100 Game Two: Pleasant Valley end (1/2)

As 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.

Mr. 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.

I 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.

Noah 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.

I 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.

”Nice job out there, Bambi!” Bryce guided me back to the dugout. We were greeted with pats, compliments, and sheer happiness.

I 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.

”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?”

I shook my head and looked at Sean. ”He faked a big hit, to get a bunt-single.” I could do the opposite right?

Zeke 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.”

I 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.

Kelvin 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!

The 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.

Zeke crack a smile. ”No laps for this game. Let's go.” He followed his teammates to home plate.

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

As 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.