The Hitting Zone



"OLU is a good team, boys." Coach said to us in the clubroom before warmups. A lot of us were still getting dressed or prepping our equipment. "We all know that we're moving on to CIF. League champions are in the bag. But-"

"But we want to finish strong and go undefeated!" Noah cut him off and took over. A few of the guys clapped, cheered, whooped and hollered. "These guys spoiled our season two years ago and blocked us out. We can't give them the satisfaction of putting us down again. Even if it is symbolically."

"YEA!" The seniors were the loudest. 

"You didn't even play two seasons ago, you brat." Garret pulled him into a headlock. 

Today was the last regular season game and there was a sense of excitement all around. It was our last home game of the season since all playoff games were held at neutral sites. So a lot of classmates, friends, and family came out. Grampa said he would be here too. 

Coach came closer to me and addressed me directly. "If they do any close plays again, I'll probably bench you. We need to keep you healthy for playoffs." His eyes drifted to Garret messing around with Noah. "You too, Garret."

Garret let go of Noah and straightened up. "Yea, Coach. I get it." He grinned and looked around at the guys. "I believe we'll win with or without me. Same with Jake. We've done a lot of different combos this season and it's never stopped our team from winning. Let's finish strong!"

Coach posted the lineup before warmups. 

1 SS Noah Atkins

2 1B Sean Isner

3 2B Jake Atkins

4 CF Garret Knudsen

5 C Mitchell Torres

6 3B Jason Morris

7 P Kyle Atkins

8 LF Logan Porter

9 RF Korrey Alvarrez 

Bryce and Brian were both sent to the bullpen, but Coach told them to pay attention because they could still be used as pinch hitters. Meanwhile, Dave was banished to the bench, not having the slightest of chances to take the mound today. 

Kyle smirked. "Don't worry. You're not alone. I'll handle this one on my own."

"Such a ball hog." Garret snorted.

Tyler gave him a small shrug. "You lead the innings pitched stat. Go away, man."

Garret laughed and gave a small shrug. "What can I say? It's not my fault that I can stay healthy. Plus, I'm the best. Shouldn't I be the one seeing the most time?"

The pitchers cracked jokes back and forth as we finished getting dressed. We took our gear out to the dugout and eventually started warmups with Garret in the lead. 

The closer we got to game time, the more and more the stands started to fill. Until it was standing room only. Just before the anthem, I checked the stands, looking for Mom and Dad and Grampa. I frowned when I ran out of time and had to face the flag out in center field. 

Then it was time for a small pep talk before taking the field. I grabbed my glove and listened as Garret shared some more encouragement, but it really sounded like he was going to blame Kyle for any hiccups we run into. 

Kyle rolled his eyes. "You're a shitty captain. Zeke wouldn't say anything like that."

Garret shrugged. "We all have our own styles." He grinned and started to jog out to center field. 

The rest of us headed to our respective positions. 

Kyle came out strong, throwing hard and fast. Fast and hard. The first batter went down swinging. The second batter pulled an outside pitch down the line, but Jason was on it. He fielded the ball to Sean at first for the second out. The third batter fouled a couple of pitches off before ultimately missing and becoming another strikeout casualty. 

I clapped with my glove for Kyle's performance, but used my eyes to scan the people again. 

"Great job, Kyle! Keep it up!" I heard Dad's booming voice coming from the bleacher behind our dugout. 

Kyle casually waved before going back inside the dugout. Hardly paying any attention to the compliments he received. 

Near Dad was a lot of familiar faces. I couldn't resist waving when I saw that Jeremy and Rose were near them. And then I grinned when I saw Zeke behind them with Grampa. Everyone was here. 

Noah slapped my back to push me along. "Yes, yes, they're here. Come on. We're up."

I blinked. "Aren't you happy to see them?"

"Of course." He grinned as we walked to our bags. "I can't wait to get back out there and show them what I can do at the plate." He slapped my back again and started to switch his gear. 

I did too. 

Noah and Sean left the dugout first. I was in the hole with Garret right behind me. 

The pitcher on the mound wasn't the same one as last time which was a little bit of relief. At least, just a smidge. I pointed it out to Garret and he simply shrugged. 

"Could be better or could be worse." He said. "You don't really know until he starts working."

The pitcher's first pitch was sent back right up the middle, becoming the first hit of the game. From Noah. 

I smiled at Garret. 

He laughed and patted me on the helmet. "Still too soon. Besides, if he's bad, would you really see any action?"

Hmm. Good point. I left the dugout for the on deck circle. 

Sean swung and missed the first pitch for strike one. Pitch two went wide. Pitch three inside for ball two. Pitch four was also inside, but only a little bit and Sean connected, hitting it between the shortstop and third baseman. 

The shortstop made a diving stop. He checked second but saw Noah too close so decided to throw to first for the guaranteed out. Sean came back and it was my name announced as I walked to home plate. 

"Come on, Jake!"

"You've got this!"

"Bring him home!"

"Jake! Jake! Jake!"

A chant started and I resisted the urge to cringe. It's okay if they want to show their support. Even if I mess up, they'll cheer for me again. I took a deep breath and slowly let it out as I stepped in the batter's box. 

The catcher didn't say a word to the umpire and my fear of being intentionally walked was fading. I felt even more confident when the first pitch fell in for a called strike. That dampened the chant a little bit too. 

Mr. Miller gave me the sign to swing freely and I did so on the next pitch, pulling it down the left field line. I ditched the bat and started to sprint. I knew it wouldn't make it over. Wasn't perfect, but it'll get the job done of getting Noah home for the first run of the game. 1-0. I made it to second base without a slide as the ball was returned to the infield. 

"That's our boy!"

I specifically heard Mom and looked to them in the bleachers. I smiled and resisted the urge to wave again as the whole family stood and clapped. 

Noah didn't wave before but took this opportunity to do so as he headed back in the dugout. 

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