Chapter 812 - V3 ch47 (VS Lowell HS 2) (1/2)

Dave came out strong and fast. He got the first two batters two strike out, completely whiffing. The third batter did a smidge better, making contact and lifting the ball to left field. Jesse was there to get underneath it and caught the ball with ease.

Noah and I jogged back to our dugout together.

”I know where everyone is.” He told me in a low voice as we switched our hats for helmets.

I raised an eyebrow, unsure of what he was talking about.

”Mom and Dad. Rhys and Zeke.” He dropped his voice to a light whisper. ”Jeremy and Rose.”

”Oh?” I put my glove on the bench and picked up my bat.

Noah tugged his batting gloves on, picked up his bat, then led the way back to the dugout entrance. He paused before stepping out. ”Look just past left field. I noticed them when Jesse was making that catch.” He stepped out and started to take some practice swings.

My eyes drifted to left field. The outfield fence was a little high, but backed up to a slope so I could see them. Four men: Zeke, Rhys, Jeremy, and Dad were standing casually, eyes on the field. Mom and Rose stood behind them on higher ground, looking like they were talking.

Rhys seemed to notice me looking out there. Or maybe he was trying to get my attention, because he soon started waving an arm around. It was a greeting? Or maybe...

I gripped my bat a little tighter and turned to Coach, who was talking to Alisha about the lineup. ”Coach?”

Coach looked at me.

I inched closer. ”Can I...try to hit a homerun in my first at-bat?”

Coach didn't even look surprised. ”If you're more than 75% positive that you can get it, then you try for it.”

I nodded and went back to my spot. I have to watch the pitcher a little more to see how he is. I wanted to hit a homerun towards my family, but I don't know if it'll be possible. Especially...as I watched this pitcher throw wildly.

Sean walked on four straight balls. Noah was thrown only one called strike among four balls out of the zone. He jogged to first and pushed Sean to second. The catcher got up and went to talk to his pitcher on the mound.

”He'll probably try to throw a strike on the very first pitch.” Garret whispered to me as we both stood near the on deck circle. ”I heard what you said to Coach. If you want to hit a homer, first pitch is your best chance.”

”Will it be a breaking ball though?” I whispered back.

Garret looked away, pretending not to show interest to those players on the mound. ”As a pitcher, if you have back-to-back walks, you'll want a quick, solid, strike. So fastball. Probably even right down the middle.”

I was skeptical. ”Really?”