章 353: Game: @ Etna H.S. (9)

"Keep your head in the game." Zeke told me as we lined up at the dugout entrance. He stood behind me with his own helmet on. He was tugging on his batting gloves when I turned around. "The only thing on your mind right now should be getting on base."

I swallowed hard and gave a nod. Then I swirled around to have my eyes on the game. With Kyle's pop out, I might not even have an at-bat this inning if Jason and Garret don't pull through. 

The pitcher for Etna finished his warmup off the mound and the ump gave the signal for Jason to step up. The new pitcher started off strong, throwing Jason straight fastballs, blowing them right by him. He struck out swinging. Garret moved up and I stepped out of the dugout. 

I was happy to put some space between me and Zeke. I wanted to take his advice seriously, yet with him being too close, I couldn't help but get distracted. It's like someone telling you to look at the stars when the sun is right next to you.