The Hitting Zone

Kyle took the mound, facing the bottom of their lineup again. It followed a similar pattern too. The eighth batter struck out swinging and the pitcher, batting ninth, hit another single. Kyle was back up against the top of the lineup again for the third time. The leadoff batter had struck out the previous two times, but was able to pull a bloop single to right field for a single this time.

Runners on first and second, one out. Kyle must have been overcompensating, because for the first time this game, he walked a batter to load the bases. He was still throwing fast but it was getting wild.

The third batter in the lineup had a generous 3-1 count before connecting on one of Kyle's fastballs. An RBI single to right field, bases still loaded, score became 3-1.

Mitchell asked the ump for 'time' then headed for the mound. I glanced at Noah and he was headed there too. Noah waved all of us infielders in towards the mound. Sean, Jason, and myself all jogged up to join Kyle on the mound.

"You're losing control." Noah told Kyle bluntly after noticing that Mitchell didn't say anything.

Kyle rolled his eyes. "No shit Sherlock. I'm out of rhythm." He rolled his shoulders back and forth.

Mitchell spoke into his glove, keeping his voice down. "We can get out of this. Just keep the ball low, but try not to throw in the dirt."

Kyle nodded.

"Just keep in mind that these guys are good too." Noah spoke up. "So don't get down on yourself. Channel your inner Dave and be arrogant for no reason."

That drew a laugh from Kyle. "Okay, I know. Don't worry, I'm fine. You all just be ready to stop any grounders."

We broke up the meeting on the mound before the ump reached us. With everyone back in their positions, Kyle had to face the cleanup hitter. He checked the runner on third.

Noah and I were both closer to second, eyeing that chance at a double play. Jason was close to third while Sean stood more off of first to watch for grounders too. Definitely some gaps.

Kyle kept his pitches low as planned. The count was 1-2 when the batter made contact, hitting a grounder to my left, out of Sean's reach. Although I was close to second base, I was playing back so I had the chance to cut off the grounder before it reached the outfield grass. It happened in milliseconds.

I got the baseball, sliding in the dirt, then I completely turned to throw the ball back to Noah at second, barely beating the runner to second. Or so I thought.

"Safe!" The umpire closest to the bag declared.

Noah didn't hesitate to throw to first, getting the batter out, hoping to complete the double play. A double play that went down the drain.

The runner from third scored, making the score 3-2. The runner from second stayed on third as Sean walked the ball back to Kyle on the mound.

"You think he's safe?" Noah asked the nearby umpire to repeat himself.

I couldn't hear what the umpire said to Noah for a few reasons. I was too far. They were too quiet. And the crowd was getting loud because of how close the game was. One run difference.

Coach came out of the dugout to talk to the home plate umpire. The other umpires went to join him. Including the guy who called the runner safe at second.

Us infielders gathered just behind the mound.

Sean put his arm around my shoulders and leaned down to whisper. "That ump must be blind. I can't believe he called the dude safe. You had him beat."

I looked to Noah. "Do you think he can change his mind?"

Noah let out a short laugh. "No. Unfortunately this isn't the big leagues. There are no replays and challenges in high school ball."

Jason cursed under his breath. "Hopefully he doesn't blow any more close calls. Kyle needs to get this next guy out."

Coach quit his conversation with the umpire and headed for the mound. Mitchell was trailing after him. We got closer too, standing around Kyle and Coach.

Coach shielded his mouth with his hand. "It's a tough break, but put it behind you guys." He looked at Noah. "Face this batter, but don't be afraid to walk him. You know what I mean?"

I looked at Noah, not knowing what Coach meant. Maybe it's a pitcher thing? But normally, Coach hates walks. He likes to say 'there's no defense against walks' all the time.

Noah caught my questioning look and spoke up, looking at me. "Coach wants Kyle to throw at the hard spots in the strike zone. The borders. Try it out. But first base is open so he can walk the guy if it's not working out."

"We don't want to intentionally walk him though." Coach added. "The player in the batter's box now had a double off of Kyle so I don't want him to face the batter head on."

I nodded slowly, then glanced up at Kyle.

He caught me looking at him and pushed my baseball cap down over my eyes. "Don't worry. We won't lose the lead here. With you and Noah guarding the middle, I can rest easy that I won't be giving up anymore hits."

My hands started to sweat. I took my glove off so I can dry my hands on my pants.

"Now you've done it." Noah scolded Kyle. "Can you try not to put anymore pressure on Jake?"

Sean laughed. "No kidding. There's a reason we call him Bambi."

Coach gave me a small slap on the back. "You already made one great play, have some confidence."

Somehow this meeting on the mound became a pep talk for me?

Coach left for the dugout and the rest of us got into position.

"Jake." Noah called out to me.

I glanced at him. Noah gestured for me to get closer to second base while he shifted more away. Jason was covering third since there was still a runner over there. Sean had more freedom to stand off of first since there was no one on his base.

Kyle started his battle with the fifth batter. He kept his pitches low, getting the guy to swing and miss twice. 0-2. Kyle threw low and away. The batter had to reach to make contact. He the top part of the baseball, hitting a grounder my way. I charged the ball and made the play to first. My throw was a little off, but Sean recovered it nicely.

"Out!"

Finally. I sighed with relief.

"We got out of that one." Noah clapped me on the shoulder as we jogged back to the dugout together.

I nodded.

"You made some great plays out there." Garret told me when he got back inside the dugout too. "That ump must be missing his glasses, because even I could see that the runner was out at second. Glad it didn't land us in anymore trouble."

Yea, it was a close one. A lot of baserunners for Kyle this last inning. I looked for him in the dugout, finding him and Mitchell talking to Coach. I wonder if he's staying in or getting pulled.