672 V2 ch144 (1/2)

On an 0-2 count, my only thought was to defend the plate. Bryan's windup seemed to go slow in sharp contrast to his pitching speed. It would help if I got to see more of his pitches like I did with Rhys. Iif I could distinguish his fastball from his breaking balls, then I could take advantage.

Committed to at least fouling off the next pitch, I started my swing as soon as Bryan released his next pitch. What I didn't count on was a low ball in the dirt. I completely whiffed and lost my balance, ending up in an ugly posture.

”Strike three. You're out.” Rhys stated calmly.

I groaned.

”Hey, hey! Are you sure this kid is a batter? That was only three pitches. I expected something more dramatic.” Bryan hollered from the mound with a wide grin.

My lips twisted with disgust and disbelief. Something more dramatic? Than me striking out? I bit the inside of my cheek to calm myself down. This guy was in the minor league. He's trying to be a pro. It's only reasonable for him to get me out.

”Again?” I looked back at Rhys to ask.

Rhys shrugged. ”Go ahead.”

Danny threw the ball back to Bryan on the mound and everyone got set again.

This time around, I wasn't going to let the ball get by. I will foul off what I can't hit. Bryan started with a fastball high, but still in the zone. I fouled it back. Tchh. That could have been a hit if I used the middle of my bat. It's a game of millimeters.

The second pitch was low and outside. I didn't think I could reach and took my chances on it being a ball.

”Strike.” Rhys said.

I glanced back at him. That was a borderline call. If Rhys had called it a ball, the catcher wouldn't be able to complain. Yet, I'm the one getting burned. Was he doing this intentionally?

The third pitch came high. Almost at eye-level. No way he can call that one a strike.

”Ball. 1-2.” Rhys said.

Pitch four and five were outside, but I was abled to foul them offf. Just in case. Six went in the dirt and I held up on my swing. Seven came inside; I got a good piece of it, hitting a line drive just foul of the first baseline. Come on, Jake, you can do this. You've faced good pitchers before.

Bryan threw another pitch. A fastball. Blazing fast. I swung, felt it touch, but then heard the 'plop' sound of it hitting the catcher's mitt.

”Foul-tip strikeout.” Rhys sounded apologetic.

I sighed and took a step back.

”Can I have a turn now??” Ian called out.

”I've only gotten two outs.” Bryan told him. ”Let me get one more to complete an inning.”

Ian scoffed. ”Is it fun to bully a kid?”

”It is.” Bryan nodded like he didn't hear anything wrong.

”Just sit down and wait your turn.” Blake spoke up for the first time. ”Or do you want me to go before you?”

Ian obediently got quiet and sat on the bench of their dugout.

”Ready?” Rhys asked.