Linus settled onto the bench, his glove resting beside him, as the team jogged out onto the field to start the game. Filip took the mound, his figure poised with confidence as he eyed the opposing batter. Linus's nerves simmered quietly as he watched, hoping he might get a chance to contribute today.
The first inning went by with impressive ease. Filip struck out the first batter with a tight pitch on the outside corner. Linus leaned forward, watching Filip work through each pitch like a well-practiced dance. The next batter hit a weak grounder to second, where Elias fielded it cleanly and tossed it to first for an easy out. The third batter managed a light pop-up that floated toward shallow center, where the center fielder called for it and caught it without issue.
