Ding.
I was caught flat-footed and didn't react in time for a ball going over my head. Luckily Noah had my back. And that the ball was more of a flare. Noah slid in the grass to make the catch before it hit the grass.
"Out." The umpire confirmed.
Noah threw the ball to me and got up. I hesitated to turn around to throw it back to Joey. I was afraid he would be mad that I zoned out on the very first batter.
Noah jogged to me. "Yo, you blinked?"
I frowned, not understanding.
Noah winked at me. "You must have blinked when the bat made contact with the ball. Don't worry, it happens." He took the ball out of my glove and threw it to Joey on the mound. "One out!"
"One out!" I heard Jason and Jesse echo.
Noah paused as he looked me in the eyes. "You good, Jake?"
I pursed my lips. "Dad and Jeremy aren't in the stands."
