The Hitting Zone
chapter-96-30041322

Sean went around the umpire, and stepped into the lefty's batter box. I blinked in surprise. I didn't get to participate in batting practice ever thanks to training with Drew, so I didn't even know I had teammates that could also bat left-handed.

Sean exuded confidence, like he will get a hit. No matter what. The first pitch was a ball. Sean didn't flinch.

"Watch closely." Zeke said as he stood next to us, bat in hands and helmet already on. Apparently he had complete confidence in the guys batting before him.

I glanced at him, then quickly turned back to Sean. Zeke said to watch so I should make sure not to miss anything in case he quizzes me. Sean dug his back cleat in, looking for a solid hit, I would guess. The next pitch came and looked to be within the strike zone. Sean took a step forward, but then dropped his shoulder, shifted his hands and placed a bunt down the third baseline, then took off for first base. The third baseman was caught flat-footed and was late to react. He stumbled for the ball, and made a throw to first. Not in time. Sean was safe.

"A bunt single." Noah said in awe. He looked at Zeke. "Is that what coach wanted him to do?"

Zeke nodded. He glanced at me. "Take note. That's a good bunt. Sean bats lefty so he can be closer to first. There's not that much of a difference but it can still make a difference. Does that make sense?"

"It depends on the throw." Noah elaborated. "If that third baseman had been expecting a bunt, he probably would have fielded better. And with that, a better throw. A millisecond can make all the difference in baseball."

I nodded. Zeke was a bit vague, but Noah's explanation helped.

At the sound of a bat hitting a ball, we all whipped out heads back to the field. Sean was sprinting around second, to third. And Jason was running as well. I spotted the ball in the outfield just as the right outfielder was throwing it in. Jason slid into second, barely avoiding a tag. Everyone was clapping and cheering. I even clapped a few times as well.

Julian came up to the plate and Zeke left us to get ready to go to the on deck circle. Julian had single in the first and hopefully he could do it again. He worked the count and with a lucky call, he earned a walk.

Bases loaded for Mahki. I looked at Mr. Miller to see what he'll have him do. Mahki was a great hitter in my opinion. For today, he's 2-4 so that's a .500 batting average. If they want this called game, I'd let him start off swinging. But I didn't see Mr. Miller give him the go ahead swing sign.

I nudged Noah to get him to look.

Noah glanced at me. "What is it?"

I mimicked a swing.

"You think he should hit?" I nodded. "No outs, bases loaded, you would normally let your guy swing. But in this case, we should stick with the wait and see approach. First off, the pitcher just gave up back to back hits, then a walk. And he looks to be still pitching. He's wild right now, so a walk would be the best case scenario. Why? Because of reason number two: Zeke is up next. Mahki has some hits today, but he's also hit into a double play in each game. If we want this to be a called game then we need runs, not outs. Reason number three: it would be better if Mahki struck out, looking, because then Zeke would be up with bases loaded and one out." He took a deep breath. "Get it?"

I scrunched up my nose. I guess. I really need to start thinking of all aspects of the game. I'm nowhere near Noah's level. I glanced at Zeke in the on deck circle, taking light swings. I'm sure Zeke would have even more to say about what to do in this situation. It's amazing that he hasn't made an out yet. For the day, he's 3-3, with two homeruns, one intentional walk, four RBI's, and two runs scored. I can see why people have been saying he's the best player in the county.

Mahki stepped in the box and stayed loose. He watched the first four pitches go by and become a 2-2 count.

I clenched my fists. "Why doesn't he foul them off? That would put pressure on the pitcher and maybe force a walk."

Noah stared at me, in shock from my outburst. By the time he composed himself, Mahki struck out looking. "Uhhh. I don't think he can just randomly foul any pitch like you, Jake. You're a special case. I'd be lucky to hit the ball; it would take a miracle for someone at my level to foul as I please."

I sighed. Right, right. We all have different talents. Not everyone can be good at everything. Except for Zeke. He stepped up to the plate, looking more intense than normal.

"Zeke! Don't forget what you promised!" Noah hollered for everyone to hear. "You're only one third of the way there!"

"One fourth!" We heard Kyle yell from the bullpen.

Zeke stepped back out of the batter's box, looking annoyed.

Noah laughed. "He's probably mad that we're not focusing on the overall picture. He doesn't like to be called out like that."

Then why do it? I made a face. I wouldn't intentionally make Zeke mad for any reason. No doubt he would retaliate with laps.

Zeke got back in the box after a practice swing and stretch. He watched every pitch very carefully, making sure not to swing at obvious balls. With a 3-1 count, he sent an easy pitch, high in the air. The highest I've ever seen. It carried and carried over the left field fence once more.

Noah jumped up and down, excitedly. The whole team did. They yelled and whooped, as all the guys touched home with Zeke coming in last. As soon as Zeke stepped in the dugout, everyone jumped on him and continued on with the excitement. Noah was the loudest and most energetic.

Zeke pushed Noah's hat over his face, and let out a rare smile of pleasure. The scene made my heart twinge with an unknown feeling. But it felt unpleasant, like I was left out.