744 V2 ch216 (1/2)

James started with his biggest curve, so much movement, but I held in, kept my weight low and swung. I pulled the ball to right field, and was able to watch it fly over Tanner and then the outfield fence, as I started my run. We bounced back from our one run deficit like Garret said we would.

I rounded the bases, tagged home plate, then high-fived Garret on my way back to the dugout.

He also pumped his fists. ”Knew you could do it.”

I grinned.

”Nice swing and timing.” Coach nodded at me. He pointed at Alisha's clipboard. ”Write HR for homerun.”

Alisha nodded and wrote it down.

Curious, I took a peek. It looked like a scorecard, but not with so much going on. Next to Noah's name was L3. Line out to the number three position, which is the first baseman. Ah, he's really keeping track of what we're doing today.

”Jake! You just crushed the closer of the year! How do you feel?” Noah asked, holding his fist near my face like he had a mic in hand.

I cracked a smile. ”I feel good.”

The guys near us laughed. A few slapped me on the backside as I headed back for my seat. Sitting down, I checked my bat over for any cracks then put it back in my bag. When I looked back to the game, Garret had just connected with a pitch, pulling it to right field as well. His was only a single though.

”Dang.” Noah muttered. ”If my hit had gone through, all three of us would have hits to right field.”

”You'll have another chance.” I reminded him.

He nodded. ”Yea. I just have a little bit of regret.”

”It was a good try.” I told him. He had hit a line drive. It was just unfortunate that Julian was there to get it.

After Garret's hit, James looked a little annoyed. He ended up walking Sean out of frustration, pushing Garret to second. Korrey was up next. He also was abled to make contact, hitting a grounder to short. Unfortunately, Michael and Dalton was abled to turn the double play to end the inning.

”Alright boys. Tied game.” Coach addressed us before we took the field. ”So far, I like what I'm seeing. A lot of swings and a lot of solid contact.” He looked to Garret, who was taking his helmet off. ”I want to see a little more speed out of you these next two innings. You can handle the rest of their lineup so don't you dare give up a walk.”

Garret saluted him. ”Yes, sir.” He grabbed his glove and ran out.

The rest of us followed him out and got in position. After a short warmup, Garret started with the fifth batter in the lineup: Michael Tye. Former captain of the JV team. Shortstop. Best sportsmanship. Similar to Noah in quite a few ways.

Michael was able to connect with a fastball from Garret, slapping a line drive to left field, just out of reach for the infield. I thought for sure it was going to be a hit, but Andy shocked everyone with a spectacular diving grab, making the catch, and getting the out. He rolled a few times in the grass, but never let the ball go, showing some real athleticism.

”Nice catch!” Noah exclaimed.

Andy threw the ball back in to Noah. ”One out!”

”One out!” Noah repeated, throwing the ball to Garret on the mound.

Garret had a clenched jaw, obviously not liking that close call. He kicked it to another gear, striking out the next two batters: Jesse and Dalton. I didn't know whether they struggled because they weren't good at batting or if it was just because it was hard to get a hit off of Garret.

We went back to the dugout feeling good about Garret's clean inning. Three up, three down.