Top of the seventh. Marshel had a small advantage of starting with the eighth batter in the lineup. He did a short walk around mound, then kicked the rubber before getting set. The batter was ready and Mitch gave Marshel the sign. The first pitch came...and went wide. So wide that Mitch had to reach for it off balance. He got up before throwing it back to Marshel.
"At least it was fast..." Dave mumbled under his breath.
"I'll reserve my judgement a few more pitches in." Kyle said, sounding disdainful of Dave's comment.
The second pitch was high, making Mitch pop up out of his crouch. 2-0 count. Mitch threw the ball back and waved his hands, motioning for Marshel to settle. "Good speed."
Marshel did another small walk around before getting set again. His third pitch stayed in the zone, but the batter had an easy read on it, hitting it to the short outfield for a single.
"Oh man." Kyle sighed.