Chapter 465 - CIF Quarterfinal Northwood HS (6)

Top of the fourth. Mahki struck out swinging; he just couldn't keep up with the pitchers speed. Kelvin got lucky, connecting on a pitch way outside. It was a bloop single over the first baseman but like Noah says, the stats sheet doesn't care how it looks. Jason popped out to the second baseman, keeping Kelvin on first. Then Noah ended it by grounding out to the third baseman. 

I waited by our bags for Noah to come back as the rest of the team hurried to take the field. He placed his helmet down and put on his hat. 

"I'm fine, I don't need any words of encouragement." He told me plainly, then led the way to take the field. "I know my limits. This pitcher is out of my league."

I was glad he didn't need any words, especially since I didn't have any. I felt like everyone I ran into these past few months always had something to say to cheer me up. I wanted to reciprocate, but...I lacked in the conversation department. 

We both got into position and Dave finished his small warmup on the mound. I spared a glance in Noah's direction and saw him sincerely not upset over his last at-bat. It was worrying that he was admitting defeat, but I'm sure it wasn't the same as giving up. 

Dave started from the third batter in Northwood's lineup. He got him to fly out to center field, then earned a strikeout from the cleanup hitter. With two outs, he gave up a single, yet he didn't stutter. He held his ground and bounced back with another strikeout. He pumped his fist at Kelvin as they walked towards the dugout together. 

"Looking good out there." Coach smacked Dave on the shoulder, holding him in place. "How are you feeling though?"

"I can definitely close this out!" Dave declared confidently. 

Coach released him and gave him a pat. "Good. Get your helmet on. Do a little more at the plate, will ya?"

"Got it, Coach!" Dave gave a grin and sauntered to his bag to grab his bat and helmet. 

"When has Dave ever been able to do anything at the plate?" Noah scoffed. 

"I heard that, you brat!!" Dave yelled, making the guys in the dugout laugh as everyone got settled. 

"When's the last time you even got a hit?" Noah smirked. 

"That's not fair. I've been injured." Dave pulled the helmet on and left the dugout. "Just sit and watch, alright?"

"You shouldn't antagonize him so much." Garret told Noah as I started to put on my own batting gear. "You're really picking on him today."

Noah shrugged, carefree. "Dave can handle it. He's competitive like that. I wouldn't do it to Kyle so much."

"As long as you know your limits." Garret sat down and put his own helmet on. 

With my bat in hand, I moved to the dugout entrance. I would be third, after Dave and Julian. Julian was already in the on deck circle, swinging freely, probably thinking about his homerun during his last at-bat. 

"Jake." Coach stood beside me as the inning started. "How's the arm feeling?"

I lifted my injured arm for him to see. "It's okay. I haven't needed to throw or field the ball so I'm doing fine."

"How is it when you swing?"

"I've only swung once and it was just a pulling sensation. Nothing bad."

"Good, good." He patted me on top of my helmet and lowered his voice. "Stay vigilant though. I don't want you to feel forced and accidentally make things worse. Even though it's a do-or-die situation today, we still have to be somewhat prepared for the next game."

I nodded, understanding what he was saying. "I'll be careful." After watching some Dave groundout to short, I looked up at Coach. "So we're saving Garret for the next game?"

Coach nodded. "Preferably. We have plenty of relief pitchers to rely on today, but it's a small lead. Kyle will also be fresh for the next game so don't feel pressured, alright?"

"Alright." I moved to the on deck circle as Dave came back and Julian moved to the batter's box. 

"I knew you wouldn't get a hit!" I heard Noah call out, drawing a few laughs from our teammates.

"I'll take care of things on the mound!" Dave hollered, somewhat heroically. "I'm a pitcher after all! I'm known for pitching, not hitting."

"Garret is also a pitcher! What do you have to say for yourself??" Someone questioned. 

"Garret's a unicorn!" Dave shot back, causing the whole dugout to roar with laughter. 

From my spot nearby, I didn't dare to laugh, but couldn't help but smile. Garret's probably going to get back at Dave tomorrow or even after the game. Such a rowdy team. It's hard to believe I'm one of them. 

Julian followed in Dave's footsteps, grounding out to short. He shot me a grin as we walked by one another. It's good to see that he's not feeling down. In fact, the whole team has had a pretty good atmosphere today. Even if we stumble, it's only for a second. 

I stepped up to bat. I got set and did my best to study the pitcher now that I'm a little closer. He started off with a fastball on the border of the outer strike zone, but the ump gave it to him, putting me down 0-1 to begin with. It would have been an easy pitch to foul down the line. On the next pitch, he came inside, make me scoot back to avoid getting brushed by the ball. 1-1. Another pitch inside, but this time in the zone. 1-2. 

I stepped back for a breather and for a good look around. Everyone on their team was extremely focused on me and didn't show any signs of giving up. They're only down by one after all. I stepped back in. The best place to hit would be right up the middle. 

I watched closely as the pitcher went through his motion and came at me with a pitch on the lower outside corner. Really good placement. I can't foul, and I definitely can't risk the umpire calling it in my favor. In a split second, I rushed my swing, leaning forward. I connected and whipped the ball back the way it came. 

Before I could take two steps, the pitcher who had completed his whole pitching motion, extended his glove hand and got my line drive as he spun around. Insane movement and reflexes. 

His team and dugout cheered and the crowd joined in. It was an amazing play. Even better than Zeke's dive earlier in the game. All I could do was go back to the dugout, feeling a little dejected. 

"Don't mind!"

"You made a good connection!"

"That was a crazy good play, nothing more you could do."

My team gave small sentences of condolences as I went to my bag. 

Noah handed me my hat. "It's not everyday you see a play like that. Too bad. Well, shake it off. We've got some defense to do."

I nodded in agreement and switched my gear, following Noah out to second base.