713 V2 ch185 (1/2)
Garret agreed on the fourth set of signs, got set, and started his motion. He threw his fastball right down the middle, getting Korrey to swing and miss.
Garret caught the ball thrown by Ethan, then before Ethan could squat back down, Garret waved for him to join him on the mound. Ethan was surprised, but went to the mound.
I straightened up and looked to Noah to see if we should be going too. Noah was already one step ahead, moving to the mound. I hurried to follow. The first baseman, Luke, and our third baseman, Andre, also joined us on the mound.
”What's going on?” Luke asked. He was a senior from the JV team and was probably on good terms with Garret.
Garret stretched his neck, rolling his head around. ”Nothing much. I'm just getting a crick in the neck from shaking my head so much.”
Noah let out a laugh.
”Sorry.” Ethan mumbled.
Garret covered his mouth with his glove. ”Just stop being so afraid. I know we've never paired up before, but don't you know my personality at all? I like to be direct. Corner them, then throw the cutter. If they're good right away, then start throwing the cutter.”
Ethan's grip on his mask tightened. ”I just didn't think I would ever pair up with you.”
I felt a pang of sympathy. It's got to be tough to be a catcher, and then even tougher to catch for the best pitcher in our program. Maybe even the best in the league.
”Okay, we'll talk about in the dugout.” Noah offered. ”For now, put away Korrey.” He looked to their circle. ”Jason is up next, and I know Garret can strike him out purely on fastballs.”
Garret looked to Ethan. ”For Korrey, I'll throw another fastball on the outside border. Strike or ball doesn't matter. After that, we'll go to cutters. And like Noah said, straight fastballs for Jason. You just choose inside or outside.”
Ethan nodded and put his mask back on. He headed back to home plate while the rest of us went back to our own positions. After squatting behind the plate, Ethan merely touched the inside of his right thigh to confirm that Garret wanted to throw away. Garret nodded and got set. He completed his motion and threw his fastball outside.
Korrey did swing, but with him extending his arms to the fullest, he was abled to get a piece of it. He pulled the ball to his left. It was a low line drive, but with Noah's grasp. Noah dove into the dirt, making the catch, and jumped up to show off the ball.
Korrey was sent back to the dugout.
Noah threw the ball back to Garret. ”Two out, one to go.”
Garret grinned. ”Happy to see you still have those reflexes.”
Jason was up next. Like Noah said, Garret could handle him with just his fastball. Jason went down swinging at all three pitches, unable to keep up. Garret held them at zero for the first inning.
We jogged back to the dugout and prepared for our own at-bats.
Garret looked at Ethan as he switched his equipment. ”Are you getting the hang of it yet? I don't mind shaking you off, but it's going to be annoying if I have to do that for every pitch.”
Ethan nodded.
”If you have any questions, just ask.” Noah frowned. ”Garret is one of the easier pitchers to get along with. The twins might not even be half as patient.”