章 504: CIF Finals: West Valley Prep (8)

It was the top of the seventh inning. If we don't make something happen here, it really will be game over. 

I took my practice swings seriously, trying to focus on keeping speed with the pitcher on the mound. It's been some time since I had to concentrate this hard on batting right. Good thing I still practiced every time we were at The Cages. 

I paused to watch Noah's at-bat, hoping he would get on base. He swung and missed on the first two pitches, unable to keep up with the fastball. The pitcher threw a curve, breaking away from Noah's swing, but the edge of his bat made contact. The ball dribbled down the first baseline as Noah took off sprinting. The first baseman scooped the slow grounder up and tagged the base before Noah could get there. 

The West Valley fans got loud as they were one out closer to being crowned the champions.