The Hitting Zone

Dave did get cleared to play by Drew on Friday afternoon, which probably ticked him off more than being injured would have. He spent quite a bit of time being dissatisfied with how much he didn't get to pitch yesterday. Noah distracted him by telling him about my idea for Zeke's birthday.

"I'm in!" His eyes sparkled. "One million percent in!" He pulled me in for a hug and swung me around. "You're a genius!"

He put me back down and I fixed my hat. "No, not really. I just had some time to Google and search the web. And when I saw it..." I grinned.

"You knew it would be perfect." Dave snapped his fingers. "Oh! We should get Rhys in on it. Not to help us pay for it, but to record it for us."

Noah nodded energetically and started to bounce with excitement. "Yes, yes, yes!!! Okay, we need to book this tonight to make sure we can afford it and to make sure we can find someone or some group that is free on his birthday on Tuesday."

"Birthday? Tuesday?" Kyle joined us late. "You guys talking about Zeke?"

The plan was shared again and it was a given that Kyle wanted in. "It'll be cheaper to split it four ways. Let's see what's available when we get home."

With Zeke being away for college, there was no reason to hide our plans or keep it secret from our parents and Grampa. In fact, they gave it their stamp of approval. Which reassured me that we wouldn't get in trouble spending so much money on something that couldn't really be considered a gift.

It took longer than we thought to find what we were looking for. Kyle had to leave midway to take his shower and leave for his date, promising that he would pay his share to whoever paid for it all.

Dave called Rhys that night to let him in on what was happening and to find out some info that we would need to pass on like Zeke's room number and his class plus practice schedule. Rhys was excited to join the group and didn't need to be sworn to secrecy.

After that was settled, we cleaned up and got ready for dinner. Our night stayed relaxed in preparation for the game tomorrow. Kyle was home by 9:30pm and in bed by 10pm. He must be taking tomorrow more seriously than anyone else on the team. After all, like Noah said, although Kyle didn't lose to these guys last year, he definitely didn't win. I think both times, we had to come back after being down.

I frowned at that last thought. After laying in my bed in the dark for a couple of minutes, I had to satisfy my curiosity on how I did against them last year. 4-5 at the plate with two walks. I sighed with relief. That was against their fastest pitcher too. Who had graduated.

Saturday afternoon we met at the school with all the teams to take a bus to Servite.

"Uh, Coach? Am I in the lineup today?" Bryce stopped to ask. "Or should I prepare to go to the bullpen?"

Coach didn't answer him right away and was rubbing his chin. "You'll stay in right field for now. With Dave being available out of the bullpen, I don't see me going with you, or even Garret, if Kyle runs into trouble."

Bryce was just told that he wasn't going to pitch today yet his eyes nearly disappeared when he smiled. "Thanks, Coach. Don't worry, I took some extra batting practice yesterday, just in case." He boarded the bus with an extra pep in his step.

Kyle snorted and looked at Dave. "People think we're the ball hogs on the mound, but look at Bryce and Garret. Pitchers taking up spots on the field."

Coach overheard and immediately look our way.

I calmly took a step back. So did Noah.

"Kyle, what's your job?" Coach asked.

Kyle shrugged. "To pitch."

"More specifically?"

"To pitch well...?"

Coach looked exasperated. "To not give up any runs."

"Yea. Same thing. That's basically what I said."

Coach tilted his head. "What is a batter's job?"

"To hit the ball." Kyle answered.

"To drive in the runs." Coach added. "Offense and defense. It's my job to pick the pitcher I think will give up the least amount of runs. And to pick out a lineup that will score the most amount of runs. Bryce accounted for two of the runs scored on Thursday. Do you want more run support or less? Because I can put him in the bullpen if you want."

Kyle finally started to see that Coach wasn't in the best mood. He laughed a little awkwardly. "What? Coach, come on. We definitely like the best hitters on the field. In fact, I prefer less people in the bullpen. It's a different kind of stress." He hurried onto the bus before Coach could say more.

Coach looked at Dave. "Don't mess around in the pen today. Just light stretches to stay ready. You, Matt, and Tyler have to be ready in case Kyle doesn't make it through." He glanced at the bus that Kyle boarded. "Though he does look good mentally right now."

"He went to bed on time and woke up without any trouble." Noah spoke up. "I think he's looking for revenge today." He smirked at Dave. "Don't worry, I don't mind catching for you tomorrow when you don't get any action today." He pulled me and we started to board the bus too.

"One run and you should call me in, Coach." I could hear Dave behind us say.

The bus ride wasn't dead silent like Thursday's. Servite wasn't far so no one napped. We reached the nicest stadium in our league and started to head for the visitor's dugout as the other two levels left to find their own field.

"Do you think they'll lose again today?" I asked Noah as we changed into cleats.

Noah tapped his finger against his leg. "Hmm. Obviously I can't say for certain because I don't know what all happened on Thursday, however I think JV would have a better chance of bouncing back than the freshmen team. Also depends how good Servite is this year too." He looked at me. "These guys might not be afraid to intentionally walk you depending on the situation so don't get overwhelmed."

"As long as you don't ask me to steal I base." I joked.

Noah laughed. "Of course. No way would I ask. But can't guarantee that Miller won't."

I let out a small sigh. No walks, no steals. No walks, no steals.

"Of course, if they have another guy like Sanchez then no way they would walk you. Especially in a home game." Noah's eyes narrowed as he looked at me. "Tune out the crowd."

"I try to." I resisted another sigh.

Noah patted me on the shoulder. "You've got this, man. Your bat is unparalleled."

I smiled back at him. "And so are your legs. Fast around the bases and can cover the most amount of ground as a shortstop."