The Hitting Zone

We jogged back to the dugout. Our half of the fifth didn't go well at all with the new pitcher. Korrey grounded out to third, then Oscar and Marshel both struck out swinging. It was hard to tell the pitcher's skill when he took on the worst part of our lineup. I could tell Coach wasn't happy with the result but there wasn't much that could be done. Oscar was technically the only catcher we had right now and Marshel is more focused on pitching than hitting.

Bottom of the fifth. I was getting a little antsy with how often we've been waiting on Oscar to get his gear on and come out. It was simply unlucky to be warming up before the battery. It just felt like less time.

Marshel had to start against the cleanup hitter too so cue the worrying. This guy was the one where I messed up so I felt my anxiety climbing. My hands were sweaty and my mouth was dry. Marshel was throwing hard, but not hitting good spots around the zone. On a 2-0 count the batter connected for a line drive towards short. Noah jumped to his right, arm outstretched, snatching the well hit baseball out of the air like a magic trick.

I clapped with a few others.

"One out, two to go!" Noah hollered after throwing the ball back to Marshel.

Marshel seemed to calm down for the next batter. Or he was getting better calls from the ump. Either way, he got the guy to go down swinging for his first strikeout of the game.

"YEA!" Marshel roared, making me flinch. He must be really excited. I couldn't remember the last time he got to pitch in a game so I'm sure that played a big role in his attitude.

Batter six, who had two singles already and accounted for a run scored and two RBI's, got a piece of another pitch. Too much under it though. Garret came in a little and waited to make the catch to end the inning.

"You okay?" Noah asked me as we jogged it in.

"Yea. Why?" I asked, confused.

He shook his head. "I saw you cringe, but maybe it was just the noise." He gave a pointed look at Marshel.

I had to purse my lips together to not laugh. I nodded. "Yea. It was just...unexpected."

Noah rolled his eyes. "Let's just hope he doesn't showboat after every single one. That can get us in trouble with the umps."

I made a face, but couldn't speak since we were in the dugout now. I didn't really think he could have too much more. His control wasn't consistent, and neither was his speed. If I was against him, I wouldn't have to try very hard today. It won't be long until Quincy has a read on him. They already had a couple of good line drives; it's just that most were caught.

Noah also didn't say anything more about Marshel as we got our gear on to get ready to bat. This would be our fourth time through, and it didn't look like Coach had any intention to pull any starters yet. I guess that three run lead isn't enough comfort for him either.

I stood in the hole as Noah and Bryce took their practice swings. I was interested in watching the pitcher from the last inning that dealt with the bottom of our lineup with ease. He had good speed, but the control wasn't on par yet.

"Be patient out there, guys." I raised my voice so Noah and Bryce could hear me. They both gave subtle nods, letting me know that they heard me.

Noah was called up first. He got set as did the pitcher. The first pitch came right down the middle for a called strike.

I held back the urge to face palm myself. That was a good pitch for Noah to swing at. When I said be patient, it didn't mean to watch the good stuff go right down the pipe. Ugh.

"Don't let a meatball like that go, Noah!" Garret leaned against the fence to yell.

Noah turned back and gave the 'ok' sign.

This time I couldn't help but bring my hand to my head.

Garret laughed from beside me. "He's messing around."

"And you can laugh at that?" I asked, incredulous. If Zeke was here, Noah would have guaranteed laps waiting for him.

"It's ok until he messes up." Garret said. "We're winning and he's doing pretty decent at the plate. I trust him." Noah was 2-3 so far with two runs scored and a stolen base.

The second pitch came, low and outside for a ball. The third pitch had the same trajectory. 2-1. The fourth pitch came right at Noah, but with his reflexes, it was no problem to dodge. 3-1. I held my bat tight. This guy really did get wild like I thought. The fifth pitch was a borderline call that went Noah's way. A walk. He dropped his bat and jogged to first.

Bryce went to the plate and I went out to the on deck circle. Bryce only saw a pitch and a half. The first one was a ball and the half was because he turned away as it came at him, taking it to the hamstring. Coach took one step to the exit, but there was no need. Bryce was already off to first, jogging like normal.

The catcher got up and went to the mound to talk to his pitcher. It was a short conversation that didn't need the infielders to join. That catcher came back and got in a squat. So they were going to try to pitch to me. I got in the righty's box and already knew that I had to swing at the first close pitch I would get. I didn't want to get walked. Though...it wouldn't be bad to load the bases for Garret.

The pitcher did a quick motion and his first pitch definitely looked in the zone. Sorry Garret, I want it more. I swung and connected, getting the ball just over the shortstop to left-center field. Noah, Bryce, and I were all on the move. Some faster than others. I rounded first and saw the center fielder picking up the ball and throwing it in. I braked and backtracked to first base.

Noah and Bryce had better jumps. They both slid into home and third base respectively. 9-5. Runners at the corners with no outs for Garret was nearly as good as bases loaded. Garret did what I did, attacking the first pitch which was in the zone. He hit a long fly ball to center field. It was caught and I went back to first. Bryce tagged up and went home to make 10-5.

Quincy's coach had seen enough and came out to announce a pitcher change. Two players too late. The game felt drawn out from all the pitcher changes and hits and walks. I was really used to the twins and Garret blazing through. Heck, Brian and Bryce also do well at getting the outs. After the pitcher change, Mr. Miller gave me the sign to run on contact to avoid a double play if possible. Sean struck out, not making me worried about it. Jason followed up with a grounder to third, leaving me at first.

"Hand me your stuff to take back and Noah will bring out your glove and hat." Coach Luis told me.

"Oh. Okay." I took my batting gloves off and my helmet, holding them out to him.

Coach Luis put the gloves in the helmet and strolled back.

I awkwardly moved towards second base, unsure of what to do with these free few seconds. Thankfully, Noah didn't make me wait for long.

He showed up with my glove and hat, smiling. "It's not everyday when Coach Luis is being nice, saving you a trip to the dugout. I'm starting to think you're his favorite."

I couldn't help but smile. Last year, I was completely terrified of Coach Luis. "I doubt I'm his favorite. Pretty sure this was out of convenience." I put my hat on and then my glove.

Noah rolled his eyes. "Garret was left on third just a few innings ago. He didn't get any help."

I shrugged. "Wouldn't that be on Mr. Miller?"

He sighed. "We need someone like an equipment manager. Or like a real bat boy. But not just for bats. In the majors, the bat boys are in charge of so much more."

I made a face. "Why would anyone want to be a bat boy?"

"If they like baseball, but can't play it."

"Can't Alisha?"

"She's more like a scorekeeper." He thought about it. "A statistician? She keeps record of the games and takes notes on what Coach says."

"Sounds like an assistant." I commented.

We started to separate and go to our respective positions. The bottom of the sixth would start soon.