Despite the gathering of men in the stands, it was rather quiet as the game got started. Dalton went up first, leading us off with a single to left. The guys in the dugout clapped for him, responsible for 90% of the cheers. We really didn't have any fans on our side like parents or classmates. It's a Saturday away game...that didn't mean much.

I stepped up to the plate next and the catcher stood up. My eyelid twitch, feeling a little annoyed. It's not like first base is even open.

"Intentional walk.

" The catcher told the umpire.

"Take your base.

" The umpire said to me, gesturing to first.

I sighed, tossed my bat towards the dugout, and jogged to first.

Coach Riley greeted me with a head nod. I played with the strap on my batting glove, feeling down. Sean came up next. On a 2-1 count, he hit a fly ball to the right corner.

"Jake! Come back and tag up!

" Coach Riley raised his voice at me for the first time. I hurried back to first, trusting his judgment over mine. Sure enough, in the right corner, the outfielder made the catch.

"Go!

"

I sprinted for second base. The shortstop was covering the base and looked like he was expecting the baseball to come straight to him so I went for a slide. Feet first, I slid into the bag as the tag came down.

"Safe.

" The closest umpire said while extending his arms.

The tagged stayed on so I didn't dare move.

"Time?

"

"Time!

" The umpire granted.

I sighed with relief and slowly got up. I dusted myself off.

Now Garret was up with two runners in scoring position and one out. He came through, pulling the ball down the right field line sharply. I had long taken off, eyes on Mr. Miller beyond third. He waved me on and I obliged, tagging the bag and headed home. Dalton got Garret's bat out of the way and pointed at the plate.

"Down!

"

"Slide!

"

I clenched my jaw and dove head first at the catcher's feet. I saw the ball roll away and got up freely, making sure I stepped on home plate for good measure.

Dalton slapped me on the back with a big smile on his face. I smiled back too before leading the way back to the dugout. We went through the dugout, slapping hands with all the guys, happy with our 2-0 lead.

I made my way to my bag next to Noah and took my gloves and helmet off. I plopped down on the seat, tired from the sprint.

"Looking good out there.

" Noah complimented.

I frowned.

"I only walked. Didn't even waste a pitch.

"

He laughed.

"I meant the runs. Tagging up and getting to second when the fly ball is going to right is really difficult.

"

"Oh. That was Coach Riley.

" I told him.

"He said to come back and tag up. So I did. I just do what I'm told. Take the thinking out of it.

"

Noah leaned back.

"Still, good stuff. Second to home on Garret's single is also tough. At least for the old you.

"

I cracked a smile.

"Yea. For the old me.

"

Jason popped the baseball high into the air. The opposing catcher jumped up and threw his mask off. He tracked it back into foul territory and made the catch for the second out. Korrey was up next; he made better contact, hitting a hard line drive right to the shortstop to end our half of the inning.

Noah's leg started to bounce up and down.

"I think I can just tape up my fingers and go in. It's going to be too hard to just sit the bench and watch today.

"

"Should have gone to the bullpen with the twins and then you could be their catcher.

" I joked.

Noah rolled his eyes.

"You're not allowed to throw until those blisters start drying out and turn into calluses.

" Alisha came over and reminded him. She turned to me.

"Coach wants to know if you want to play in the outfield at all?

"

I vehemently shook my head. Absolutely not.

Alisha laughed.

"Okay. I've got ya.

"

I grabbed my glove and had to hurry up my jog out to the field to join the others. Joey did his practice pitches off the mound like he was in a hurry for the game to resume. I didn't like the pace, but I wasn't the type to say anything. Noah was though. Especially after Joey gave up a leadoff solo shot to make the score 2-1.

"HEY!

" Noah hollered from the dugout.

"Settle down and take your time! This ain't a track race!

"

The runner tagged home and went back to his dugout. The next batter came up. Joey did slow down, taking his time to get set on the mound. But the batter still made solid contact. I cringed as the ball soared to right field. Jesse chased it to the fence and put his hand against it to prevent himself from running into it. He jumped a little and made the catch. I let out a sigh of relief. I couldn't have been the only one.

It was a bit of a rocky start for Joey. The third batter made early contact too, but hit a routine grounder to me. I fielded it to Sean for the second out. Cleanup also hit a grounder, a fast one right at Jason. He handled it nicely and made the throw in time to Sean to end the inning.

A few of the guys clapped Joey on the back as we headed on in.

"Good job.

"

"Keeping that pitch count low.

"

"Keep it up.

"

"Don't let that hit get to you.

"

I couldn't think of anything to add so I silently hit him with my glove too and headed for my spot on the bench.

"Not the best of starts.

" Noah said out loud for all to hear.

I froze.

"Yea. I know. Can't get tougher than that.

" Joey took his statement better than I thought. He headed for his bag.

I elbowed Noah.

"That wasn't nice.

"

"It's not about being nice.

" Noah said, unbothered.

"I'm making sure he knows. And he has shown that he does. Pitchers require a higher level of concentration. They can't be rushing themselves and putting themselves at a disadvantage. It's no good for him or the team.

"

"Yea, but, can't you be nicer about it?

"

"I would say the same to the twins. To Garret. To Bryce or Brian. Joey isn't special because he has less experience. If anything, he needs to work harder. We're going to have three big holes in the pitching rotation next year. We need him to pick it up and be one of those guys.

"

"Yea...

" I trailed off, unable to argue with that. Noah was pretty fair all around with me probably being the only exception. I would even say that he's tougher on the twins more than anyone.

Top of the second started with Jesse. His first at bat in quite a few games and he started off strong, getting on base with a stand up double to left.

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