasp as Garret connected on his third pitch.

It quickly turned to a groan as the shortstop fielded the ball nicely, his throw beating out Garret to first. Garret took his helmet off on his way back to the dugout, covering his face with it.

”Toughen up!”

”You'll pay him back on the mound!”

”Head up!”

Some cheers from our own bullpen, prompted Garret to uncover his face. He waved at them and came back into the dugout. ”Sorry, guys...” He sighed.

”It wasn't bad.” Zeke told him as he went to the on deck circle.

”Yea, at least you made contact.” Jason said.

”Right! This pitcher is one of the best in the state after all.” Kelvin got up and patted his shoulder. ”Do you want us to apologize to you every time we don't get a hit?”

Garret but his helmet and bat away. ”No, I just-” He clenched his fist. ”I want this. I want to win.”

”Me too!” Noah jumped up. ”We all do, Garret. If Jake isn't anxious, then why are you?”

I tilted my head at him.

Noah laughed and patted me on the head. ”Come on, don't look at me like that. You haven't panicked at all. You're like a calm lake.”

”Yea, because the ball hasn't gone my way.” I told him. I looked at Garret. ”You give us confidence on the mound. Zeke said not one person does it all.”