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nZeke and the coach also joined with the group. Coach was the one to take charge first.

"Kyle, Dave, then Garret if we really have to.

" He looked at me.

"You don't have to run the bases. Treat it like batting practice for now.

"

nI nodded and everyone started to take their place. Kyle went to the mound, Kelvin tightened his catchers gear and squatted behind home plate. They did a few warmups as the rest backed up and became spectators.

nI stood just outside the righty's box, waiting for them to tell me they were ready. Looking out to the field felt a million times different than looking at a pitching machine and netting. It felt so open; I could hit the ball anywhere.

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"Get a feel for the pitches, Jake.

" Noah called out.

"It doesn't have to be all hits.

" I think he's advising me to foul off a few first before getting comfortable. I nodded.

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"Okay, kid. Step in. Anything close will be a strike, anything outside will be a ball. Don't worry about the calls. Let's see what you can do.

" Coach commanded.

nI took a deep breath and slowly let it out, then stepped in the box. I faced Kyle. He gave a nod, then got set. He did his motion and the ball came quick. A fastball maybe around 80mph. Too easy. I know Noah said to get a feel for it just because I only have pitching machine experience, but I couldn't pass up and such a simple pitch. I took a fast step, moved my wrists, swung my arms, and connected with his pitch. It was a line drive to left field where the team was.

nLuckily Zeke had someone stand on watch. The hit dropped right before the guy and he caught it on the bounce. Thankfully not disturbing the teams fielding practice.

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"Nice one, Jake!

" Noah called out.

nI could also hear Zeke and the coach talking in the background, but couldn't make out what they were saying. I was zoned in on Kyle, who looked in the outfield with disbelief on his face.

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"Kyle!

" The catcher, Kelvin, called out to him. He faced us, and then Kelvin threw a ball at him.

"Next pitch.

"

nKyle nodded, but still looked a bit distracted. He got set once more. This time he tried pitching a bit faster, but to me it looked even more down the middle. When Noah said that the twins pitch to contact, he must have meant they always pitch in the strike zone. I started my swing and this time smacked the ball to the opposite side in right field.

nThis time Kyle didn't turn to look. He started to glare at me.

"Ball.

" He demanded.

nKelvin tossed him one and got back into position.

"Doing pretty great kid. Usually Kyle makes batters pop up or groundout. Easy plays. So far, you're two for two, both line drives to good spots.

"

nI think it was a compliment, but the way Kyle kept glaring made me feel my anxiety bubbling up.

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"Keep it up, Jake! Show him what a real hitter looks like!

" Noah cheered like mad.

"Don't you dare wimp out from his glare. He can't do anything bad to you. Zeke would stop him.

"

nI glanced at Zeke, not ready to offend Kyle even more without appropriate backup.

nZeke and Coach stood like statues. Firm and unmoving. Zeke glanced at Kyle.

"Focus on better pitches. Don't get so rattled.

"

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"Yes.

" Kyle responded. He walked off the mound and wiggled his arms, probably to loosen up. He came back on the mound and eyed me down, but no longer looking as fierce.

"Ready?

"

nI felt better and stepped back in the batters box. The next pitch came. Hit. Then the next. Hit. And so on. Hit. Hit. Hit. Kyle pitched a total of thirty baseballs that I sent all over the outfield. Some pitches looked on the border of the strike zone, yet it was close so I still sent it out.

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"That's enough.

" Zeke called out.

"Jake, take a small break as we collect the balls. Dave, you'll start taking a few practice throws with Kelvin.

"

nWe all split up. Kyle and Zeke jogged out to collect the balls together. Dave and Kelvin started to warmup again. The coach went over and spoke to Garret and Jordan. Noah followed me to the dugout and handed me one of his waters.

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