Ryan let us go for the night and some of the guys gathered in smaller groups. I turned tail and headed back for my room I shared with Noah. A part of me wanted to show these guys I was friendly and worthy, but the idea was nixed when I heard them talking about me. It was just too awkward.

Back in the room, Noah didn't come back until I was done with my shower and already getting in bed.

He looked surprised for a second, but then laughed. "Let me guess, you came back to the room instead of hanging with your teammates?"

I have a weak shrug. "I didn't know them."

"That's okay. It's just casual conversation anyways." Noah threw his bag down. "Where's the snacks?"

I pointed where I had set it after taking it out of my bag.Noah grabbed a bag of pretzels and sat down on the bed to eat. "You'll have to try to be more outgoing when the final roster is settled though."

I sighed and pulled my blanket up higher.

"I'm serious, Jake. We might not be on the same team, even if we both make it, remember? Stars and Stripes." Noah laughed to himself. "I know they said there's not an A-team and B-team, but it'll be kind of obvious when we see which roster you're on."

"He could try to even out the teams." I pointed out. "It's not like they get anything for winning."

"That's true. The whole point is to get noticed for the National Team identification camp." Noah said. "I'm sure there's still like some kind of medal game so not completely pointless." He grinned. "I wouldn't mind coming home with a gold medal and showing it off to the guys."

I grinned too. "It would be kind of cool to show off something like that." I could see it now. Dave would be excited. Kyle would be jealous. Zeke would be proud. Jeremy would be happy for me. It would be great.

I glanced into the stands, happy to see Mom and Dave came before Zeke's game. Dad must be at Noah's field. I lifted a hand to wave before going back into the dugout.lightsnovel

"Good work, Cody." Ryan was patting him on the shoulder. "Give us another inning or two like that before leaving." He smiled.

"Okay." Cody nodded and headed for the bench.

Ryan made eye contact with me next. "Get ready, Jake. Don't hold back at the plate."

I nodded too and went to my bag to switch out my gear. I wasn't guaranteed an at bat this first inning, but I would definitely make it to the on deck circle. I slowly got my batting gloves on as the first batter went up. He made solid contact, but the third baseman snatched that line drive out of the air with some lightning fast reflexes. I have to be careful of him.

lightsnοvεl I pushed my helmet down on my head and picked up my bat. On my way out, I was passing Cody. I kind of expected him to say something, but besides a mere head nod, I easily passed by. I guess I'm still thinking he would be more like Danny, when it's been proven that he's not. He didn't even eat in the cafeteria yesterday. It didn't seem like he was shy like me, especially when he confronted me after our last game, thinking he was tipping his pitches.

The second batter up hit a single to center, which moved me out to the on deck circle. My practice swings were light as most of my attention was at the plate. I was hoping the third batter wouldn't hit into a double play. That's it. Then I would get my chance.

Ball. Swinging strike. Foul. Foul. Ball. Pop out to short.

I sighed with relief and felt a smile tugging on my lips as I walked up to the plate.magic

"Go get him, Jake!" Dave clapped his hands twice. "You've got this!"

I didn't look back at him, but nodded. I stepped in the righty's box and pulled my bat back, ready. I didn't particularly remember this pitcher from yesterday, but from what I've seen so far, he didn't amount to much.

He nodded at the catcher's sign and straightened up. Checked over his shoulder at the runner on first, then started his motion.

Fastball. Too easy. I took a step and started my swing. On contact, I pulled the ball to left field and ditched my bat to run to first. By the time I rounded first, the guy playing umpire for the infield was waving his finger around. Home run.