I was now feeling what Noah was feeling last inning. If Julian gets out here and now, I won't be able to bat until the fourth inning. With being unable to take practice swings, I squatted in the on deck circle and watched Julian's at-bat with all seriousness. Mr. Miller gave him the 'go-ahead' sign to swing as he pleased. There wasn't anyone on base to work with or anything.
Julian looked please with being on his own. Being in a good mood also helped with his at-bat, enabling him to focus just on the ball coming out of the pitcher's hands. Zeke said this pitcher was able to persevere and had the endurance; he really needed it against Julian. Julian had a long at-bat, fouling off more than a few pitches. He let the balls out of the zone to pass, not chasing any, and not willing to strike out. On the eleventh pitch, he blasted one down the left field line, but pulled it too much, and could only watch it go foul of the outfield pole.
"C'mon Jules!"
