186 Game One: Sunset Preparatory 8 (1/2)

Top of the sixth would get to start with Noah, so as soon as we got back to the dugout, he grabbed his bat and helmet then left me on my own. I looked around and found Zeke already heading out to the on deck circle, and Garret was eagerly waiting in the hole. With the twins in the bullpen, I didn't have anyone to talk to.

”Still sulking over missing out on the double play?” Julian noticed me looking around and made his way over. Surprisingly, Jason was right behind him and hobbled his way over.

I shook my head. ”No, it's okay. You got the last out and we didn't give up any runs.”

They laughed. Jason plopped down next to me. ”It's really not a big deal. Plays like that happen all the time. It was an especially nice stop for you.”

That kind of stung. 'For you'? For a newbie, it was good. I let out another sigh.

Julian knocked on Jason's head. ”Don't turn a compliment into an insult.”

Jason smiled at me, sheepishly. ”Oops. Sorry, Jake. I just meant-”

”Are your stitches out yet?” I cut him off, desperate to change the subject. I didn't want to hear him try and take back what he originally meant. It would be even more insulting to be babied.

Jason lifted his injured foot, which could now fit in his shoe. ”Oh sure! Got them out yesterday! The doctor said I could start jogging on Monday, and see how I progress from there.”

”That's good.” I gave a light smile.

Jason leaned in close and whispered. ”I cant wait to knock Chris back down to the bench and show him how a starter should really perform at the plate.”

I tilt my head in confusion.

Julian leaned in. ”What did you say to Jake?”

Jason leaned back out, feigning innocence. ”Nothing. Just waiting to get better.”

Julian gave him the side eye, but action on the field grabbed his attention, and ours too. We all looked as Noah was jogging to first after a ball four call. He was walked, bringing Zeke up to bat. Zeke got in the batter's box and stared down the pitcher, ready for anything that came.

The pitcher was getting tired and started to have trouble getting the ball to the strike zone. On a 3-0 count, Zeke didn't take a ball four, instead he connected as best as he could, sending the ball well past the infield. Noah took off sprinting. The ball hit the outfield fence, dying at the warning track. Both the center and right fielder ran to get it, with the right fielder beating him out just barely. By the time they got the ball, Noah had rounded second and didn't look like he was going to stop at third. I watch the relay throw come from the right fielder, to the second baseman, to the catcher guarding home plate.

Noah was already sliding in, head first, when the catcher caught the ball and swung his body around to tag him. We anxiously awaited the umpires call.

The ump took a moment, then he extended his arms. ”Safe!” 4-1.

Noah jumped up and pumped his arm. Then he ran back to the dugout to accept his compliments. He was beaming by the time he came back to our spot to sit down, where he also accepted a round of 'good jobs' and 'nice run' from Julian and Jason.

Noah brushed off some of the dirt from his slide. ”Jake, wasn't I amazing?”

I nodded and gave him a smile. ”You run really fast!”

Noah raised an eyebrow. ”There was technical skill involved too!”

I shrugged. ”I didn't see it.”