The Hitting Zone

Just as I thought we were all going to get set again, the catcher called for 'time' and went to his pitcher on the mound. The other infielders went to join him too.

I looked back to my dugout for help. Garret, who was on deck, waved me over as he slowly moved to Mr. Miller down the third baseline.

"They're probably discussing if they should walk you." Garret whispered under his hand.

I frowned. "It's a 1-2 count." I'm at a disadvantage.

"You look like you're just toying with him." Garret said.

I stiffened, feeling a little guilty.

Mr. Miller chuckled, reaching out to hold my shoulder. "You're not in trouble for it. It wasn't a bad decision."

"If they walk you, it just means I can be the star." Garret grinned and patted my other shoulder.

"Better do what you say, or you can expect a lot of grief from Kyle." Mr. Miller warned him.

"Hey, I already saved his butt once today." Garret replied. "He won't be able to say much."

The home plate umpire went to break up the meeting on the mound, signaling that it was time for the game to resume. Everyone got back into position including me getting back to the batter's box. I was kind of expecting the catcher to stay standing or say something to the ump after Garret's speculation, but he just squatted behind the plate.

Okay? I got set and faced the pitcher. The pitcher got ready and threw a ball low and away; the catcher snatched it up and raised his glove a little bit.

"Ball." 2-2.

I made a face. This guy definitely wants to get me looking at a bad called strike. I know it. The ball went back to the pitcher and everyone got set again. The pitcher threw another low and away pitch, but I did my best to reach and poke at it. It was a bloop single to left and Logan was able to advance to third, only stopping with Mr. Miller's guidance.

Garret was up with us runners at the corners. Practically the same scenario as runners at first and second with two outs. There wasn't room for a sac fly. Just as I was thinking that he definitely had to get a hit, the OLU coach came out to the mound, signaling a pitcher change. And if that wasn't enough, the catcher notified the umpire that they'd be intentionally walking Garret.

Mitchell will face a new, fresh arm with bases loaded.

Or so I thought.

Just as a new OLU pitcher was coming from their bullpen, we had a player coming from our bullpen: Bryce. He jogged to the dugout, and spoke with Coach.

"Looks like he'll be a pinch hitter for Mitchell." Coach Riley commented.

Garret made his way to us and said the same thing.

But I was more concerned with... "Who will be catcher then? Oscar?"

Garret smirked as he glanced towards our dugout. "I have a feeling it'll be your brother. Kyle is easygoing and doesn't mind working with Oscar. But he probably feels a little tense now that he knows there are a lot of eyes on him today."

Poor Noah. But it made sense. Noah could catch for the twins and was good at it. Bryce could cover for Noah when we go to the top half of the inning.

When it looked like things were wrapping up with the changes and warmups, I jogged to second base. I fiddle with my glove straps as Bryce's name was announced and he stepped up to the plate.

Mr. Miller gave out the sign. Run on contact. That's all we had to do. Korrey was fast enough to make it home on a passed ball or wild pitch too. With a good batter like Bryce up, we were in a good spot.

Bryce really came through on the first pitch, sending the ball to left-center. I had my eyes on Mr. Miller as I sprinted to third, but I could already tell from the cheers that it was a hit. Korrey scored to make it 2-1. And Mr. Miller was waving me on. I stepped on third base and headed home. Korrey was holding Bryce's bat and signaling no slide. I stepped on home plate. 3-1.

I turned back and saw Mr. Miller holding Garret up at third as the ball was relayed in. Guess he didn't want a close play at the plate when we already had the lead. Plus Garret can't risk an injury from a collision with playoffs just around the corner.

Korrey and I bumped fists and went back to an ecstatic dugout. We slapped hands with everyone and celebrated taking back the lead.

Near the end of the line, I saw the unexpected: Mitchell helping Dave get catcher's gear on.

I looked at Noah after taking my helmet off. "I thought you would be the catcher?"

Noah gave me a look of disgust. "Bro. Please."

I laughed. I wanted to look for Kyle to see his thoughts on this but he was on deck as Jason was up to bat. "Does Kyle know?"

"It was his idea." Noah enlightened me. "When Coach told us that he was going to bring Bryce in to pinch hit, he asked Kyle if he would be fine with Oscar otherwise he could ask me. He asked me and I turned him down flat. I catch enough at home. He then surprised all of us by asking Dave. Because he's got a lot for him too at home."

I nodded. It made sense. The twins used to catch for one another all the time before roping Noah in. "Dave just yes? Just like that?"

"Yep." Noah shrugged. "Says he wants to surprise the family."

I grinned. "I think they'll be surprised. I was. I thought for sure it was going to be you."

Noah laughed. "Jake. I wouldn't even do it for you. Let alone for them."

I kicked his cleat. "You're such a liar. You did it once so you've already outed yourself."

Noah laughed. "It was the exception. Not the rule." He tilted his head. "But ya know...if you really did pitch in a game. Maybe I would."

I just shook my head. No way would I ever pitch. I didn't have the arm for it. Or the confidence.

Jason popped out to the pitcher to end the inning.

Kyle came back, pausing in front of Dave. "You really ready for this? It's a game. Not backyard ball."

Dave stood, holding the catcher's mask. "Of course I'm ready. It's just like playing catch except someone's trying to hit your pitch."

"You boys get one run." Coach came over, standing between them. "You give up one run and Oscar is coming in."

"Sounds fair." Dave shrugged.

"Would I still be on the mound?" Kyle asked.

"Depends on the situation and pitch count." Coach told him. "You've got to know that this game isn't the end for us. Don't push yourself too hard. We still need you for the playoffs."

"I know, Coach." Kyle grinned. "These guys are just my warm up for the next one."