Jesse started his walk up to the plate. This was his first appearance this tournament. I could hear his name from the stands and wondered if his family was here.
Mr. Miller gave the sign for him to swing freely. Garret and I had to run on contact no matter what. Jesse acknowledged and started his at bat. Two balls went wide before a called strike landed in the zone. On a 2-1 count, Jesse connected and popped the ball over my head.
I didn't dare look behind me and just sprinted for home. Tanner, who was on deck, picked up Jesse's bat and yelled, "No slide, Jake!"
I tagged home for the first run of the game. Then I turned around to see the play. The left fielder had come all the way in to get the ball and threw it in. Mr. Miller held Garret at third despite him being pretty fast.
I jogged back to the dugout and high-fived everyone on my way back to my bag.
