The Hitting Zone

Top of the third. Joey gave up a hit right away to the leadoff. Tanner got the ball in quick to keep the guy to a single. He threw the ball to me. I checked to make sure the runner stayed at first before throwing the ball back to Joey.

Joey waited for the second batter to step up before getting set. He checked over his shoulder at the runner on first before looking at Mitchell. He nodded at his sign and threw his first pitch to this guy. The batter made solid contact, hitting a line drive to left. Korrey came sprinting in and made a dive and slide for the ball, catching it before it hit the grass for the first out. The runner retreated back to first base as Korrey popped up and threw the ball back in.

The third batter attacked early too, pulling the the third pitch to him down the line. Jesse made a diving stop. He jumped to his feet and threw to Jason at first. It was going to be close.

"Out!" The umpire declared.

I dropped my shoulders in relief. Two outs. And the runner at second now. Not terrible.

Jason threw the ball back to Joey. "Hey, two outs! Focus on the batter!"

Joey nodded. He walked around the mound for an extra second before getting on the rubber. He nodded at Mitch's pitch selection, throwing his first pitch to the cleanup hitter. The batter had started his swing, but with the pitch coming inside, he tried to adjust and looked awkward as it connected. The ball dropped in the left field grass for a base hit. Korrey charged it, barehanded the ball, and threw it straight to Jesse at third. The runner from second was easily safe on third base, but he was stopped from trying to run home.

I could feel the tension getting tight between my shoulders again. Runners on first and third. Two outs. The fifth batter got set in the batter's box. I had a bad feeling that if we went down another run or two, our team atmosphere might not be as cheerful or comfortable as before.

Joey did his best to work the zone, getting the batter to a 2-2 count, but then the batter made contact. The ball flew off the bat and went to the outfield. Dead center. Garret chased the ball back and I felt myself holding my breath. Garret jumped just before getting to the fence. He knocked into it again for the second time this weekend, stayed on his feet and held up his gloved hand in the air. Out.

I let out the breath I was holding. Thank god. Still down a run but that's within reach. I jogged back to the dugout with the others.

"Way to tough it out." Coach told Joey. "You just earned yourself another inning."

Joey gave a weak smile. I didn't hear what he had to say though as I had to get to my bag and switch my gear. I was on deck after Noah as we started our offense at the top of our lineup.

"I'm going to get on base this time." Noah stated as he tightened his batting gloves.

I tugged mine on as well and glanced at him. It sounded like he was talking to himself so I didn't know if I should say anything. It took me a minute, but I decided too. "I'll drive you home..."

Noah laughed. "Yea? I believe in you." He turned and went out with his bat.

I tugged my helmet on, grabbed my bat and hurried after him. We left the dugout, separated, and started to take practice swings. Some more seriously than others.

"Do me a favor." Noah stopped and got close to me. I nodded. "If I get on first-I mean, when I get on first, let me steal second before you work your magic." I nodded again. He smiled. "Thanks, Jake." Noah was called up and headed for the batter's box.

It was weird to be thanked for something so minuscule. I knew what Noah wanted. If I kept fouling a bunch of pitches, he couldn't successfully steal. I would have to watch some pitches and be stuck with what I'm given.

During Noah's at bat, I kept anticipating for him to drop a surprise bunt or get the ball to the outfield, but instead he earned a walk. Maybe not the way I imagined him to get on base, but it was still a successful result.

I moved to the lefty box and got set, examining the players in the outfield.

"Get him, Bambi!"

"Get a hit!"

"You've got this!"

"C'mon Jake!"

The cheers were overwhelmingly in my support. Like everyone was here for me.

The pitcher got set. Noah took a lead off of first. The pitcher started his motion and Noah was off. The catcher caught the ball and jumped up, throwing with a huff to second base.

"Strike." The ump said.

"Two! Two!"

"Second!"

"Runner!"

Noah slid into second base and the tag came after.

"Safe!" The other umpire extended his arms.

Noah looked up and asked for 'time.' The umpire granted it and he got up to dust himself off. The shortstop walked the ball to the pitcher on the mound. They shared a short talk before breaking up.

I got set in the batter's box again as play resumed. A part of me wanted to foul off a bunch of pitches and stretch out my at bat, but I just had a feeling that it wouldn't result in a run scored. If I foul too much, the pitcher might get frustrated and just walk me. Or maybe the catcher won't ask for any close pitches. Right now they have me at one strike so the next pitch is probably my best chance to get the ball in play.

The pitcher got set after glancing at Noah on second base. He did a quicker version of his last pitch but the speed wasn't faster, nor was the ball in a good spot. For him. For me, I could make it work. I swung at the low fastball, letting the ball go to the opposite direction. I took off for first and the ball headed for the left field corner.

I rounded first with gusto, watching the left fielder chase the ball back. It was almost identical to my last hit, flying over the outfielder and fence for my second homer of the game. I grinned as I tagged the remaining bases and headed home.

Noah was there waiting, slapping my hand as soon as I tagged the plate. We had the lead back 4-2.

Noah threw his arm around my shoulders and yelled over the cheers. "Can you hear them?!"

I looked to the crowd and spotted Mom and Dad easily. They stood with everyone else, yelling my name. I don't know how or who started it, but the crowd started to chant together.

"M-V-P! M-V-P! M-V-P!"

I felt my face flush.

Noah laughed. "Come on, let's get back."

Garret high-fived us on his way to the box. "I want to start requesting to bat before you two. You take all the glory."

Noah laughed. "That's not a bad idea. I'll tell Coach." He dragged me back to the dugout, only giving me space when the other guys on the team wanted to congratulate me.

"I think you've already surpassed how many homers Zeke hit his whole sophomore year." Dave said cheerfully. "Only took you a couple of tournaments. We're going to be breaking some records this year!"