The Hitting Zone

Chapter 254 Game: @ Porterville HS 5

I got into the lefty’s box, dug my back foot in, and pulled my bat back. The score is only 4-0 at the top of the fourth. If we truly want that called game, then this would be the best opportunity out of any. Only one out with the bases loaded. As long as I don’t pop out or ground into a double play, at least one run will score.

The pitcher was still wild, throwing me a couple of balls, pushing the count to 2-0. The third pitch didn’t come right over the plate, but still in a good spot where I could guarantee to hit the ball passed the infield. The connection made my hands ache as the ball flew high and far. I took off running, watching it go.

I rounded first, as the bases started to clear, and was able to have a good look at my hit. It reached over the left fielder as he chased it down, and hit the edge of the top of the fence, bouncing back into the field. Home run? That’s a home run right? When it hits the yellow line at the top of the fence, it means it’s out of here!

I slowed up as I reached second. The bases really did clear up before the left fielder got the ball back to the infield. I was about to jog to third, yet the ball was thrown to the second baseman who tried to tag me with his glove. I had slowed up due to the difficulty of breathing so luckily I was still on base.

The ump extended his arms. "Safe!"

Safe? Shouldn’t I be going home? I looked to my dugout for help.

Coach and Noah were both beside the home plate umpire in seconds. Zeke pulled Noah back, said some words to him and sent him back inside the dugout.

I stood still on second, unsure of what to do.

Coach was having an intense conversation with the ump, and now the Porterville coach came out of his own dugout. I looked around to find someone to ask what was going on, but I was alone as a runner. The shortstop and second baseman joined the rest of the infield on their mound. Even the three outfielders had gathered to have their own conversation.

I sighed, feeling a little depressed for some reason.

After a couple of minutes, the umpire pointed at coach and at our dugout. I think that was the sign for a warning. Why did he just issue everyone a warning? Coach stormed back to the dugout and spoke with some of the players, who let out a few incoherent grumbles.

Zeke jogged out to me, hopefully bringing answers. First thing he did was squat a little so he could be at my eye level. He patted my helmet and let his hand rest there. "You did well. That was a beautiful hit."

I smiled at the compliment and felt my cheeks heat up.

"Unfortunately the umpire didn’t see that it hit on top and bounced back so it wasn’t ruled a home run. Just a normal hit." He gave an extra pat. "Don’t think about it too much for now. Just know that we’re happy you were able to drive in three runs."

I nodded.

"Good. Pay attention here. Don’t get caught too far off the bag, but don’t just stand on it either." He stood tall. He nodded at me and jogged back to the dugout. He relayed some words to coach before going to the on deck circle with his bat.

The position players had al gotten back in place as the pitcher prepared to face off with Mahki. Unexpectedly, the momentum had died with me and my non home run. Mahki popped out to the second baseman, not even giving me a chance to advance. Which was a mute point since Zeke’s high fly was caught at the wall by the right fielder for out number three.

I was wondering how I could hit the ball out, yet Zeke wasn’t able to, but was soon distracted by the commotion in the dugout. As soon as I walked in, the team pounced on me. I was pushed, shoved, slapped, and flat out hit multiple times before Noah and Zeke saved me.

"Hey! I know you’re all excited, me included, but Jake doesn’t like this remember?!" Noah had to raise his voice to be heard over the team’s excitement.

"Stick to high fives." Zeke commanded, making the team calm down.

The team listened. Kind of. As the field players started to take the field, they high-five’d the top of my head as they passed me by. Thankfully I still had my helmet on to help prevent a concussion. Zeke wasn’t an exception. He patted my helmet then jogged out as well.

"You were robbed!" Noah sighed as I replaced my helmet with my cap. I grabbed my glove as we moved out to the field. "That was definitely a home run. I can’t believe the umpire screwed us over like that."

I shrugged, not caring too much. Zeke had already said I did well and not to overthink it. "It’s okay. Everyone still scored. There’ll be other chances."

Noah let out a laugh. "Right, right! There are a few more schools up in the mountains like this. You’ll get it next time. Heck, you still might have a chance this game too if you get another at bat."

"What do the mountains have to do with anything?" I asked in confusion as we stopped by second base. Dave was warming up and Julian was rolling out grounders to Jason.

"It’s the high altitude." Noah rolled his eyes. "You’re still a newbie when it comes to things like this. But in high altitudes, the ball will travel further thanks to the low atmospheric pressure. Just like you have trouble breathing in the thin air, the ball has less resistance."

My eyes widen and my eyebrows shot up. "What? Really? I just thought I had a good connection with a fast swing."

Noah laughed. "That helped too. What would have been best, was if there was replay like in the pros. Then we could have confirmed your home run for all to see."

"Ten seconds." The umpire called out, letting us know that the balls used for warmups needed to be returned.

I backed up to the proper spot for a second baseman, putting some distance between me and Noah as we got ready to face the first batter. Dave had shut down all nine batters in order and now we were back to the top of the lineup.

I turned real quick to check the scoreboard to confirm our 7-0 lead. While looking, I could see Zeke in center field, ready for anything. The sight of him reminded me of his last at bat...a fly out. Normally that wouldn’t be a big deal.

...but after Noah talk about the ball being able to fly further in high altitude, I started to have second thoughts again. I hit the ball out of the park. Technically. Zeke...didn’t. His hit didn’t even make it to the fence like mine did. There was only a few feet difference, but still. He’s better. He’s taller. He’s stronger. He could hit balls out of a bigger park without any difficulty. So with the low altitude it should have gone even further..?

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