The Hitting Zone

Redwood High School was definitely named after its surroundings. The school had giant trees towering over all the buildings. Noah was quick to tell me that these sequoia trees can grow hundreds of feet in the air. And after seeing a forest of them, I believe it.

This time we shared the bus with the girls softball team. Unlike before, when we got to watch them, this time we wouldn't. Both games had separate umpires and would start near the same time. Kyle was bummed that he couldn't see Marie pitch, and that she wouldn't get to see him pitch. Coach had given him the start with a limited pitch count again.

Like Garret had predicted, he wouldn't get the start after having a rough outing against them before. But because he did well at the plate normally, and because he destroyed them last month, Coach had put him back in the outfield.

1 SS Noah Atkins

2 2B Jake Hollander

3 LF Garret Knudsen

4 CF Zeke Atkins

5 1B Julian Wilson

6 3B Jason Morris

7 RF Mahki Holstrom

8 C Alex Farrell

9 P Kyle Atkins

"You boys know what to do." Coach told us after warmups and before the game officially started. "I know we won before but I shouldn't have to remind you of the score. We're sending out a new pitcher, and I'm sure they will too. You also have to be diligent in defense." He looked at me. "What are the three B's?"

I gulped, slightly hating him for putting me on the spot. Seeing that the team was waiting for my answer, I cleared my throat. "Ball. Base. Backup."

"Awe! Bambi is all grown up!" Dave practically tackled me, using his good hand to swing me around like he was showing me off to the team. The guys all laughed and even Coach cracked a smile.

"Hey! Stop that!" Noah pulled me away to safety. "Coach, can't we send Dave to the bullpen? He's just a distraction here."

"Nope." Coach answered. "He's in charge of pitch count. Kelvin will be helping me deliver signs to Alex and Kyle for called pitches. Julian is back in the lineup. And for the rest of the bench-" He looked around to make eye contact. "I want all of them to be mentally ready to go in at anytime for any reason. Either for pinch-hitting, pinch-running, or for unexpected injuries."

"Yes, Sir!" They responded.

"Noah, Jake, and Garret, get your stuff on and watch the pitcher warmup." Coach told us. "He won't throw his best, but at least you'll get to look at his pitching mechanics for a little bit."

"Yes!" Noah and Garret answered. I gave a nod.

The three of us went to put on helmets and grab our bats. The two of them were pulling on their batting gloves as we all stood by the dugout entrance. The opposing team had yet to take the field.

"Happy to be back in the number one position." Noah grinned.

"Well you are doing better." Garret told him. "A hit a game. Keep it up." He patted Noah on his helmet.

Noah looked at me. "You too! It's been awhile since your last hitless game, so I'm sure you're breaking records."

I felt my face heat up.

"He's for sure breaking records." Garret stated firmly. "The reporter at your house on Saturday was talking about with Coach. He really wants to interview Jake. I think he was saying that you're breaking most of the freshman records for the league."

"That makes sense." Noah nodded. "Not many freshmen get picked for varsity and if they do, they're usually pitchers or coming off the bench."

"Or they're like you." Garret smirked.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean??" Noah looked disgruntled.

They started to bicker, yet I could tell it was all a joke. Both of them started to insult one another with smiles on their faces. It's weird to think that just over a month ago, I would be worried about this.

"Are you guys paying attention or not?" A calm voice said from behind us, but it gave me goosebumps. Coach had finished talking to the rest of the team and now Zeke stood behind us with his own bat and helmet.

"Of course!" Garret straightened his posture, and didn't turn around. His eyes were trained on the mound, just waiting for the pitcher to get up there. "Solely focused on the pitcher coming up. Any second now."

"What a liar." Noah snorted. He turned to tell Zeke. "He was busy taking shots at me, because Jake is batting better than me. Beat him up, Zeke."

Zeke just shook his head. "Save these conversations for anywhere else but the dugout. How about you get out there and start swinging that bat?"

"Yes!" Noah bolted out.

Zeke glanced at me. "And where are you supposed to be?"

I gripped my bat tighter and ran out as well.

Noah and I stood a few feet apart, practicing our swings. It only had been a few seconds before the announcer started to introduce the home team. Like us, they had a nice broadcast system setup and they also had quite a few fans. It was after school so a few students, teachers, and parents were able to make it.

On the visitors side, I saw a few parents, including Mrs. Atkins. They had told us this morning that only she would come as Mr. Atkins had work to do. The boys weren't bothered by it so neither was I.

"Jake." Noah hissed. "Pay attention. I don't want Zeke to get mad at us again."

I raised an eyebrow. Zeke was only mad at him and Garret. Not me. Guess I'll let it slide. I moved my eyes to the pitcher on the mound. Like Coach predicted, it was a different pitcher. It was easy to tell...not that I remembered the last pitcher, but just because this guy was a lefty. We don't face left-handed pitchers very often. I wonder if he's as good as Garret..?

The umpire for the game called for the two minute warmup to end and for Noah to step up. Noah left me alone at the circle as he made a move for the batter's box. He stepped in the righty's box, standing at the back and digging his back foot in. He was ready.

The pitcher nodded at the catchers sign, stood up, and started his motion. It was slightly different than Garret's. Not as quick or as smooth. But it still had some speed. He threw a fastball down the middle. Noah had swung his fastest, yet it was still a little slow. It was good enough. Noah was able to connect late, and the ball was lifted high in the air, going down the first baseline towards right field.

Noah dropped his bat after contact and started to sprint. He wasn't even looking to see if it was fair or foul or if it was even caught. He just sprinted.

I nervously watched as the ball went to the corner corner of the field. It was going to be short, that's for sure. No homerun. The right fielder sprinted over, chasing it down. He made a dive at it, but the ball snuck under his glove as it bounced.

"Run!!"

"Faster!"

"Keep going!"

Our dugout got rowdy after the outfielder missed. Noah had a hit!

Noah had already rounded first and was almost at second. He didn't look like he was slowing down. He tagged second base and was still sprinting.

The rightfielder already got up and got the ball. He recovered quickly. He threw to his cutoff man, the second baseman, who had went out to the grass.

"To third!" The pitcher yelled.

The second baseman received the ball, turned and threw it across the diamond to the third baseman. What an arm!

The third baseman caught the throw and moved to tag Noah. Noah was already hugging third base; he had started his slide just seconds before and was easily safe.

"Safe!" The umpire confirmed, extending his arms to make the motion.

"Yes!!"

"That's what I'm talking about!"

"Do the same thing Jake!!"

"Just get a hit!"

Our teams dugout was going wild after Noah's leadoff triple. I swallowed. I couldn't follow up with another triple...I can't run or slide like Noah.

"It's okay, be calm." Zeke spoke in a clear voice from the dugout. I glanced back at him. "Just bring him home. You don't have to do anything special."

With his calm demeanor, I felt more relaxed. Yea. There's no need for me to try for a triple too. I just need to bring the runner home to give us the lead. No biggie.