Batter Up

4th Inning

Are we really only going into the fourth inning? Seems like we've been playing for a long ass time.

      Carol is up to bat. And I don't totally care to watch. She is my wife's ex. Even if they're on good terms and we're also 'on good terms', it doesn't mean I have to be excited about it.

      Okay, fine. Since she's on my team, I will pay attention.

      It's a strike. Then a ball. Then another ball. Then she hits one foul- so another strike. Oh! Look at that, she's out at first.

      See how boring that was?

      I am not being petty.

      We have one out. I'm allowed to be upset by that.

      Shuri walks over to the plate looking like she's ready to smash the hell out of the softball. I hope she does.

      "Nat," a nudge on my arm makes me look at the person. I give Spencer a weird look. "You're on deck, love," she points out.

      Well, shit. See, I was distracted.

      I quickly grab my helmet and bat walking out of the dug out to do a few lazy swings as I watch Shuri tear into Clint's pitch and send it just behind Hope.

     Alright, now we're getting somewhere. And it's up to me to keep that going.

     I take a deep breath stepping into the hitters box and getting my stance right like Spencer showed me before looking up to my best friend.

     I can immediately tell he isn't as lackadaisical as last time. Guess he learned his lesson.

    Better to really make sure, right?

    Right.

    I let him get a strike, boosting his confidence. It's easy to notice the smirk he has.

     The next is high so I don't swing.

     I'm staring into his soul right now, daring him to give me a pitch. He's sweating.

     Spencer was right, it is really fun to intimidate the pitcher.

     It even earns him another ball.

     I hold up my hand, step out of the box to do a few more swings. Not that I need to. But just to mess with Clint.

     I take a glance over to the dug out and find Spencer who sends me a wink. It just fuels me.

    I'm ready for this next pitch, and Clint is dumb enough to send one dead center over the plate. It quickly reaches its destinations falling just short of Steve's reach, making it that much sweeter.

     His throw stops shuri at second and myself at first, but I'll take the hit. I even go as far as to stick my tongue out at Clint who rolls his eyes.

     Oh boy. Spencer is really rubbing off on me. Beyond the bedroom. Okay, I guess that's not unusual either, but.. you know what, never mind. I need to focus on Okoye as it's her turn to bat. Need to be ready to run if given the opportunity. 

     Unfortunately I can only take a few steps off the bag as the third pitch is hit right out to mid center, finding a spot in Alex's glove.

     Damn it. Two on, two out.

     Let's see what Tony can do.

     Clint throws a curve that Tony chases. Clint can't help but smile. 0-1.