Chapter 816 - V3 ch51 (VS Lowell HS 6) (1/2)

The guys near us didn't have much time to roast me on getting out. Garret struck out to end the inning in such a short time. It's been awhile since we've gone three up, three down. Especially the core of our lineup. First time today to end the fifth inning.

Surprisingly, Coach didn't say anything about our lack of offense. He walked out with us onto the field, heading for the umpire.

I looked at Noah as we jogged to second base.

”I heard him tell Tyler that he was done for the day.” Noah explained. ”Matt should be coming in.”

Not even ten seconds later, Matt was slowly coming out of the bullpen and started jogging to the mound. He met Coach and Mitchell at the mound, and was given the baseball.

”Matt will close out the game.” Noah said confidently.

I gave a small nod. I thought so too. Matt has definitely improved from last year. Facing him a couple of times now, I could tell he has worked hard. Matt really lived up to our expectations and shut down the first three batters of the opposing team. All strikeouts.

In the dugout, everyone bumped fists with Matt.

”But can he do it again?” Dave asked.

Noah laughed. ”You're just jealous because you didn't have an inning like that.”

”I have many innings like that under my belt.” Dave claimed proudly.

”Just not today.” Noah snickered.

Dave had enough of his snide remarks and pulled him into a headlock without warning.

”Let go of him.” Coach commanded as he broke the two apart. He looked around the dugout. We had a pretty light atmosphere going with this potentially being our last chance to bat. ”I get that you guys are happy where we are in the game, but things can change. Finish the game strong, you hear?”

”Yes, Coach.” Our dugout echoed.

Jason would lead us off this half of the inning with Korrey and Jesse following him. Jason was 0-2 today, but had one RBI. He swung and miss on the first pitch.

Coach raised his voice. ”Eye on the ball, son. Your head is moving too much.”

Jason nodded towards our dugout. He fouled the next pitch for strike two. Fouled the third pitch. And the fourth.

Noah nudged me. ”I think he might get the first hit off this guy.” Noah's premonition came true before I had a reply.

Jason got the ball over the infield and made it to first base. Korrey came up next, then came back just as quickly. He struck out swinging on three breaking balls.

”You have to be a little more patient.” Coach pulled Korrey aside for a more private conversation as Jesse came up to bat. Mitchell moved to the on deck circle.

”Uhh...am I supposed to find a bat..?” Tyler asked with a nervous chuckle.

The guys laughed.

Garret got up and looked where Coach was talking to Korrey. He turned to Tyler. ”Wait a second. If Jesse hits into a double play, Coach will probably want you to finish the game out.”

Jesse smacked a line drive to left-center field, finding wide open space. Jason had a good lead off first base; add that with Jesse's great hit, and Mr. Miller waved him home. The relay throw came in from the center fielder to the shortstop, and from the shortstop to the catcher. Jason slid just under the tag, his hand brushing over home plate.

”Safe!” The umpire declared. 5-0.

Jesse stood safely on second base, taking in the cheers and claps from the parents that came. His first hit of the tournament came with an RBI and I'm sure he felt good about it.