The Hitting Zone

Mom was very proud and happy how the interview went, even going so far as giving Noah some extra cash for more snacks. Dave and I weren’t left out either. But I think we all knew it took a lot of willpower for Noah not to take over and bash on how he threw as fast as Dave. At least one time.

What we didn’t expect was getting some texts from friends and teammates, saying they saw us on tv.

Kyle was more straight to the point, asking in our group chat, who had thrown the fastest. Noah was quick to reply with a ’94, tie’ text. Which Dave followed up that Noah had a running start.

The speed of throws only died down when Stanford’s offense started to heat up. It started with Zeke and Brad followed, driving him in. The two kept things afloat especially when Stanford started to give up some runs in return. It went back and forth until the end, with Stanford holding on 8-6. Game one has officially been won.

After the game and exiting the stadium, Noah delved deeper into the College World Series layout. Tonight, game two of the first bracket that Stanford was in, would be played. Mississippi State versus Washington. Then tomorrow, bracket two would start playing. Arkansas versus Texas. And Florida versus Texas Tech. The winners in each bracket would play each as would the losers. Then the loser of that game will play the winner of the losers before. So like a bracket within a bracket?

I held my head, still confused.

Noah put his hand on my head. "Double elimination. Lose twice and you go home. Don’t worry, Zeke’s team won’t lose."

"I’m more concerned with how long this is going to take." Dave frowned. "These games are all spaced out, no real set schedule. I think I didn’t bring enough clothes. Especially if I do any workouts and runs."

"The hotel has a laundry room." Mom said while typing away on her phone. "There’s other important amenities like a business room with a fax and printer. A pool with a jacuzzi." She put her phone down to look at Dave. "I’m more concerned how you and Jake will fare with your online class."

"Mom, we know algebra. College algebra is just an extension of what we learned in high school." Dave wasn’t worried at all. "The teacher posts the lessons online and due dates are spread so far apart. Like only twice a week. We won’t even be here for any of the tests."

"How do you take a test for an online class?" Noah asked, interested.

Dave shrugged. "Guess it’ll have to be multiple choice. Maybe some kind of timer?"

"A timer would be so unfair." Noah said. "Like what if you’re not that good at math and need more time?"

"I don’t know, man. I’m just guessing." Dave looked to me. "We can probably knock out a couple of lessons this week, no problem. Especially the early stuff. Gonna be easy peasy."

I nodded. I thought so too. Your journey continues on NovelBin.Côm

Mom and Dad decided that they would let us go to all the games happening this week, while they and Grampa only went when Zeke’s school was playing. Grampa couldn’t handle the constant walking around and nor did he want to. He was content with watching the highlights on tv and was only concerned about getting to see Zeke play. Mom and Dad probably wouldn’t have minded seeing more baseball, but work was waiting for them. Especially with all the time off they’ve been taking and now they would even be gone for an undetermined amount of time.

So for game two Saturday night, it was just Dave, Noah, and I. We watched a close one that I thought was rather boring, but Dave was all about it. Both pitchers had brought their best out and it was a pitcher duel until the end. Mississippi State beat Washington 1-0. Meaning that they would get to play Stanford. Washington would play the other loser of the day, University of North Carolina.

Sunday was just us three again, watching the beginning of the other bracket. Third game of the tournament and Arkansas was out-hitting Texas, beating them down 11-5. We all had a feeling that Arkansas was the best team we had seen so far at the plate.

Zeke thought so too. He showed up before game four after having a bp session with his teammates as we were just walking around and killing time. He watched highlights on his phone and pointed out the good plays made on both offense and defense.

"Defense couldn’t have been that great if they gave up five runs." Noah crossed his arms over his chest. "I’d be way more afraid of their bats. Good thing you guys wouldn’t see them until the very end."

"Is that a good thing?" Dave asked skeptically. "Pitchers will probably be drained, if not on mandated rest."

"One game at a time." Zeke said. "Tuesday, we play Mississippi State and already know that Rhys is getting the start."

Dave grinned. "One game at a time, huh? Then why put out Rhys? To make sure he’s ready in case you guys make it all the way to the finals, right?"

"Rhys gives us the best chance at winning." Zeke didn’t confirm or deny.

Noah grinned and started to bounce. "Tuesday’s gonna be a good one. I can’t wait."

"Neither can I." Zeke showed a rare big smile. He stayed with us for game four. Florida lost to Texas Tech 3-6. Zeke occasionally shared his insights and Dave would talk about the pitching that either impressed or disappointed him.

He was staying at a different hotel with his team so he left us right after the game, having to catch a ride with one of the assistant coaches who was in charge of a rental van. We went back to our hotel too, telling Grampa about the time he had missed and what the brackets were looking like.

He pointed at the tv. "You guys know I can keep up just fine, right? I don’t have Alzheimer’s."

"You never know." Dave shrugged. He pulled out his phone. "Kyle’s rookie team starts playing games tomorrow. He hasn’t said anything pitching in a game this week yet."

"He’s probably busy being a little adult." Grampa said. "Leave him be."

"Yea, right." Dave looked to me. "There’s only one game tomorrow and it’s in the late afternoon. Want to do some math lessons before lunch or after?"

"If I say before, does that mean we have to wake up early?" I asked. It was already getting late and I knew I would be sluggish to rush tomorrow.

Dave reached out and push my ball cap down over my eyes. "Okay, let’s do a lesson or two after lunch. In the morning, I’ll see if Noah wants to do a run and workout in the hotel gym."

Noah was still in Mom and Dad’s room, telling them about the day we had as they had stayed back in the hotel room. When he did finally come back, he definitely agreed to Dave’s proposal of a morning workout.

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