748 V2 ch220 (1/2)

Noah fouled off the first couple of pitches, putting himself in a disadvantageous 0-2 count. Brian threw a fastball low and away. Noah swung late, just barely getting a piece of it. The ball dribbled down the first baseline, right into the glove of Julian. All he had to do was pick the ball up and kick first base for the final out.

Noah came back to me with a scrunched up nose. ”Ugh. I'm 1-4 on the day. Not pretty for the stat sheet.”

”You made contact during every at-bat.” I tried to comfort him as we went back inside the dugout to grab our gloves. ”You had a couple of line drives that just couldn't leave the infield. Just a bit unlucky today.”

”If it makes you feel any better, Jake also only had one hit.” Garret was able to say before running off to the outfield. I guess that dig was payback from what I said earlier.

”It's different.” Noah wasn't pacified.

I shrugged, helpless. ”I wish they would pitch to me. It takes a lot of fun out of the game for me.”

Noah nodded. ”It's a free base, but it really brings down the mood. If anything, you have to make them pay for it.”

We went out to the field and headed for our positions.

”It worked once with Garret getting a double, but then he hit into a double play. 50% success rate?” I said, mostly talking to myself.

”No, I'm saying you personally have to make them pay. Like steal second every time they walk you.” Noah laughed at the look I was giving him. ”Come on now. It's not impossible.”

”No. Just highly unlikely.” I rolled my eyes and got into position.

”We'll talk about it in the dugout.” Noah said as Kyle was now prepared to pitch.

Kyle shut them down in the eighth. Tanner struck out, looking. Brian hit a grounder to Noah, who handled it with ease. Julian was the only one to make solid contact, hitting a line drive towards center field. Garret came sprinting forward, dove for it, and made the catch to end the inning. Three up, three down.

Kyle and Mitchell went off to the side to talk about his plan for Zeke who would be coming up in the ninth. Meanwhile I got ready for my own at-bat.

”I'm just saying...if Brian walks you this time, maybe try stealing a base.” Noah suggested again. ”It's a scrimmage, right? This is when we test new things.”

Before I could remind him that I suck at baserunning, a heavy hand landed on my shoulder.

”Great idea.” Coach had appeared, giving my shoulder a pat. ”Give it a go, Jake.”

”Do I have to..?” I looked up at him.

He nodded. ”It's a very real possibility that you'll be intentionally walked in the future. Maybe not in the beginning, but if you keep hitting bombs, then no one is going to want to face you.”

Kelvin laughed. ”Sorry kid.”

Brian threw four intentional balls way out of reach. I sadly tossed my bat back to the dugout and jogged to first.

Julian greeted me with a smile as we both had a foot on the base. ”Cheer up. The game is almost over.”

That didn't make me feel any better. I frowned. Presumably, Coach had let Garret know that I'm going to attempt a steal. It would suck if there was some miscommunication. With Brian set, I took a few steps off the bag, slowly inching out.

”Are you trying to steal?” Julian asked.

I hurried back to first base, eyeing him suspiciously.

Julian laughed. ”You're a bit too obvious. You never lead out that far.”