Unfortunately in the next at bat Viktor connected with the pitch cleanly, but the ball headed straight into the glove of the left fielder, ending the inning with a sharp line-out.
Linus, who had been mentally preparing to bat next, felt a slight pang of disappointment but quickly brushed it off. It was early in the game, and their team still held the lead. He put his bat back on the rack, grabbed his glove, and joined the rest of the team as they jogged onto the field to defend in the top of the second inning.
After a brief warm-up, Filip gave a nod to Johannes, the catcher, signaling he was ready. Linus settled into his spot at shortstop, mentally focused and prepared.
The Spartans' fourth batter, a lefty, stepped into the box, sizing up Filip. In a 0-1 count, Filip threw a fastball on the outer edge of the plate, and the batter took a big swing, making clean contact.