Chapter 808 - V3 ch43 (VS Bayhill HS 3) (1/2)

I don't know who started it, but when I rounded third base, I started to hear chants of 'Bambi!' I lowered my head, feeling more than a little embarrassed. It must have been Garret. He had just called me that before my at-bat. I tagged home plate to push the score to 2-0.

Garret pulled me close to him and smacked my helmet. ”I knew you could do it! Great job! Watch me do the same thing.” He gave me a small push towards our dugout.

The team greeted me with high-fives, slaps on the helmet and shoulder, and compliments all around. Even the two other sophomores, Logan and Dalton, had nice things to say. Noah wasn't mad with them so I smiled back and nodded. I reached my bag and changed out my gear.

”I heard Coach say that Bryce is still going in.” Noah said. ”That's gotta suck for Garret. He's thrown really well so far. Three completely clean innings. Strikeouts are high too.”

”He said he'll try again in the semis on Monday.” I repeated what I heard before my at-bat.

Noah grinned. ”I wouldn't compare anyone to Zeke outright, but Garret gives off the same vibe. The constant belief that we'll win. And he'll do anything to get us there to the final stage.”

Ding.

We both turned to watch Garret's line drive fly to left-center field, hitting the fence and dropping to the warning track. Garret was already on his way to second by the time the center fielder threw the ball in. No need for a slide.

Korrey moved to the batter's box, taking an extra swing before stepping in properly. The pitcher nodded at the sign, checked on Garret at second, then started his short windup to pitch. Ball. Ball. Foul. Called strike. 2-2 count.

My eyes were drawn to Garret as he kept inching further and further. The pitcher never attempted to pick him off, just merely glancing back at him now and then.

Mr. Miller, who had been giving phony signs the whole time, finally gave a real one. Hit and run. Korrey would have to put the ball in play to allow Garret to move to third. 2-2 count; if he strikes out, there's a good chance Garret can get picked off by the catcher.

Next pitch. Korrey started to swing as soon as the pitcher let go of the ball. He connected and got it past the infield. Both him and Garret took off running. Mr. Miller waved aggressively at Garret to go home. Garret made the sharp turn and the right fielder threw the ball straight to the catcher. Garret started his slide early, just narrowly missing the tag.

”Safe!” The ump extended his arms.

Garret popped up and pumped his fist. 3-0. He came into the dugout, stopping in front of Coach first. ”Run support should be enough for Bryce.”

Coach let out a small smile before turning his attention back to the game.

Everyone congratulated Garret on a job well done. Me included. Garret's slide was so perfect, it wasn't something I could do in the foreseeable future. Maybe ever. I just wouldn't be that decisive or dedicated or talented.

Jesse put a damper on our offense, hitting into a 6-4-3 double play like Sean did to end the last inning. Tanner followed it up with an unassisted grounder to first.

”Tanner, take a seat.” Coach told him when he came back to the dugout. ”Bryce will be replacing you in the lineup.”

Tanner hung his head.