The Hitting Zone
chapter-1038

Marshel started with the seventh batter. He worked the count to full before hitting a fly ball to center field. Garret sprinted back at an angle, got underneath, and made the catch for the first out. Five outs away. If he can go three up, three down for what's left, we won't have to see the cleanup hitter. Just as I thought that, Marshel started to miss his mark again, walking the eighth batter. We could still turn a double play though.

The ninth batter was replaced with another pinch hitter. I couldn't even keep track anymore how many there have been. This guy connected on the first strike Marshel has thrown since the fly out. It was a line drive headed for center. Garret came sprinting in at the ball and had to dive for it. He wasted no time getting back to his feet and throwing the ball back in to ensure the runner stayed at first. Two outs.

Back to the top of the order. The guy has made contact all three times. Fly out to right. Line out to left. And already had a double against Marshel. He did it again, but this time with a runner on. A runner who was fast and had a good jump of the bag. He scored to make it 10-6. The leadoff batter clapped at second base excitedly, trying to get his team amped up.

Marshel got a new baseball and angrily toed the rubber. I glanced Noah's way to see what the game plan would be. He looked on calmly like it wasn't a big deal. And maybe it wasn't. It was only a run and we still have a good lead.

The second batter in the lineup pulled a high fly in short left field. Noah ran back, called for it, and successfully made the catch to end the inning. I left out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I really wish I had Noah's confidence when it came to moments like this.

I told Noah that on our way back to the dugout and he laughed outright. "That's not really confidence. It's wishful thinking. Optimism." He glanced around before lowering his voice. "I have confidence in one person only. Myself."

I frowned. "Not the twins? Or even Garret?"

"Pshhh." Noah scoffed. "Heck no. You can't rely on pitchers. You can only rely on yourself to make the plays around you and get the job done."

My lips twitched. "That doesn't sound very captain-like."

"Zeke's the same way. I'm positive." Noah grinned and went back to normal. "Besides. I only told you. Who else will know that I'm not acting like a captain?"

Good point.

Top of the seventh went quick besides another pitcher change. Our bottom of the order went three up, three down. Korrey struck out, going 0-4 for the day. Oscar matched his 0-4, but with all strikeouts earning a golden sombrero. Thankfully there was no school tomorrow so no one should give him a hard time on Monday. After those two outs, Coach let Marshel go out to hit, meaning he would finish the game. Marshel actually made contact this time, but it was routine fly ball to center.

One more inning to go. Three outs.

"The twins and Garret should pitch next week." Noah told me as we went out to our positions.

I nodded. I'm biased and preferred them the most. The games went smoother defensively and they're also shorter time-wise. Less time to be worried and stress. This game had mentally drained me since my error in the second inning. The old me would have crumbled by anxiety by now. Maybe sooner.

Marshel started with the third batter in the lineup. It was a single to left field. Cleanup next. Marshel was out of sorts, walking him on four straight balls. Runners on first and second. Noah called 'time' and waved everyone in towards the mound.

"What do you want?" Marshel frowned.

Noah looked Oscar. "You know you can call 'time' yourself and approach the mound, right?"

I wasn't the only one confused. Sean and Jason looked to Oscar.

"I didn't think it was a concern yet." Oscar spoke up, taking off his mask.

"Two on. No outs. And it's not a concern?" Noah slowly nodded. "Okay then. Let's break it up." He went back to his position first.

I didn't need to be told twice. I hurried back to my position. I didn't know what Noah's plan was by hosting that twenty second meeting but I was always going to be on his side versus anyone else. Sean and Jason also went back to their positions. Oscar shared a sentence or two with Marshel before heading back to home plate and putting his mask on.

Batter number five took Marshel's first fastball deep for an RBI single. The runner on first also made it to third despite a good throw from Bryce. 10-7.

Oscar got up and said something to the ump before heading for the mound. I looked to Noah and he was also moving in. A second meeting so soon? Okay. Jason, Sean, and me also joined once more.

"Now what?" Marshel grumbled under his breath.

"Now you shut up and listen." Noah looked to Oscar. "Anything you want to say?"

Oscar glanced to our dugout. "Shouldn't Coach come out?"

"You want me off the mound?" Marshel was immediately offended.

Noah covered his mouth with his glove. "Shut up, man. Oscar, you don't get to decide pitching changes. Just pitch selections. And honestly, it's looking pretty iffy for you dude."

Oscar looked surprised. The most expressive I've seen him all game. "It's not my fault his control isn't there today. Wouldn't it be better to bring someone fresh in?"

"No doubt." Noah agreed. "But Coach is clearly set on testing us. And by us, I mostly mean you two. And you two are failing. Look at what you're doing. With two on, no outs, you didn't come here to set Marshel's head on straight. Now the tying run is at the plate. We have to be aggressive here. Take control." He looked at Marshel. "You better get a better grip on the ball or you're stat line is going to be pretty damn ugly today."

Marshel frowned. "I know."

"See? That's the stuff you have to say to him." Noah said. "Mound meetings are good to break up the other team's rhythm and momentum. Gives our guy a break too. Give a pep talk."

"That wasn't a pep talk." Oscar pointed out.

Sean laughed. "I think you're the one getting the pep talk, kid."

Oscar looked thoughtful, but the umpire broke up the meeting, saying we were taking too long. We all had to go back to our positions and get reset. Marshel did look a little better with that small bit of a break. He got the next guy to strike out. The following batter hit a grounder down the third baseline. Jason had a good approach on it, scooping it up and throwing to me at second base. I stepped off the bag and threw to first to complete the double play and end the game.

My shoulders dropped with relief. I really started to sweat after Noah pointed out that the tying run was at the plate. It probably stems from the distrust I have in Marshel. But he really did pull through after Noah's comments. So maybe he realized some importance too along with Oscar.

We all started to high five on the infield grass as the outfielders jogged it in and the bench and bullpen joined us.

"I've got to say, I really started to worry." Garret commented. "You should have called me in to close, Coach."

"It was a good learning opportunity." Coach gave a small smile. "Trust me, if it got within a run, you'd be out there to settle it."

Garret straightened up with pride, feeling good that Coach would have trusted him in such a close game.

"I don't understand why you guys had back-to-back mound visits?" Bryce brought up.

I looked around, but no one was saying anything. Almost like it was planned, a lot of eyes went to Noah. Noah looked to Coach, who nodded. Noah looked around before answering. "First time around, nothing was said. Just a test run. Second time around, I told Marshel to get his shit together."

Quite a few of the guys laughed. Marshel turned red, either from embarrassment or anger. I didn't know.

"No, but seriously?" Bryce was surprised.

"Yep." Noah nodded. "I also told Oscar that it's his job to disrupt the flow of the game."

"I don't think I'm ready to make the calls for a game." Oscar added, bringing down the atmosphere for a second.

Coach nodded. "You ran into a few hiccups. It's okay. It's a learning experience for everyone." His eyes narrowed. "I can help with calling games. What I can't do is bat for you. I don't want your plate appearance to be an out every time, understand?"

"Yes, sir." Oscar answered smoothly.

My eyes shifted to Korrey, who looked uncomfortable. But Coach didn't say anything directly to him.