Batter Up

1st Inning

      "We want a pitcher, not a belly itcher!"

      I can't help but laugh at my teammates as they direct their chants towards Clint who is currently trying to pitch to Peter.

      We already have T'Challa on third and Rhodes on first with two outs. There's no score yet so it would be nice if we could pull ahead early and make Steve's team really have to work for it.

      And in the name of team spirit, I join in the chant, "we want a pitcher, not a belly itcher!"

     It must be messing with Clint a little bit as he throws another ball, bringing it to 3 balls, 1 strike.

     With the next pitch, Peter swings, the ball flying out to left field and landing nicely in between Bucky playing left field and Sam playing third base.

     This effectively brings T'Challa home, giving us a lead of 1-0. The dug out and the stands erupt into cheers and shouts screaming for both T'Challa and for Peter.

     Next up to bat is Vision with Spencer on deck. She's already grabbing her helmet, kissing my cheek before putting it on, then taking her bat outside of the dugout to warm up.

     Damn does she look good as she stretches and takes a few practice swings. I get so focused on her that I totally forget about Vision being up to bat until I hear another break out of cheers and sneers.

     I look over to see the bases loaded.

     Damn.

     Bases loaded with two outs, and Spencer is up to bat. Even from here, I can feel the excitement radiating off of her.

      She was so thrilled when I told her about the game, even more so when I asked if she wanted to play. She's unfairly athletic, but she also loves the sport, so she knows a few things. She never got to play when she was younger as she didn't even attend high school, so this was an experience she's always wanted.

      Well, maybe not with the avengers, but still. This is even better.

      I watch intently as Clint winds up and throws the first strike.

     Okay, no big deal. She still has two more strikes.

     I hold my breath as the next two pitches are balls.

     Spencer holds her hand up, indicating for a break. She steps out and takes a few swings before getting back in the batters box. I am anxiously waiting.

     I'm the first to jump up as she makes contact with the next pitch, it traveling in slow motion as it heads for the back fence.

     Steve tries in vain to out run it, leaping up in hopes of catching it, but ultimately coming up with nothing as it soars over his reach.

     He hangs his head as our team burst out of the dugout and rushes to home plate in order to cheer Spencer the rest of the way to home plate.

     I love seeing the smile on her face. She's so truly happy. And not just because she hit a grand slam.

    We're quickly settled back in as Carol steps into the batters box.

     Unfortunately our roll was stepped on, Thor catching Carols pop up and effectively ending our half of the inning.

     We all start grabbing our gear to head onto the field, but still with high hopes.

     We are starting this off with a 5-0 lead.

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I'm stuck in left field but I don't mind; I have a clear rear view of Spencer as short stop and it is quite the distraction.