Garret faced off with the first batter and worked it to a 1-2 count, only to let him get a single just down the first baseline. The second batter was also able to hit one of Garret's pitches into play, but luckily Noah made a diving stop and tossed it to me. I stepped on second then threw to first. We got the runner coming from first, but weren't able to turn the double play.
Top of the fourth with one out. We all got back to our spots and Garret faced the third batter. The third batter ended up connecting as well and sent the ball between me and Julian, getting a single, and also advancing the runner to second base. I looked to Noah, worried. Even though we got the second batter on a fielders choice, all three guys have sent the ball into play.
Noah wasn't paying any attention my way. He was focusing on the runner on second, Garret, Jordan, and the batter. A check throw could be possible...but I couldn't remember what sign to look for from the catcher. If Noah moves in to cover the base, then I'll try and backup the throw in case it goes bad.
Garret now has to face their cleanup hitter with only one out. Best case scenario would be an easy double play. Worst case scenario, a three run homer. C'mon Garret, I thought in my head. Just hold him here. He brought the batter to a 2-2 count, before throwing his cut-fastball. As a lefty, his cutter run to the inside for right-handed batters. Usually inside pitches were more difficult to hit, but this cleanup hitter was able to send it to right field, getting it past Sean.
Julian ran out to the grass to be the cutoff man, and I went to cover first. The baserunners were sprinting around, not losing out to Zeke in speed. The cleanup hitter tagged first and headed to second. The runner on second made it home. Sean made the throw to Julian who immediately turned to throw home but Jordan was crossing his arms in an X, and the runner that was on first base scored. 7-2. Julian sighed and gave the ball back to Garret on the mound.
Garret kicked at the rubber, frowning.
"Don't mind!" Noah yelled out. "Let them hit. We'll get a double play on the next one. We're still winning. Stay calm."
Garret looked up and gave him a nod. Then he faced the next batter as we all moved back to our spots. Noah still had to stick closer to second base to make sure the guy wouldn't take a big lead off the base. Garret seemed to put more strength behind his pitches and was able to get batters five and six to fly out to Zeke in center field. That ended the fourth and kept the score 7-2, still a five run lead.
We got back to the dugout and our team got ready to go back on the offensive. Chris, Noah, and Jordan would start us off. As the three got ready, the Paradise coach came out and talked to the umpire before calling out a new pitcher.
"That's still not their ace." Jordan said from nearby. He had his helmet on and his bat in his hands.
"But that is their second best pitcher." Zeke stood by me. "Not only is he second best on his team, but also in the top five in the county. He has a variety of pitches."
I studied this new guy that took the mound and preceded to do some warmup pitches. "What pitches?" I asked in a low voice.
Zeke took a seat beside me. "He switches between a two-seam fastball and four-seam fastball regularly. He also has a 12 to 6 curve. Then a slider. Which is between a fastball and curve. The four-seamer is the most common because it's the fastest and straightest pitch. Almost no movement. A two-seamer is similar to a sinker; it'll move downward. A 12 to 6 curve is self explanatory; it'll be top to bottom movement, it can be hard to time."
"Slider?" I asked, wanting to know more.
"The slider will look like a curve coming out of the hands, but if you're batting right handed and it's coming from a righty, it'll break down and away from you." Zeke reminded me of an encyclopedia. It felt like he knew everything pertaining to baseball. "Watch closely now. Even though you don't have the best view here, you can know what to expect." He pointed to Chris, who had just stepped up to bat.
The new pitcher was as fast as the one before, if not faster. He didn't have any wasted movement or pitches. He struck out Chris with three pitches. And then Noah. Jordan stepped up, Garret moved to the on deck circle, and I put my helmet on.
Jordan was able to foul off the first pitch. Took the second pitch for a ball. Then a called strike. Another ball. Foul. Foul. Then his patience paid off and he connected with one. He made it safely to first and looked back at our dugout. It looked as if he was proving a point.
I looked up at Zeke to see if he knew, but he was too busy scolding Noah for a sloppy at-bat. Garret moved to the box so Mahki could move to the on deck circle. Usually I would stay by my bag, but this time I took a knee near the fence and continued to watch this pitcher. Top five in the county was nothing to sneeze at. He could probably take on Zeke.
Sadly, I wouldn't get to face him this inning. Garret grounded out to third and ended the offense for us.