400 Game @ OLU (1) (1/2)
I wasn't able to tell him. The library was too quiet, yet there were plenty of ears. If I said anything, I'm sure Noah would flip out, either in excitement or anger and then others would find out. It's not like I know anything for sure just yet. Maybe after the game, when we get back home. It'd be easier to look up this player and his past with Noah's help. We could use his computer and he would know where to look to find his biography or something.
...do young players have a biography at this point?
"What are you frowning over?" Noah asked. We were on the bus to OLU; our lunches on our laps.
I shrugged. "Nothing." After a second. "I'll tell you later."
Noah eyed me, but didn't say anything else. He just went back to eating.
I did the same. The game against OLU was sure to be as tight and as close as last time. We're two teams on the same level. No crushing defeat in sight. I only went 1-2 with a walk in the game against them. Today, I would try and do more. I'd have to. I still felt a little guilty for the team losing when I got sick.
1 SS Noah Atkins
2 LF Garret Knudsen
3 2B Jake Hollander
4 CF Zeke Atkins
5 RF Mahki Holstrom
6 1B Julian Wilson
7 3B Jason Morris
8 C Alex Farrell
9 P Dave Atkins
Coach announced the lineup formally as we prepared to take the field after warming up. OLU's baseball field was similar to a mini-stadium. They had stadium seating instead of benches, and with the game starting just after their classes got out, it was filled with students. I couldn't find Mr. and Mrs. Atkins at all.
"It's going to be the same pitcher as last time.." Noah said to me as we stood by the dugout entrance, helmets on, bats in hand.
"He was effective and efficient against us." Garret patted Noah on the top of his helmet. "Come on. No need to discuss with Bambi. We have to start taking some practice swings before Coach catches you slacking."
The two left me in the dugout as they went out to the on deck circle.
I had trouble recalling the pitcher specifically...the most significant thing I remember about that game was that ugly error I made in the first inning, followed by a poor at-bat, which led to a scolding by Coach. Today would be different. I clenched my bat as Noah stepped up for his plate appearance.
Noah let the first pitch pass by for a called strike. The crowd clapped and cheered like it was a strikeout. I warily looked around and found all the seats taken. There were kids that were even willing to stand around to watch.
"Eye on the ball, Noah!" I heard Mr. Atkins booming voice.