501 CIF Finals: West Valley Prep 5 (1/2)

With Zeke's sharp words, everyone started to move. Garret and Julian left the dugout with their bats and helmets, while the rest of us remained standing at the fence.

I got my own helmet in anticipation that we could make something happen. Plus, if the walk Zeke again, I will automatically go up to bat. I stood beside Zeke, who was in the hole spot. He was watching Garret's at-bat with intensity like it should be him instead.

Garret let the first pitch pass for a ball. Then fouled the second down the right field line. Ball. Ball. On the fourth pitch, he drove it right up the middle, forcing the pitcher to duck. Both middle infielders missed, and we cheered as the ball bounced before the center fielder could get to it. A single. A solid single. Our team's first hit.

”Nice!”

”Good hit!”

”Let's get something going!”

Zeke moved out of the dugout as Julian went to the plate. With a clear view I could see Coach give out a sign. Mr. Miller repeated it for Julian to see. I felt a shiver up my spine. This is a clear sign that we're in a desperate situation. Coach never calls for a sacrifice bunt. Especially when we only have a runner on first. He must be trying to avoid the double play.

Knowing what was supposed to happen, I kept my eyes glued on Julian. He didn't look bothered in the slightest. If I hadn't learn the signs, I would be clueless as to what he was going to attempt.

Garret started to take a lead, bigger than I ever would. He inches out further and further, and as soon as the opposing pitcher released the ball, he took off sprinting.

The pitch was clearly inside, going to be a ball, but Julian still tried to laid down the ball in fair territory. It echoed off his bat and rolled to the pitcher, who came sprinting off the mound. He picked the ball up, intending to throw to second, but Garret's outstanding lead helped him secure the base. The pitcher could only throw the ball to first base to get Julian out.

Claps started to rain down as he jogged back to the dugout. It didn't last long though. By the time Julian got back, the West Valley coach came out to talk to his pitcher and catcher on the mound.

”He's going to replace him.” Coach said to himself under his breath. Then he caught me by the arm before I stepped out of the dugout. ”Jake.”

I slipped my arm out of his grip.

”Sorry.” He quickly realized his mistake. ”My bad. Sorry. I just think...they might take him out. If they do, there's only one pitcher they would put in to replace him to close out this game. And that might mean that we have a chance to tack on some runs. Understand?”

I nodded, then hesitated. ”How do you know they'll pitch to me?”

”Coach's intuition.” He smirked, glancing at their bullpen. ”If they replace this guy on the mound with someone else, look to me for instructions, okay?”