"Start strong.

" Noah gave Dave a hard pat on the back as we passed him on the way out of the dugout. The game was about to begin.

Dave got on the mound and threw some more practice pitches until the umpire called for the game to begin, and for the first batter from San Marino to step up to the plate.

Dave had a clean first inning: strikeout, strikeout, and a fly out to Jesse in right field. His pitch count stayed low and he went back to the dugout pumped up. The bottom of the first inning was about to begin.

Sean, Garret, and Noah.

"Get ready too.

" Noah told me before leaving me behind.

I nodded, mostly to myself. No matter what, I would at least make it to the on deck circle. Putting on my helmet earlier wouldn't hurt. I got ready and grabbed my bat. I checked it over one more time for chips or breakage.

Sean grounded out to the third baseman. Garret moved to the batter's box and Noah left the dugout. I watched Garret's at bat with eager eyes. He was 4-7 at the plate so far this tournament. Nothing that left the park yet, but a pair of singles and doubles. He was my best bet to get a chance to bat this inning. Garret came through, pulling the ball to right fight for a base hit. He stayed on first as the right fielder got the ball back in.

I moved to the on deck circle and Noah got into the batter's box. He dug in and got set as the pitcher nodded to the catcher. I nervously watched on as the pitcher threw a fastball inside. Noah leaned back to dodge. Ball one.

"Watch out for those inside pitches, ump.

" Coach called from the dugout.

The ump waved him off. He didn't seem worried about that kind of pitch. Which would normally make sense, but he doesn't know San Marino.

Noah swung and miss at two fastballs in the zone, putting him at a disadvantageous 1-2 count. The pitcher checked on Garret at first before throwing another pitch Noah's way. Noah tried to open up his stance and take a swing at such an inside pitch, but ended up popping it up to the second baseman. Garret retreated to first, not tempting any other play.

"Tough pitcher.

" Noah stopped beside me and whispered.

"Speed comparable to twins and the location is tough. Those inside pitches are really hard to decipher.

" He went back to the dugout.

It was still too early to judge this pitcher on three at bats, but habitually I chose to bat from left side. The lefty's box just genuinely felt lucky. Garret's a lefty and he got on base. Granted, Sean bats from the left too but he couldn't get on in his first at bat. But I don't remember him getting too many inside pitches like Noah.

I took the first pitch as a called strike. It was down the middle and maybe a little inside. Like he wanted to try to scare me off, but maybe thought he might over do it. It's a theory. I glanced at the outfield. The three were in good positioning, standing more back. They also think I can hit it far and might be looking to rob me if I can only barely get the ball over the fence. When it comes to distance and power...I've got some but it's better to aim at the corners. That was the shortest distance required for a homerun.

"Strike two.

" The umpire called as a fastball came by.

I frowned.

"Take your time out there!

"

"Be patient, Jake!

"

"You've got this!

"

I heard familiar voices coming from my dugout. They're probably worried about the count. But I just got lost in my thoughts for a second. If Coach and the team was right, I might only get one chance. I couldn't risk messing it up.

The third pitch was outside for ball one. 1-2. This is the count he got Noah to jam on. A pitch that looked inside for righty's on the border of being a ball or a strike. There's a good chance he might try to throw it again.

I watched closely as the the ball came out of his hands. I was sure of the trajectory. The best way to get a homer would be to go to the opposite way so I tried my best using the barrel of my bat. The ball went down the left field line. Garret started sprinting on contact, not caring about whether the ball would be caught or not. There were already two outs so it's not like he had to worry about a tag play.

I had dropped my bat and also started to run. I was looking left, trying to find my ball. But I couldn't. I frowned, trying to see what the left fielder was doing.

"It's gone, Jake!

" Coach Luis told me once I tagged first.

"You did it! It's a homerun.

"

Sure enough, the second base umpire was giving the signal for a homerun. I did a brisk jog around the bases and tagged home where Garret met me with my bat. Jason and Korrey gave us high fives on our way back into the dugout.

I glanced down at my bat. I had felt something was wrong during contact. Being suspicious, I examined the bat.

"Way to come through, kid!

" Coach slapped my back, almost making me drop my bat. He quickly noticed my uneasiness.

"What's wrong? Did you bust your bat?

"

I grimaced and gave a slow nod.

"I think so. Not completely, but the contact didn't sound or feel right. It may have splintered on the inside.

"

Coach frowned.

"Do you have a backup?

"

I nodded, more sure of myself.

"I carry around two.

" Especially after last year's CIF finals when I broke a bat mid-game. I got lucky last time, getting a spare from Jeremy. With all the extras given to me from Rhys's dad and from Jeremy, I could afford a break or two. I just had to be sure to carry at least two bats with me to games.

Coach let out a small sigh.

"Alright. Put that one away and take out the other so you know which one is good and which one needs to be retired.

" He gave a small shake of his head.

"Wooden bats...

"

I left him and headed for my bag on the bench. The guys started to notice that I wasn't in the mood to celebrate my homerun so they let me be. A few said some nice things and I nodded to acknowledge.

"Busted bat?

" Noah asked as I got my bag out.

"Yea, I think so.

" I switched the bats.

"It didn't outright snap or shatter but...

" I trailed off.

"Let it go.

" Noah told me.

"Can't worry about it now.

"

"I know.

" I just felt a little sad about it. I took off my helmet and put on my hat.

Before sitting down, there was a solid 'ding' coming from the field. I turned in time to watch the ball drop in front of the right fielder, almost similar to Garret's earlier hit. Jason stood on first with a smile as our team cheered for him.

"Huh.

" I mumbled and sat down.

"What is it?

" Noah asked, curious.

I gave a small shrug.

"I thought lefty's might have an advantage against this guy. But if Jason can get a hit, I think everyone has a fair chance too.

"

Noah laughed.

"I'm not sure Jason would appreciate that remark.

"

My face flushed.

"Don't tell him I said that.

"

Noah grinned.

"Sure, sure.

"

No matter how good Jason's hit was, it amounted to nothing after Korrey hit a fly ball right to the center fielder to end our inning.