The Hitting Zone

Chapter 196 Game Two: Durham Preparatory 9

Bryce was a little to eager so when he came out without Kelvin, he was stuck throwing the ball around with us infielders. Noah looked as skeptical as I felt. I didn’t have a justified reason as to why I felt that way, I just haven’t seen him pitch before and that made me nervous since we’re in a tight spot.

Soon enough, Kelvin came out and Bryce was able to start throwing some practice pitches. From the corner of my eye I could see someone warming up in our bullpen, giving me the feeling that coach didn’t believe that Bryce could get all three out.

The umpire called for the game to resume, and the Durham batter to step up to the plate. Bryce would only get to face three batters, but unfortunately for him he took the mound in time to face batters three, four, and five. That’s basically the core of any teams lineup.

Bryce looked to be excited and I think his excitement translated to nervousness. His pitches were all over the place, resembling Kyle’s earlier performance. The third batter hit a double...and then so did the fourth batter, who drove in another run to make it 6-3, them. After giving up back to back hits, and even giving up a run, his pitches became more off-center, resulting in giving up a walk to his third opponent.

Coach didn’t waste any time and came out of the dugout after Bryce’s third batter. He took the baseball and sent Bryce to the dugout, head hung low. I felt a pang in my chest as I know what it’s like to be a disappointment. Coach pulled James from the bullpen and handed him the baseball. No words were shared this time around, just a glance over all of our faces, then he joined Bryce in going to the dugout.

Noah and I drifted towards each other as James threw some pitches to Kelvin.

"That wasn’t a good start for Bryce at all." Noah whined. "Why couldn’t his pitching be on par with his hit?"

I tilted my head. "I mean, it kind of was. He hit a double, and then he gave up doubles."

Noah grabbed my shoulders and shook me, while trying to hold back a laugh. "Jake, I’m being serious. Don’t you realize how serious this is? We’re even losing by more now."

I brushed his hands off me to stop the flailing motion. "Do you not believe in Zeke’s words that an inning can change everything?"

Noah stopped his mini panic attack. "Of course I do. In fact, he stole that from me." Uh-huh. Sure. Who was just complaining about giving up another run? "We’re just gonna have to pull off a comeback win. It’ll be a little tricky with you and Zeke getting to bat so soon, but still doable to at least tie it and go to extra innings."

I kind of felt hesitant to burst his bubble, but felt the need to say it. "Zeke hasn’t been allowed to hit all game. It’s really up to the batters after him."

Noah stopped his chattering and looked me in the eyes. "Jake." He said in a very serious manner. "Pick a side. Either be optimistic or pessimistic."

"What? You’re doing the same thing, jumping back and forth from ’oh no’ and to ’we got this’." I said back to him.

Noah rolled his eyes. "Oh lord. Fine. You stay on the fence. I’ll be the optimist and my good thoughts to the universe will push us to the win."

This time it was my turn to roll my eyes. The universe talk again? I sighed, shook my head and walked back to my spot. Noah could really give me a headache sometimes.

James was done warming up and it was time to get back to defense. He picked up where Bryce left off, facing against the sixth batter. The sixth batter had struggled all day and luckily it continued as James was able to strike him out for the first out of the inning.

I peeked over at Noah and he was already looking at me. When he caught sight of me glancing over, he pumped his fist to show he was happy with the first out. I stifled a laugh. What a weirdo.

James faced the next batter. I got set, hoping for a double play even though it would require me not to mess up. However, the ball never comes when you’re ready for it. Unless your Noah...who’s ready for anything all the time. To the horror of me, the team, and our fans, the seventh batter hit a long, high fly. The kind that goes over the outfield fence and clears the bases. 9-3.

I gulped. That’s a big difference from needing two of three runs to tie up the game.

"Don’t mind, don’t mind!" Noah hollered for the infield to hear. "What’s another few runs? Next batter, James! Contact us good. Better than walking and giving up free bases."

My lips twitched. Noah really was fulfilling his role as the optimist. But really...down by six..? I sighed.

"No sighing!" Noah yelled making me jump. "All of you! Heads up!" He clapped his glove a couple of times. Okay maybe he’s totally immersed in his role of an optimist. If he’s treating it like it’s not impossible to catch up, then I’ll believe in him.

After a look around at my teammates, I could see that Noah’s words had reached them and they no longer looked down. Instead, everyone faced the next batter, ready for the next play. I followed their lead and got set as well, but I wasn’t needed. James got the remaining two outs by getting the batters to hit grounders to Noah. Noah was smooth, quick, and efficient with his fielding, looking more like an upperclassmen with experience.

Getting back to the dugout, he kept the atmosphere light. "We haven’t lost yet. Instead of thinking of three outs till we lose, I want everyone to think seven more runs so we can play again tomorrow!"

"We don’t need you to tell us that!" Garret pushes down on Noah’s head. "Silly freshman. We’ve done a few more rally’s than you have so just sit down and watch."

I laughed to myself as they started to bicker. I put on my helmet and grabbed my bat. I was up first this inning to start us off.

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