Game Two: Durham Preparatory (10)

As I left the dugout, I noticed the pitcher change immediately. He wasn't very tall, but his speed was impressively hanging around the low 80s just for a warmup.

"He doesn't have any breaking pitches." Zeke said from behind me, also ready for his at bat. "He could possibly reach 90mph, but it depends on his condition. I want you to get hit off the first pitch, if you can."

I nodded. "As long as it's in the strike zone, I can do it."

Zeke patted my shoulder. "Good. I'm counting on you."

I was stunned. As the umpire called for me to step up to the plate, I moved mechanically since Zeke's words were still sinking in. He's counting on me? Counting on me. On me.