Top of the fifth. Noah got an answered prayer right away, fielding a fast grounder from the cleanup hitter for the second time this game. He practically beamed after the out was called and slapped his glove. I think everyone could hear his thoughts: come to me again. Garret struck out the fifth batter, mixing in his new slider with the old cutter. The sixth batter made contact on his first pitch fastball, hitting a long fly ball to right. I held my breath until Jesse made the catch and threw the ball in before jogging it in.
What a relief. The perfect game was still in play. Two more innings to go.
"Think they'll pitch to you again?" Noah asked as we reached our bags.
I started to get ready since I would lead off this inning. "Maybe. They don't seem to be intentionally avoiding me." I shrugged. "They're already down by six. Why avoid me now with bases empty?"
"Good analysis." Noah smiled and nodded.
