Chapter 822 - V3 ch57 (VS Balboa HS 5) (1/2)

Kyle took the mound, facing the bottom of their lineup again. It followed a similar pattern too. The eighth batter struck out swinging and the pitcher, batting ninth, hit another single. Kyle was back up against the top of the lineup again for the third time. The leadoff batter had struck out the previous two times, but was able to pull a bloop single to right field for a single this time.

Runners on first and second, one out. Kyle must have been overcompensating, because for the first time this game, he walked a batter to load the bases. He was still throwing fast but it was getting wild.

The third batter in the lineup had a generous 3-1 count before connecting on one of Kyle's fastballs. An RBI single to right field, bases still loaded, score became 3-1.

Mitchell asked the ump for 'time' then headed for the mound. I glanced at Noah and he was headed there too. Noah waved all of us infielders in towards the mound. Sean, Jason, and myself all jogged up to join Kyle on the mound.

”You're losing control.” Noah told Kyle bluntly after noticing that Mitchell didn't say anything.

Kyle rolled his eyes. ”No shit Sherlock. I'm out of rhythm.” He rolled his shoulders back and forth.

Mitchell spoke into his glove, keeping his voice down. ”We can get out of this. Just keep the ball low, but try not to throw in the dirt.”

Kyle nodded.

”Just keep in mind that these guys are good too.” Noah spoke up. ”So don't get down on yourself. Channel your inner Dave and be arrogant for no reason.”

That drew a laugh from Kyle. ”Okay, I know. Don't worry, I'm fine. You all just be ready to stop any grounders.”

We broke up the meeting on the mound before the ump reached us. With everyone back in their positions, Kyle had to face the cleanup hitter. He checked the runner on third.

Noah and I were both closer to second, eyeing that chance at a double play. Jason was close to third while Sean stood more off of first to watch for grounders too. Definitely some gaps.

Kyle kept his pitches low as planned. The count was 1-2 when the batter made contact, hitting a grounder to my left, out of Sean's reach. Although I was close to second base, I was playing back so I had the chance to cut off the grounder before it reached the outfield grass. It happened in milliseconds.

I got the baseball, sliding in the dirt, then I completely turned to throw the ball back to Noah at second, barely beating the runner to second. Or so I thought.

”Safe!” The umpire closest to the bag declared.

Noah didn't hesitate to throw to first, getting the batter out, hoping to complete the double play. A double play that went down the drain.

The runner from third scored, making the score 3-2. The runner from second stayed on third as Sean walked the ball back to Kyle on the mound.

”You think he's safe?” Noah asked the nearby umpire to repeat himself.

I couldn't hear what the umpire said to Noah for a few reasons. I was too far. They were too quiet. And the crowd was getting loud because of how close the game was. One run difference.

Coach came out of the dugout to talk to the home plate umpire. The other umpires went to join him. Including the guy who called the runner safe at second.

Us infielders gathered just behind the mound.

Sean put his arm around my shoulders and leaned down to whisper. ”That ump must be blind. I can't believe he called the dude safe. You had him beat.”

I looked to Noah. ”Do you think he can change his mind?”

Noah let out a short laugh. ”No. Unfortunately this isn't the big leagues. There are no replays and challenges in high school ball.”