Walking up to the plate, I chose to be a lefty. Curves are a bit tricky. And with James having such good command of his curves, I don't want to be caught chasing. This is one of the few instances where I don't mind if a pitch comes in at me.
James started with his biggest curve, so much movement, but I held in, kept my weight low and swung. I pulled the ball to right field, and was able to watch it fly over Tanner and then the outfield fence, as I started my run. We bounced back from our one run deficit like Garret said we would.
I rounded the bases, tagged home plate, then high-fived Garret on my way back to the dugout.
He also pumped his fists. "Knew you could do it."
I grinned.
"Nice swing and timing." Coach nodded at me. He pointed at Alisha's clipboard. "Write HR for homerun."
Alisha nodded and wrote it down.
Curious, I took a peek. It looked like a scorecard, but not with so much going on. Next to Noah's name was L3. Line out to the number three position, which is the first baseman. Ah, he's really keeping track of what we're doing today.
"Jake! You just crushed the closer of the year! How do you feel?" Noah asked, holding his fist near my face like he had a mic in hand.
I cracked a smile. "I feel good."
The guys near us laughed. A few slapped me on the backside as I headed back for my seat. Sitting down, I checked my bat over for any cracks then put it back in my bag. When I looked back to the game, Garret had just connected with a pitch, pulling it to right field as well. His was only a single though.
"Dang." Noah muttered. "If my hit had gone through, all three of us would have hits to right field."
"You'll have another chance." I reminded him.
He nodded. "Yea. I just have a little bit of regret."
"It was a good try." I told him. He had hit a line drive. It was just unfortunate that Julian was there to get it.
After Garret's hit, James looked a little annoyed. He ended up walking Sean out of frustration, pushing Garret to second. Korrey was up next. He also was abled to make contact, hitting a grounder to short. Unfortunately, Michael and Dalton was abled to turn the double play to end the inning.
"Alright boys. Tied game." Coach addressed us before we took the field. "So far, I like what I'm seeing. A lot of swings and a lot of solid contact." He looked to Garret, who was taking his helmet off. "I want to see a little more speed out of you these next two innings. You can handle the rest of their lineup so don't you dare give up a walk."
Garret saluted him. "Yes, sir." He grabbed his glove and ran out.
The rest of us followed him out and got in position. After a short warmup, Garret started with the fifth batter in the lineup: Michael Tye. Former captain of the JV team. Shortstop. Best sportsmanship. Similar to Noah in quite a few ways.
I glanced at Noah, but he was completely focused on the game. Anything close, and I'm positive he would get it.
Michael was able to connect with a fastball from Garret, slapping a line drive to left field, just out of reach for the infield. I thought for sure it was going to be a hit, but Andy shocked everyone with a spectacular diving grab, making the catch, and getting the out. He rolled a few times in the grass, but never let the ball go, showing some real athleticism.
"Nice catch!" Noah exclaimed.
Andy threw the ball back in to Noah. "One out!"
"One out!" Noah repeated, throwing the ball to Garret on the mound.
Garret had a clenched jaw, obviously not liking that close call. He kicked it to another gear, striking out the next two batters: Jesse and Dalton. I didn't know whether they struggled because they weren't good at batting or if it was just because it was hard to get a hit off of Garret.
We went back to the dugout feeling good about Garret's clean inning. Three up, three down.
"That was such a good play!" Noah slapped Andy on the back.
Andy stumbled on his way back to his bag. "Thanks." He switched his gear and left the dugout. He would be first up this inning.
"The kid is fast." Garret noted as he sat near us. "I for sure thought that was going to be a hit. I thought he only played infield positions like Julian?"
"Andy can play anywhere." I told him. I've seen Andy play almost every position this summer during softball. He was proficient at it all.
"Very versatile." Noah said in agreement. "Like Sean. He could also play catcher. The only problem would be his batting."
Garret chuckled. "I don't want to hear that from you."
Noah pursed his lips.
"Andy doesn't have any power." I spoke up.
Just in time to Andy hitting a grounder to Michael at short.
"Needs to hit the gym." Garret nodded. He looked at me. "Hey, I heard a rumor that Jeremy is going to pay for a newer weight room??"
I shrugged. "I guess. He had mentioned it before." But I don't know how that would affect his finances. I frowned. How much is he stretching himself out?
"That's correct." Coach overheard us as he was passing by. He looked around to anyone who was listening. "We will be getting a new weight room. With very few exceptions. We'll have priority to pick the days and times, but we still have to share with the other teams. I plan to implement a lot of weightlifting in our preparation for the spring season."
"Yay! We can all get ripped like Bryce did over the summer." Garret laughed.
Coach grinned. "It's not about getting big muscles, but about getting stronger. Hopefully it'll be ready in time for school." He walked back to where Alisha was, taking notes.
Logan struck out, missing the curves terribly.
Noah snorted. "So much for most improved."
Logan Porter had started on the freshmen team, then was bumped up to JV during midseason tryouts. He had won most improved during the spring banquet.
"You struggle with breaking balls too." I whispered.
"I'm working on it." Noah answered. "Just let me be happy that he struck out and I didn't."
"Okay." Whatever made him happy. It couldn't be easy playing with guys that shunned him just last year.
Jason surprised us by hitting a double off the outfield fence. He wasn't usually a great batter, just good enough. For him to get a double off of James, that shows some significant improvement.
Noah put on his helmet and gloves, grabbed his bat and moved to the on deck circle. Mitchell was at the plate. Feeling like there might be a chance, I put my helmet on too.
My hope died when Mitchell hit a grounder right to Jesse at third base. Jesse may not be able to get a hit off of Garret, but he could definitely field. He was the JV defensive mvp after all. He threw Mitchell out at first to end the second inning.
I took my helmet off and set it down. Next inning it'll be starting from the top. That's not a bad thing.
