86 Game One: Villa Park 6 (1/2)

Top of the second inning. Villa Park gets to send out their core hitters, batters four, five, and six. Noah told me that three, four, and five spots were usually the best batters in every team. Just looking at our own, convinces me. Mahki got a hit, and scored a run. Zeke hit a homerun,got three RBI's, and a run scored. And Julian hit a double.

Kyle didn't seem nervous on the mound, at all. In fact, he looked excited. After the ump signaled for the batter to step in, Kyle looked at us fielders. ”Ball will be flying!”

”Yea!” All of the fielders yelled back...except for me. Someone really should have taught me these cheers. I glanced at Noah, but he was focused on the batter. I got set as well, even though I was praying the ball wouldn't come my way.

After a few pitches, the cleanup guy hit a line drive towards left-center, but Zeke sprinted there, slid, and snatched it before it touched the ground. Line out. He jumped back up on his feet and threw a perfect pass to Noah. Too amazing. I don't think I could ever do that.

”One out! Play's at first!” Kelvin hollered before squatting behind the plate. Kyle eyed down batter five, got set, and went through his motion. Unfortunately, the guy connected right away. A hard grounder between short and third. Jason dove and missed, but Noah was able to backhand it while falling into the dirt. He jumped back to his feet and fired a bullet to Julian. Julian didn't even have to stretch out for it.

”Out!” The first base ump declared before the guy even got there.

”Two outs!” Kelvin yelled out.

I gave Noah a smile and thumbs up. He brushed a bit of the dirt off him and smiled cheerfully. No doubt, happy with that play.

The following batter put up more of a fight and fouled a couple of Kyle's pitches before flying out to right field. ”Three outs, change!” The ump declared. We jogged back to our dugout, still holding a nice 3-0 lead.

”Kelvin up to bat. Kyle on deck. Noah in the hole.” Mr. Miller called out before heading to the third base coach spot. Coach Luis headed out as well.

”You might as well grab your bat and helmet too.” Noah told me, while putting his helmet on. ”Even if Kelvin and Kyle don't get on base, I will.” He said confidently.

I did what I was told and put my helmet on, and grabbed my bat. I followed Noah to where Coach was, standing just inside the dugout, waiting to go on the on deck circle.