"I'm glad you boys are still in the mood to laugh." Coach addressed everyone in the dugout. "If you don't mind, we need to get our bats out there."
"I'm coming, Coach, I'm coming!" Mitchell was at the end, trying to get his catcher's gear off. He tried to jog out in a hurry, but Coach stopped him. "Coach?"
"Take it easy. I don't mean you have to physically tire yourself out before getting to the plate." Coach looked around. "Their pitcher has a good breaking ball. We all can see it. Best curveball I've seen at this level. I'm not asking everyone to get a hit, but I would like to see the ball put into play. Don't get caught looking. But don't try to chase." He looked at Mitchell. "I don't care if you have to try to bunt. Make that pitcher work. No free passes."
"Yes, sir!" Mitchell nodded. He left the dugout, head held high.
Kyle trailed behind him at a more leisurely pace. He was on deck and Tanner was in the hole.
