The Hitting Zone

Coach followed through on his word and made Friday's practice light. It was more of a walk through and he even tried us at different positions. To say outfield isn't the place for me is an understatement. There's just too much ground to cover and I was clumsy and my anxiety would always skyrocket when the ball was high in the air.

Noah, on the other hand, was just a mini Zeke, making diving grabs look easy. He also had a strong enough arm to throw to the pitcher's mound. Before I let myself get drowned by the raging jealousy I felt, I reminded myself that we all have a skill that we excell in. Mine was batting...and Noah's was everything else.

On Saturday, the team traveled to Modoc High School, over an hour away. Coach told us the lineup before warm ups...and he definitely changed things up. I was set to be on the bench. Along with Zeke, the twins, Garret, and the injured Kelvin.

Sean would get to play second in my stead, while the whole outfield was switched up with the absence of Garret and Zeke. Mahki, as the most experienced player, was moved to center field. Tanner was in right field, and Coach had placed Bryce in left field since he had the stronger arm.

Theo was named the starting pitcher, but Coach was quick to let us know that he would be using multiple pitchers today.

"I want to keep Garret and the twins fresh for next week. Quincy on Monday. Liberty Christian High on Tuesday. Golden West on Thursday." Coach said. "And with Servite waiting the following Monday, we have to tread carefully. No mistakes." He looked at the players that would get to start today. "I don't want you taking it easy just because it's not a league game. The race for first is still tight, and if it's tied in the end, the overall record will play a big factor in who gets to go to CIF."

Everyone nodded.

Coach wasn't switching up the lineup to 'fool around' but to give everyone a chance to get some real practice in before our last three league games. Especially because they were three good teams. We had only beaten Quincy and Servite by one. Golden West was a loss.

I thought it would be lonely being in the dugout alone when Noah was out on the field, but the twins kept me company. They played as commentators for the games and made funny comments as Coach changed pitchers throughout the game.

Our team ended up blowing them away 10-0 in five innings to complete the called game. Coach was only abled to use Theo, Troy, Tyler, and Matt on the mound.

"The three T's!" Dave laughed after Tyler was put in, but it was ruined the following inning after Matt was put in.

"It would have been better if Matt's name was Wyatt or something with a W." Kyle said after Matt was put in. "Then we could have said that it takes three T's to get the W."

Dave laughed, but I didn't get it.

"To get the W, is also to get the win." Garret had to clarify.

I nodded slowly, still not finding it funny. The twins were like that all game though so it kept me entertained.

After the game, we loaded up the bus and headed back to school. Coach used this time to talk a little more about the upcoming week.

"That was the kind of game I want to see more often." He told us. "You all played well. Especially the sophomores. You guys proved to me that you have been polishing your skills regardless of games played in." During the game, Coach had put Brian in at first base for Julian and then later on out Mitchell behind the plate for Alex. No one had any errors even with everyone switching positions.

"Monday is Quincy." Coach continued. "We'll start with Dave on the mound, but Kyle and Garret also might make an appearance." He looked for the three juniors. "So no messing around tomorrow. Throw a little to stay relaxed, but I don't want to hear that you threw your arm out just 24 hours before game time. Understand?"

"Yes!" They answered.

"We have no problem scoring five runs off Quincy so I'm not too worried about our offense. It'll be up to you boys to shut them down." Coach spoke a little longer until we reached school again.

Everyone went their own way and I followed the Atkins home.

"Should we have a movie night after dinner?" Mrs. Atkins asked when she saw that all of us had showered and come downstairs. No one was in the mood to spend their Saturday on homework.

"Can we go out for dinner?" Noah asked.

Mrs. Atkins raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you sick of my cooking already?"

Noah shook his head vehemently. "No, no, I love it!" He grinned slyly. "But I don't want to overwork you Mom. You're always making breakfast, lunch, and most of the time dinner. Don't you want a break?"

Mrs. Atkins laughed at his antics. She then looked to the rest of us. "Well? What do you guys want to do tonight? Go to a movie?"

"How about we go to The Arcade?" Dave suggested. "We can play a round of mini golf and play some video games."

"Yes!" Noah immediately agreed. "Let's get out of the house for a little."

"We're always out of the house." Kyle countered. "School and baseball. We only come home to shower, eat, and do homework. I vote movie night." He glanced at his mom. "And you don't have to cook. We can order in pizza!"

Mrs. Atkins looked at me specifically. "Well? What do you want to do?"

"Me?" I asked, surprised. "I'm okay with whatever."

"Jake is so easygoing." Noah looked at Zeke. "Zeke's the only problem here."

Zeke glanced at him before looking at his mom. "I think Dave and Noah have too much energy. It's probably best to let them burn it off so they don't stay up late."

Mrs. Atkins laughed. "Zeke, you don't have to worry so much. You don't have to-" She stopped as her eyes looked pass us. "Wayne? What is it?"

All of us turned around to see Mr. Atkins coming out of his office. He was tall, yet right now he looked sick with how pale he was. He was gripping his cell phone in his left hand. "Mr. Duncan called."

The silence felt thick as we waited for him to continue.

"They-He-I." He stuttered, trying to find out where to start. His frown thickened. "News got out."

"What news?" Noah asked.

"He said Mr. Duncan, so it must be related to Jake." Kyle looked at me, putting all attention on me.

Except...I didn't really understand what was being said either. "News about me..?"

"Yes. No. Uh." Mr. Atkins struggled again. "Let's go sit down for a minute. In the kitchen." He led the way, not caring if we agree or not.

"This doesn't sound like good news." Dave stated, looking worried like the rest of us. He glanced down at me. "Be strong. No matter what it is."

I gave a silent nod.

The five us, plus their mom, moved to the dining room table.