Top of the sixth. Joey had to deal with the hardest part of the lineup. Three. Four. Five. Granted, he's kept them at a combined 1-6 with only the cleanup batter having a single. But the ball has been put into play a lot. Batter three was no exception, launching the ball dead center. Garret sprinted back to the warning track and made the catch for the first out of the inning.
The cleanup hitter put up a fight, working the full count until Joey threw a ball way outside. It went off the backstop and the batter jogged to first base after tossing his bat towards his dugout.
I glanced at Noah. Our team was very adamant about not giving out walks. It was better to give up hits. Just yesterday, Dave got grief about his two walks and I just think he has more leeway than Joey.
Noah's face was neutral and he stayed in his position. He caught me looking his way and clapped his glove. "Okay, okay. One out! Let's eye that double play!"
That's right. I got set for the next batter. I'd prefer if the ball came to me for this double play. It'll be easier to throw to Noah at second, instead of making the throw from second to first. I flexed my glove open and close a few times.
The fifth batter hit the ball way out of reach for us though. There would be no routine double play with the line drive flying to right-center field. Garret sprinted over and completely laid out to make the diving grab, stopping the ball from hitting the grass. From the ground, he tossed the ball to Tanner who had came over to cover. Tanner threw the ball to Noah at second, making the runner retreat to first.
Noah took a few steps towards the mound and tossed the ball to Joey. "Two outs! One to go. Play's at first!"
Joey turned the ball over a couple of times in his hands before putting his glove back on and getting set on the mound. He did a check throw twice for the runner on first before taking the batter on. It didn't help him settle it seemed. The sixth batter ripped a ball to left-center field, hitting the outfield fence before Garret or Korrey could even get there.
The runner from first had taken off as soon as the bat was swung, giving him a great lead. Rounding second, then rounding third. He was going to go home!
I nervously stood by second base, watching Garret throw the ball in to Noah, and Noah relaying it home to Mitchell as the runner slid over home plate.
"Safe!" The umpire stated. 5-3.
The batter made it to second base with ease and Mitchell walked the ball back to the mound where Joey was. Noah jogged in too, joining their small mound meeting. Seeing Jesse and Jason stay at their respective corners, I stayed out of it too. My nervousness could affect Joey and vice versa. I'm sure Noah was saying something like hitting the ball towards him and Mitchell was telling Joey to just focus on the batter.
The umpire broke up the meeting when it was time. Mitchell and Noah got back into position, and Joey got set on the mound. Joey took on batter seven, getting him to a 1-2 count before stalling. The batter hit five consecutive foul balls before popping a high one into fair territory.
Noah chased it down in the short outfield and made the catch over his shoulder. Out.
We jogged it in.
"Good game, Joey. Way to hang in there." Coach acknowledged. "Cool down and see me after."
Joey's face fell. "Can't I bat before you take me out?"
Coach shook his head. "No need. You take a break." He looked at Dalton down the bench. "Dalton, you will pinch hit for the number nine spot." His eyes shifted to Mitchell, who was taking off his gear. He didn't say anything and moved to talked to Alisha.
Noah and I sat by our bags, with both of us taking off our hats. Noah already put his helmet on and started with his gloves.
"What?" He caught me looking and gave a small shrug. "At the very least, I'll be on deck. Gotta be ready anyways."
"I didn't say anything." I pulled out my batting gloves, looking them over. I've only worn them a couple times now, but the dirt and sweat made them look older.
"It would be better if someone got on and we build up more of a cushion." Dave slid over, closer to Noah. "Who knows who Coach will use to try to close out the game. This one could be another extra innings game if things go south."
"Or we could just lose." Kyle walked over.
Noah threw some seeds at him. "Shut up, will you?"
Kyle shrugged. "It's just a possibility. A very small one." He looked at Dave. "I heard overheard Coach. He's going to go with the sophomore."
There was only one sophomore in the bullpen. Marshel Butler.
Noah's lips twitched. "You're joking. We still have some seniors left that we could use."
Kyle smirked. "Feeling like the game is a little closer now, don't you?"
"I always feel that way." I spoke up. "Though this game does feel a little more relaxed than the others this weekend."
"That's because you're having a good time at the plate." Dave told me. "Don't slack off. There's a consequence to relaxed games. If the players don't keep up with the sense of urgency, the defense and pitching could collapse."
"I wouldn't let that happen. Neither would Coach." Noah got up and grabbed his bat. "If Marshel pitches, Coach will probably only let him give up one run before calling in Matt or Tyler."
"Possibly." Kyle nodded.
Noah headed for the dugout entrance, eager to get his shot at...starting a new hit streak? Or continuing it? I don't know. I was still confused where he technically stood.
"Think you can hit another homer?" Dave slid closer to me. "Pull off something Zeke has done?"
I ran my fingers through my hair and gave a small shake of my head. "I don't know. I don't even know if I'll get a chance up. It'll be nice if the game just ended like this. 5-3."
Kyle laughed. "You're easily satisfied."
Really? I didn't think so. But I would definitely be happy with the team and tournament win. I didn't want to see a so-called collapse. Or worse. A comeback from the other team.
