Once inside the dugout, the team started to pat me on the back, shoulder, head, wherever they could reach me. They congratulated me on the good play. I shyly nodded and made my way to my bag. I was going to get to have one more at bat at the least.
Noah looked at me, when I approached, with a sad expression. "Now can we talk?"
I shook my head and grabbed my helmet and bat. I had to go to the on deck circle. Daniel was already up to bat and I was next. Daniel ended up flying out to right field, keeping his hitless streak strong.
Before I stepped in the box, I looked for Zeke, but he wasn't in his usual spot, so I stuck with what I know...get a walk. We're up 6-1 so I didn't put in the effort to foul every pitch. Only fouled a few to keep the count going so I could earn my walk.
I made it to first, but my stay didn't last long. Mahki grounded out into a double play, effectively ending the inning. I jogged back to the dugout and got my glove. Noah didn't try speaking to me this time; just watched me as I traded in my equipment.
When I jogged back out to my position, I saw a familiar face on the mound: Garret! He caught me looking at him and grinned. "Watch me in action, Bambi. I'll shut these guys down to end the game without a sweat."
I gave a little nod and moved to my position. Garret was the fastest pitcher I had faced in the little amount of time that I've been playing. I didn't know if the cutter was his only other pitch besides the fastball, but it wouldn't matter. Most of San Marino were right handed and wouldn't stand a chance.
After a moment, I realized that Kelvin was also replaced. It took me a moment to remember the other seniors name, Jordan. He was specifically only Garret's catcher.
Garret did what he set out to do. He got all three batters to strike out swinging on nine pitches. He didn't give them any mercy and completely shut them up and shut them out. With us leading at the middle of the seventh inning, the umpire called game and we didn't have to bat a pointless half inning since we already won.
The team crowded the dugout and happily spoke to one another. I quietly put my gear in my bag and was the first one to leave the dugout. Or so I thought.
"Trying to sneak away again, huh?" Noah was waiting just outside the dugout with his bag already on his shoulders, all packed up. "No escaping me this time. Just tell me what's wrong already."
I took in a deep breath of air. Then let out, "You intentionally harmed someone."
Noah blinked. Then blinked again. Then let out a laugh. "That's what you're mad about? But that's just apart of the game!" He continued to laugh, but I couldn't stand it. I walked past him. "Hey, Wait!" He reached out for me, but I dodged.
I looked at him with disdain. "It's not fun when others get hurt." I said clearly without stuttering or having to clear my throat. This was something I was firm on, violence is never an option.
Noah froze. He stood tall. "I did it for Jason. They sent him to the hospital, Jake. Don't you care? Wouldn't you want to have someone get revenge for you? As they say in the Bible, eye for eye and tooth for tooth."
"It also says that you should turn the other cheek." A woman said from the side. Mrs. Atkins stood near the fence with her husband behind her. "Jesus said 'Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.'"
Noah looked down in shame after being told off by his mother. He kicked at the grass. "I didn't read the whole book. Sue me."
Mrs. Atkins looked at me, knowing how I felt about violence. "Why don't you boys come off the field? We'll wait for the twins and Zeke, together."
Noah looked up from the grass to see what I would say. But I had nothing to say to him. Mrs. Atkins put it perfectly. I turned away and left the field so I could stand with his parents on the other side of the fence.
Noah silently followed. We joined his parents and as we stood there, multiple strangers came by to congratulate us on making it to the finals. I stealthily hid myself by Mr. Atkins in order to not draw attention to myself.
"Well if it isn't baby Atkins." A snarky voice said among the crowd. Mr. Thompkins pushed his way to stand before us. "You look healthy for someone who had such a nasty looking collision at home plate."
Noah made a face. "I'm okay. Just banged up."
"Yes, yes, much better than Michael Fultz." He sneered. "How does it feel to end someone's baseball season before it even starts? You're just as bad as your brother, Zeke."
Mrs. Atkins stepped up beside Noah. "That's enough. You can't question my son like this."
"Why not? You complained to my boss saying I interviewed him yesterday without an adult present. Now here you are. I can ask him as many questions as I want."
Mr. Atkins stepped forward as well, towering over everyone. "Sure. But we have the right to refuse to answer. Come one Noah. We'll wait in the car. Jake, let's go."