Shortly after, Garret had Alex, the new catcher, drag Kyle to the bench under the pretense of going over the game plan. It seemed to help Kyle get his mind focused on the task at hand.
Noah let out a sigh of relief. "Did not expect that reaction. At all."
I nodded in agreement. "What a crazy thing to get upset over. He must really like her if he cares what his parents think."
"Guess so." He grinned. "I really wanna know how Mom's taking it." He spotted the confusion on my face. "Mom's are usually protective of their boys when it comes to girlfriends. Something like a momma bear watching over her cubs."
Usually. Guess there's room for error for moms like mine.
Noah noticed my downcast attitude. "Oh, Jake! Don't worry! I'm sure if you get a girlfriend, Mom would be overprotective of you too!" He laughed as he directed me to our bags. "A mom doesn't have to be blood-related to be protective of you. Just look at me! I'm not related to you, but still protective, right?"
I nodded. True.
"Now get your helmet on, young man." He wagged his finger at me, and spoke like he was imitating his mom.
I laughed, then got ready for my at-bat. I put my hat down, helmet on, then grabbed my bat. "It's a little weird not hitting after you." I told him. "And batting third instead of second."
"Yea." Noah sighed. "I've been demoted to sixth."
"At least it's not last..?" I offered.
Noah nodded. "Right! Okay, let's get going. You go to your spot and I'll wait here."
I nodded, gripped my bat in one hand, and moved to the dugout entrance. A few of the guys told me 'good luck' and I nodded in response. I really like this new team atmosphere. Not as hostile.
"Boys." Coach called out. "Two seconds. I just want you to know that although our bench is small today, I won't hesitate to replace anyone not trying their best. Understand?"
"Yes!" The team chorused together.
"Good." He nodded in satisfaction.
It didn't take long for the game to officially start. Unlike our school and others we had been to, Etna didn't have an announcer. The players just took the field and the umpire waved Jason up to bat after their two minute warmup.
Jason was jittery, either because he's our new leadoff guy or because he became the starting third baseman for now. Coach had removed Chris from the team so there wasn't much competition. Even Coach said that Sean would be the utility infielder for when we need him, so that lessened the competition for his position.
The pitcher started wild, getting three balls before throwing a called strike. On a 3-1 count, Jason swung his bat, getting under the ball, he popped it up, nice and high. Just...not very far. The first baseman had to only take two steps back before making the catch.
Garret moved to the batter's box and I moved to the on deck circle.
"Jake, come back for a second." Coach called out. i backtracked and stood before him and Zeke. "I forgot to tell you, you don't have to worry about pitch count today. Just aim for hits on any first good pitch you see."
I tilted my head. "So, I shouldn't foul?"
"Not unless you really have to." Zeke expanded. "Don't force yourself to hit a bad pitch, but you don't have to work so hard to make the pitcher tired."
"Oh. Okay." I didn't question their suggestions and they didn't explain any further, so I went back to the on deck circle.
Garret was on a 2-2 count, and just as I started to take a practice swing, he hit the next pitch to right field for a single.
I moved to the plate and glanced back at Zeke, who had moved to the on deck circle. He gave me a single nod as if that was supposed to be encouragement. I guess for him, it could be. I stepped into the lefty's box and moved my bat back, ready to swing. Today's pitcher wasn't overly impressive with his lack of speed and the lack of movement. If anything, it reminds me of batting practice. When a coach will just throw live balls at you to work on a swing.
With the left field playing laying close to left center, I knew what I wanted to do. Hit to the opposite field so the ball can go down the third baseline. It just so happens that the first pitch given to me was hitable. Barely 75mph, I swear. I made my move and swung at the ball, connecting with it the way I wanted to. The third baseman tried to jump for it but it was perfect. It dropped in the grass and rolled to the outfield fence.
I dropped the bat as soon as I saw it clear the third baseman, then sprinted. With the way the left fielder was playing towards center, I should have a chance for second base, so I rounded first base instead of running straight through. I wanted this double. The outfielder had it in hand and was making the throw to his shortstop. By the time he received it, I was panting, trying to catch my breath, while standing on second. Yes! A standup double. With no need to slide. I stood proudly on the bag with a small smile on my face.
With a look, I spotted Garret on third...he didn't make a run for home? Well, I guess with Zeke up, it's better to play it safe. Zeke could easily drive us in.
Zeke stepped up to bat, and got set after the pitcher was given the ball. He didn't swing on the first pitch like me, but instead let two pass by for balls. On the 2-0 count, the pitcher threw a curve falling into the strike zone. Zeke swung, and pulled the ball between second and third. The shortstop made a diving grab at it, freezing me on second. He looked on as Garret ran straight to home plate, and then decided to get the for sure out at first base. 1-0, us.
Mahki stepped up next, but couldn't produce any more for our offense this inning. He grounded out to the second baseman, leaving me stranded.
I jogged back to the dugout and started to change out my gear alongside Noah. He had his helmet on and bat in hand, but didn't get a chance this inning. We switched to baseball hats and gloves before joining our teammates on the field.
"You look oddly happy." Noah poked me.
I smiled proudly. "I didn't have to slide."
Noah laughed. "That's something weird to be happy about."
I stuck my tongue out at him. That's just because he doesn't know what it's like to suck like me.
Bottom of the first inning, Kyle took the mound with our new catcher, Alex, behind the plate. Kyle came out fast and strong, but not wild. The first batter hit a grounder towards me that was easy to field. The second batter grounded out to Jason at third. Then Kyle got the third batter to strikeout, swinging. Effective and efficient. He must be taking his pitch count seriously. He didn't throw one ball outside the strike zone.