621 V2 ch93 (1/2)

”Tell me your thoughts.” Zeke said.

I tapped my leg. ”His style really throws off my timing. His speed makes it worse. Not including the breaking balls he threw, I think I would have struck out if I didn't see you face him first.” I told Zeke.

Zeke lifted an eyebrow. ”So you don't think he can strike you out now?”

I shrugged. ”Unless he's hiding another breaking ball, but even then...I think I have good control over my swing.”

”That's only if you're goal is to foul the pitch off, correct?” Zeke questioned.

I nodded. ”If I'm aiming for a hit, it'd be more difficult. Probably couldn't aim where to hit the ball either.”

Zeke and I watched Noah swing and miss on three consecutive fastballs from Rhys. Noah really didn't stand a chance.

”I want to get a hit off him.” I told Zeke.

Zeke looked down at me.

I looked up. ”Do you think I can?”

He smiled. ”I think you can do anything you set your mind to. Even if you can't do it today, I'm sure you'll be able to do it soon.”

I looked away. If I can't do it today? I had thought Zeke had some confidence in me like Noah did, but maybe...he didn't. I frowned and watched Rhys strike Noah out on another three straight pitches. Rough. He did it again to send Noah out.

Noah pouted as he came out. ”What a waste. I'd be better off just swinging my bat around out here.” He looked at me with hope in his eyes. ”You've got to redeem me, Jake!”

I glanced up at Zeke then back to Noah. ”Do you really think I can get a hit off him?”

”The goal is to not strikeout.” Noah reminded me. ”But-” He grinned. ”I believe you can get three hits off him. There's no fielders. It's just like being in the cages except there's some variations in the pitches and location.”

That's right. I just have to put the ball in play. I can do that. If Noah believes in me, then it's possible.

I picked my spare wooden bat up and headed for the entrance.

Rhys had finished collecting the balls from Noah's turn and stood on the mound with a wide smile. ”Ready to face off?”

I nodded, but then hesitated as I got to the plate. Should I bat from the left side or the right side? I looked to Noah and Zeke.

”I'm umpire and Noah's a spectator.” Zeke spoke up. ”You've got to decide for yourself on what to do.”

I decisively got in the left-handed side and faced Rhys.

Rhys laughed. ”Don't you know it's better to bat opposite of the pitcher?”

Rhys grabbed his first ball and got set. He completed his motion and I saw the first pitch. Surprised, I still completed my swing and sent the ball back to him. He caught it.

”Are you going easy on Jake?” Noah hollered from behind me.

I looked at Rhys, waiting for an answer. I didn't want to play if he wasn't going to be as serious as he was against Zeke.

”Hey!” Rhys yelled back. ”That was serious! That was my fastest pitch, okay?!!” His eyes focused on me. ”Do you want to switch to the righty's box now?”

I shook my head, not feeling it. ”Why switch when I'm not having any trouble yet?”

”Little brat...” He got set once more, eyes on me.