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nAs soon as I stepped on third, I looked to the catcher to see what he did with the ball. He was standing, with the ball clutched in his hand, looking me then at Bryce. Then he angrily sent it back to the pitcher.

"One out! Plays at first! Look at home!

" He yelled out then got back to a squatting position.

nMr. Miller gave me a pat on my helmet.

"Not bad, kid. We shook them up and they lost a double play opportunity.

" I nodded, just happy that I didn't have to slide.

"Watch Noah's bat.

" He lowered his voice.

"Four more runs.

" Then he stepped back to the coaches box.

nI took a small lead off third, but the third baseman was too close for me to try to go any further. Plus the pitch was able to look at me before he started his motion. I didn't dare to ease up.

nNoah was in the batters box and didn't look as easygoing as he usually looked. He was giving the pitcher his undivided attention and was prepared for anything. His focus paid off as he was able to sneak a hit over the second baseman's head. I ran home and after touching the plate, I looked to see what they would have Bryce do. Only to be surprised that he was right behind me. He didn't even have to slide as the other team brought the ball back to the infield. Noah hit a two RBI single.

nI gave him a thumbs up and he reciprocated. Then I felt an arm on my shoulders, turning me around, and dragging me back to the dugout.

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"Nice job out there, Bambi!

" Bryce guided me back to the dugout. We were greeted with pats, compliments, and sheer happiness.

nI wiggles out of his grasp and went to my bag in the open space. I switched out my helmet for my hat and made sure my bat was properly stored in my bag.

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"You did well.

" Zeke's voice made me jump just a little. I faced him and nodded happily. I was able to hit the ball.

"The fake bunt...did Noah tell you to do that?

"

nI shook my head and looked at Sean.

"He faked a big hit, to get a bunt-single.

" I could do the opposite right?

nZeke let out a rare smile and patted my head.

"You're a quick learner. Very coachable. Tell you what, if we're able to mercy rule them, no laps for you from this game.

"

nI immediately lit up. Then hurried to the fence to see what Kelvin could do at the plate. No laps, no laps, no laps. I prayed to the baseball gods that Kelvin would get another single like earlier. Just anything. Don't let my hopes die here.

nKelvin had an unfortunate 0-2 count against him. The pitcher looked excited. He would definitely pitch another strike. Come on Kelvin. Pull through. And he did! With the next pitch, he swung his bat and sent the ball to right field. It kept going and going and then made it over the fence for a two-run homerun! 13-3!

nThe umpire was signaling homerun and then made a safe gesture and called the game. We did it! The team all hustled out to wait for Kelvin at home plate. I eagerly turned to look at Zeke.

nZeke crack a smile.

"No laps for this game. Let's go.

" He followed his teammates to home plate.

nI followed along but kept my distance, not wanting to get stuck in the crowd.

nAs soon as kelvin touched home plate, the team jumped him and pushed him around. I watched as they went crazy celebrating. Pleasant Valley walked off the field to their own dugout to pack up, a stark contrast to our joy.

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"Woo-hoo!

" I hard smack on my back sent me stumbling forward a few steps. I turn to look at Dave, who came from the bullpen. The pitchers all joined in the celebration, but he stood beside me.

"You know what this means, Bambi?

"

nI put my hands on my back. That really hurt. But it didn't make me cower in fear. It felt like Dave's personality. Loud and aggressive. But mostly, energetic.

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"I get to pitch tomorrow. In the semifinals.

" He stood tall, hands on his hips, looking proud.

"I'll be able to one up Kyle and throw a perfect game against a better team.

"

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"I thought perfect games were rare?

" I mumbled.

nHe reached out for me and put me in a fake headlock, making my heart pound.

"What's that Jake? You get one hit and now think you can talk back to an upperclassman?

" He flipped my hat off and started to mess my hair up.

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"Hey!

" A force knocked into us, but Dave was able to hold us upright. He turned us to look at Noah. Noah was glaring at him, fury in his eyes.

"What are you doing to Jake?! Let go, you idiot!

"

nDave released me and Noah pulled me closer to himself. Dave looked on as Noah fussed over me.

"What's up? We were just having some fun.

"

nNoah picked up my hat and slapped it on my head.

"Jake, are you okay?

"

nI nodded.

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"Did Dave hurt you? Be honest. I'll tell my mom right away.

"

nI shook my head. He scared me a little but I'm not in any pain.

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"Don't be such a worrywart.

" Dave said nonchalant.

"Jake spoke back to me so I was showing some brotherly love.

"

nNoah looked at me for confirmation. I guess I technically spoke back to him, but it was a sincere question. Nonetheless, I nodded.

"I'm okay.

"

nDave's arms stretched out and snatched up Noah. He did the same thing he did to me.

"Now let me show you some brotherly love!

"

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"Keep your love to yourself!

" Noah struggled in his grasp.

nI let out a small laugh. Dave may be loud and boisterous, but he meant well. I didn't feel any danger with him or his twin. Most of the Atkins felt more reliable than anything. Even scary Zeke wouldn't hurt me. Not when he can just make me suffer through running laps.

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