"No batting gloves?" Mitchell asked as I got closer to home plate.
"I like it better without them." I fixed my grip, getting in the lefty's box.
"You're going to try to chase his breaking balls?" Mitchell squatted into position.
"I have a good reach." I got my feet set and pulled my bat back, eyes on Garret.
Garret nodded at Mitchell's sign and got set. He started his motion. As soon as that ball left his fingertips, I was swinging. It was a straightforward fastball right down the middle. I sent it right back, dead center field.
"Really??" Noah laughed. "One pitch, one hit. Is that how you wanted to challenge Jake?"
"I was just showing you the difference between you and him." Garret quipped. "You struck out on the very same pitch that he could hit a line drive to center."
Mitchell threw Garret a new ball. "Okay, okay. No arguing with the peanut gallery. Get your head on straight."
