The Hitting Zone

Chapter 193 Game Two: Durham Preparatory 6

We had to hurry out as the umpire was already heading over to tell coach that time was up. I don’t know what Kyle did to stall for time, but the umpire wasn’t happy with our team.

Top of the fourth: Kyle was able to strikeout the first batter up. He then allowed a single to the outfield. After a fly out to Zeke in center field, I watched Noah studying Zeke as he threw the ball back in. He was definitely suspicious of his brother and is probably thinking of how he’s hiding an injury. Zeke didn’t look like he was in pain, nor did he say anything about it, so it must not be a big deal. He wouldn’t do anything to harm the team.

The following batter was in the ninth slot, and previously hit a fly ball to the outfield. Kyle cornered him into a 1-2 count, making him swing on a bad pitch. He hit a light grounder right to Noah, who tossed it to me as I ran for second base. I caught the ball, tagged the base, and got out of the way of the runner that just became our third out.

The team jogged backed to our dugout, but I slowed up, trying to see if Chris was still in there. He would be even more mad than before now that he’s been replaced in the lineup.

Noah grabbed my arm and started to pull me in. "He’s not here. Coach wouldn’t let someone so hotheaded like that in the dugout. Come on, let go over the infield fly rule from last inning."

My shoulders sagged and I followed obediently. We sat down by our bags and our teammates started our offense with Mahki, Kyle, and Sean.

"So the basics of the infield fly rule has to meet certain requirements, first there has to be less than two outs, and also a force play at third: i.e., when there are runners at first and second base, or the bases are loaded." Noah tilted his head at me. "So last inning we had bases loaded and no outs. As soon as there was an infield pop fly, you should have looked towards the nearest ump or even just keep your ears open. They’ll call ’infield fly’ and usually will point up at the sky to signal that the batter is automatically out. No matter what."

"So when the infielder tripped and missed the catch...I didn’t have to run?"

Noah shook his head. "Nope. Because the batter was already out. Plus, this is rule is to discourage infielders from purposely missing the catch so they could turn double or even triple plays."

I looked out to the shortstop on the field for Durham. "Do you think he did it on purpose?"

Noah gave me the side eye. "If he didn’t, then he’s the clumsiest shortstop I know. At a private school no less."

That’s a yes then. Ahhh, why didn’t I know about this before? Dummy. But then I thought about another odd thing about it. I looked at Noah directly so he could see my seriousness. "How did they know that I would mess up?"

"It’s because they did their homework." Zeke appeared in front of us, making me jump a little in my seat. He ignored my actions and glanced at Noah. "Have you explained the infield fly rule adequately?"

Noah nodded. "I did. We were just discussing if it was on purpose or not. Which you think it is too..."

Zeke looked at me. "I don’t think they purposely set that whole situation up like that. But I’m sure they were told that you were a newbie or at least a freshman."

"Do you think they hit you on purpose..?" I said in a tiny voice, afraid he would get mad about it.

Zeke merely shrugged. "No use to worry about it now. It’s happened. And then an intentional walk to load the bases? I’m completely positive they won’t give me a chance to hit."

Noah looked at Zeke, up and down, as if he was looking for evidence. "Are you hurt?"

Zeke frowned. "No."

"Then why are you making that face?"

"Because I have a younger, troublesome brother."

"Kyle? Yea, I know. He’s been pretty rocky on the mound today." Noah played dumb.

Zeke rolled his eyes. "Stop playing around. Your immaturity really proves that you’re a freshman."

Noah leaned back and put his hands behind his head. "No shame here. I am what I am. I do what I do."

"Five extra laps for not paying attention to the game." Zeke said before walking away.

"You weren’t paying attention either! Hypocrite." Noah spoke as Zeke went to the other side of the dugout. He didn’t spare us an extra glance. Noah sat back up like normal and suddenly scooted in super close towards me. "He’s hurt!" He whispered-yell into my ear.

I retreated back in shock. "What?! How can you tell?" I peeked back to where Zeke went.

Noah put his hand on my head to stop me, ensuring that I was only looking at him. "Don’t draw attention. I could tell as soon as he got defensive. If he really wasn’t hurt, he wouldn’t have insulted me."

"What do we do?" I whispered back.

"We watch. Just keep an eye on him for any weird movements or something out of the ordinary. It’s probably not too bad if he can still move around and field the ball." True. Noah would know after watching him for so long.

Our conversation was cut short there as the fourth inning ended. It was a quick one with Mahki getting a walk, Kyle popping out to second, Sean hit a high foul, which the catcher was able to catch. Then Kelvin finished it with a soft roller to the first baseman who didn’t need any help to beat him out to first base. Still 3-2, us. Top of the fifth we go.

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