Technically not one. But two. But Noah still bats in front of me so I'm sure he could come up with something like he did before, even if it was a stupid idea. As the inning started, it turned out that I wouldn't need to rely on him to get on base so much.
Sean was walked, and then Kelvin belted a single to right field moving Sean all the way to third base. For the pitcher position in the lineup, Coach pulled Tyler and sent Chris in to pinch hit. He has a golden opportunity to score at least one run with Sean on third and no outs.
Chris was able to send a high, but far, fly ball to left field. We watched as it went towards the left fielder, who lifted up his glove to catch the ball. In my mind I was just thinking that Sean would be able to tag up and score from that distance. But the crowd and dugouts gasped in unison as the ball bounced off his glove and rolled on the grass. Everyone started to run. What should have been a routine fly out just became an E7. An error.
Sean easily scored. Kelvin hustled to third, sliding in on the bag as the ball came back to the infield. Even Chris made it all the way to second. Now we're talking.
I moved to the on deck circle and Noah moved up to the batter's box. He looked to Mr. Miller along the third base side for instructions. I was hoping he would say go for a walk or try to get on base, but Mr. Miller gave him the sign to swing freely. He also signed for the runners to watch where the ball goes: on the ground, then run; If in the air, wait.
Noah got set in the box and faced the pitcher, ready to swing at anything. And I mean anything. The first pitch was outside, yet he still swung. And missed. 0-1.
"Eye on the ball!"
"What was that!"
"Are you even trying?"
A few shouts and comments came from our own dugout, making Noah turn red with embarrassment. He shot the dugout a sheepish smile before stepping back up to the plate. He let the next pitch pass for a called strike, making him frown. On the third pitch, he connected, sending the ball down the right field line. The right fielder ran in and caught the fly ball for the first out of the inning. Kelvin tagged up on third and sprinted home as the right fielder threw the ball to his cut off man. 2-0. Chris didn't tag up and stayed put at second, but that's okay, since I could still drive him home.
I held out my hand for a high five as Kelvin jogged back to the dugout, picking up Noah's bat on his way. He smacked my hand then waited for Noah to come too. He smacked him on the helmet, beaming with happiness. We were up on the scoreboard with a two run lead.
They went back and I stepped up to bat. One out with one on second. I just had to avoid the infield on the off chance that they'll turn a double play. As I got in the batter's box, I heard a shout from Coach: "Be patient!"
Right. Gotta take my time. The pitcher was already looking tired and sweaty the more his pitch count went up. If I could make him work a little longer, there's a chance that he'll be taken out which would benefit the rest of my team.
Like Coach advised, I let a couple more pitches pass and fouled more than a few off. After being at a full count for five extra pitches, the pitcher, Ricky, was tired and frustrated. He threw a pitch inside that would definitely be ball four, but that's not what I would want. My front foot stepped forward and out, opening up my body to the pitch. My swing came in short and fast, connected with the fastball, and then I pulled it to right field. My body turned with the swing, sending me on my way to first. I was able to watch my hit dropped just over the right fielders hit, rolling to the outfield fence.
Chris and I sprinted around the bases, one obviously faster than the other. In my defense, he was able to lead off of second while I had to sprint from home. He safely scored making it 3-0 and I safely made it to second base without having to slide. I put my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath, as the ball was returned to the pitcher.
I could hear the dugout cheers as Chris was greeted back into the dugout. I looked over and smiled at their hollering.
Not long after, Lassen Union's Coach came out and went to the mound, telling the umpire that he'll do a pitching change. Ricky handed over the ball and slowly walked off the field with his head hung low. I felt a mix of guilt and pride at the sight. Guilt because he was taken out of the game, yet pride for the same reason. I sighed.
Lassen Union brought in a new pitcher that was just as tall as the twins, yet more well built. He had definition in his muscles unlike the twins. Kind of like a more muscular Garret. He came in with more power than speed. Pitches that landed in the catcher's mitt and made a solid sound.
He got Mahki to strike out swinging. Walked Garret after a long at-bat. But was still able to get Brian to strike out swinging as well to end our half of the inning. Even though I didn't make it home to score a run, we were up by three and I was satisfied.
I jogged back to the dugout, trailing behind Garret.
He glanced back at me. "That was a nice line drive earlier. I feel like you always know where to hit the ball."
I blushed and mumbled back. "I just try my best."
He laughed as we made it back. The dugout was more lively now that we had the lead. Everyone was chatting about the plays we were able to make and how we even got their star starter to sit down in less than five innings.
"Keep it steady, boys." Coach told us as we began to take the field. "Soft and easy plays." He came out with us to introduce our next pitcher, Matt.
I knew even less about Matt than all the other pitchers. He was a quiet junior on the team that always seemed to be hanging around the outer edges of groups. He never talked back to any of the coaches, and was instead, a great listener. So...the opposite of the twins.
He never begged to pitch, but he took the mound in the bottom of the fifth inning with pride and determination. He would have to start with batter's five, six, and seven. He threw warmups with all seriousness and didn't look nervous at all.